We focus on social policy that matters.
We focus on social policy that matters. You know, the areas that were considered “cute” and “interesting” for years, but now are finally seen as critical to a well-functioning democracy. We own those.
Diversity, Accessibility, Equity, Inclusion & Respect
Folks use terms like EDI left, right, and centre nowadays; we like to walk to our own beat, so we use “DAEIR” to convey the need for a Diverse, Accessible, Equitable, Inclusive, and Respectful workplace and world. We see DAEIR as an essential part of addressing individual and systemic barriers and ensuring an anti-racist approach.
Naturally, ParriagGroup prioritizes diverse experts for DAEIR work – of course we do! Because we get that everyone’s unique lived experience and perspective builds our own collective expertise. We listen deeply. We create safety. We honour our truths. We all have something to learn from one another; folks working with us can share freely and this arrangement benefits us all. Nobody can be an expert on everything, ourselves included, so we learn, we grow, we accept criticism, and we never stop striving to do better.
Accessibility is not just an afterthought. People with disabilities are still being left out of the conversation. By using DAEIR, we ensure that people with disabilities are not only invited into the conversation but are invited in first.
ParriagGroup encourages our team to take the time to learn. This can look like taking courses, going to conferences, attending workshops, and having thoughtful conversations with each other so we can constantly be bringing new knowledge and perspectives into our work. We check our ego at the door. That’s what DAEIR is about.
Anti-oppression Commitment
ParriagGroup commits to anti-oppressive practices by shifting power to those with whom we work on different projects, whose power is not recognized or given space to flourish. We also strategically utilise our diverse team members to play to their strengths and strive to create a work environment where employees feel safe to voice their views and share their knowledge. We believe everyone must be able to be powerful and feel valued if our world is to move forward in a good way. Our anti-oppressive practice is grounded in the following commitments:
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Understanding oppression: We work constantly, through deep listening and self-reflection, to understand how systems of oppression impact our clients and us.
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Examining privilege: We examine the privileges we have as an organization and use them to shift power to oppressed groups whenever we can.
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Amplifying voices: We listen to, amplify, and incorporate the voices of underrepresented peoples and communities in our work. The perspectives of project participants deserve to be represented as authentically as possible.
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Reducing barriers: We reduce barriers to participation that stem from systems of structural violence, recognizing that solutions are not one-size-fits-all.
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Cultivating inclusion: We host inclusive spaces so that people can bring their whole authentic selves. It is important to us that project participants feel secure throughout the process. In this regard, we try our best to pair employees and participants with similar backgrounds to foster assurance and reduce feelings of vulnerability.
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Providing care: We recognize that clients and employees deserve to feel valued and vow to extend care and empathy throughout our work.
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Developing diversity: We actively work to increase the diversity of our team through fair hiring practices, providing opportunities to those who face systemic barriers, and recognizing that a mosaic of diverse expertise is a stronger approach that results in success.
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Accepting criticism: We strive to provide an open space for employees and clients to voice their concerns without fear of retribution, and to use their observations to make positive changes together.
We understand deeply that anti-oppressive practice will take our lifetime. That makes this a living document, that will be revised as our understanding of anti-oppression grows.
Anti-racist Approach
The ParriagGroup Team commits to centring racial justice and community well-being in our work. We also understand the unconscious and unintentional ways that racism can often present itself. We challenge these ways firmly and compassionately.
We recognize and see that some members of our team are on their own journeys of unlearning internalized racism. We provide safety and support for each other every step of the way.