NEWS RELEASE
COUNTY OF SIMCOE
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With #ITSTARTS Month once again being recognized throughout March 2025, the Simcoe County Local Immigration Partnership is setting the stage for awareness through diversity ambassador training sessions throughout our region.
Community members, organizations, business leaders, and residents across the region are invited to participate in these education sessions — offered both virtually and in person — designed to equip participants to lead and champion diversity awareness in their workplaces and communities.
The program features two distinct learning tracks, co-facilitated by the Simcoe County Local Immigration Partnership and the Simcoe County District School Board: foundational Diversity Ambassador Training 1.0 and advanced Equity 2.0 sessions for those with existing DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility) experience.
Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Diversity Ambassador Training 1.0 (introductory) virtual training sessions:
- Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025; 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Friday, Jan. 10, 2025; 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025; 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025; 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025; 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Equity 2.0 sessions:
Virtual:
In-person:
- Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025; 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Midhurst, Ont. Session is fully booked. Spaces are still available in the virtual Equity 2.0 session.
Participants will gain exclusive insights into the upcoming #ITSTARTS social media campaign, a powerful March initiative dedicated to celebrating multiculturalism and combating racism and discrimination. Join the movement by creating and sharing your own #ITSTARTS card, posting impactful content, or sharing photos and videos across social platforms. Connect with us by using #ITSTARTS and tagging @simcoecounty (X/Twitter) and @CountyofSimcoe (Facebook and Instagram).
Now in its ninth year, this initiative is supported through collaborative efforts by the Local Immigration Partnership including the Barrie Chamber of Commerce, Barrie Persian Association, Barrie Police Service, Barrie Public Library, Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library, Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County, Catulpa Community Services, City of Barrie, CLASS, College Boreal, Collingwood Public Library, E3 Community Services, Ethnic Mosaic Alliance, Georgian College, Lakehead University, Making Change SC, Ontario Provincial Police, Simcoe County District School Board, Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, South Simcoe police, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, Georgian Bay General Hospital, Innisfil ideaLAB & Library, New Tecumseth Public Library, Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, CONTACT Community Services, County of Simcoe economic development office, Simcoe County Turkish Association, New Path Youth and Family Services, Hospice Simcoe, Midland Public Library, the Child, Youth and Family Coalition of Simcoe County, and Empower Simcoe.
Take action today by downloading multilingual #ITSTARTS cards at simcoe.ca/itstarts. The website offers comprehensive resources and practical guidance for taking meaningful action against racism and discrimination. Follow our journey throughout March on the county's website and social media channels, where we’ll showcase inspiring stories of change and community unity.
Together, we’re building a more inclusive Simcoe County — one conversation at a time.
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