Virtual ERG Leader Development Program
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
FLOURISH is an eight-week virtual program that will develop the skills required for 2SLGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group (ERG)* leaders to be effective and successful in their roles. Those who lead 2SLGBTQIA+ ERGs have an enormous opportunity to create change for Two-Spirit, queer and trans employees. They also face very specific challenges in Canadian workplaces. While session content will touch on the mechanics of ERGs, the primary focus of FLOURISH will be developing individual competency in four areas:
- Domestic and international 2SLGBTQIA+ economic issues
- Building business cases and generating buy-in for 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion
- Principles of governance and volunteer management
- Providing peer support to 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their allies
Through live Zoom sessions, virtual learning modules and self-directed work, our FLOURISH program will collectively unlock their potential as ERG leaders.
“This is not ERG 101, folks. There are lots of great general resources about what an effective ERG looks like. With this program, we’re taking aim at the courageous and committed people who want to lead their company’s 2SLGBTQIA+ ERG with authenticity and intention. When our leaders succeed, our ERGs succeed.”
Colin Druhan, Executive Director, Pride at Work Canada
* Please note we use Employee Resource Group as a catch all term which is inclusive of Business Resource Groups, Affinity Networks, and other similar employee led groups focused on equity-deserving groups.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
To support a positive learning environment and peer-to-peer learning, the cohorts of FLOURISH are limited and happen in the fall. The application process is from August to September, and the program runs from October to December. Those selected for the cohort will pay a participation fee, due upon acceptance (to be announced with the new cohort information).
Interested in our next cohort? Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on our social media channels, or fill out this form to receive direct communication from our team.
Questions about FLOURISH can be directed to Jade Pichette (they/them), Director of Programs, at jade.pichette@prideatwork.ca.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
The primary goal of FLOURISH is to develop the specific skills required of 2SLGBTQIA+ ERG leaders to succeed. Those who will receive the most benefit from attending will fit the following profile:
- Employed by a medium-to-large organization in Canada;
- Currently leading a 2SLGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group;
- 2SLGBTQIA+ person leading an Employee Resource Group for any equity-deserving group; or
- A member of a 2SLGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group, with leadership aspirations
Please note that FLOURISH is NOT a program about how to start or build an ERG.
SUPPORTERS
Lead Supporter
FLOURISH and other programs are offered with our Proud Partners’ support. Reach out to Hanna Haddad (he/him), Business Development Coordinator, at hanna.haddad@prideatwork.ca and discover our sponsorship packages and opportunities.
TESTIMONIALS
“I’m so appreciative for Pride at Work Canada’s FLOURISH program. It was so valuable to hear from the session speakers and connect with queer and trans professionals from across Canada. I can’t express how grateful I am for the small group discussions: I formed genuine connections with my group members and our discussions were open, honest, and energizing. I came out of the FLOURISH program excited to bring my learnings back to my ERG and organization, so that we can further our work towards diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.”
Calyssa Erb (she/her)
National Account Manager and LGBTQIA2S+ Employee Resource Group Co-Chair
Scholastic Canada
2022 cohort
“When I started co-leading my company’s Pride Network ERG, passion got me through the first year. But soon I realized that leading an ERG effectively takes a lot more than just enthusiasm, which is why I chose to participate in the FLOURISH program in 2022. FLOURISH was a great opportunity to learn the fundamentals of being an ERG leader from experts and to network with like minded people in different industries through study groups. I would recommend the program for any ERG leader, whether you’re experienced and could benefit from new perspectives or starting your ERG from scratch.”
Daniel Oliveira (he/him)
Director, Global Innovation
Jamieson Laboratories Ltd.
2022 cohort
“It was an honour to participate in the FLOURISH ERG Leader Development Program and to connect with other queer and trans leaders transforming their workplaces one step at a time. The Pride at Work Canada FLOURISH team brings together an exceptional group of 2SLGBTQIA+ leaders and speakers from across the country to develop the skills required to action change at work. I especially enjoyed the speakers and bi-weekly small group sessions where participants collaborated with one another, sharing ERG ideas, experiences, and success stories. There is no doubt that the techniques and skills I learned at FLOURISH significantly elevated my thinking around ERG strategy and implementation.
FLOURISH is a compassionate, collaborative, and fun space where leadership is re-defined to include 2SLGBTQIA+ expertise. I encourage organizations to support their colleagues by providing access to the FLOURISH Program if they are serious about advancing equity, inclusion, anti-colonialism, diversity and anti-racism at their workplace. Thank you, FLOURISH. I continue to put into practice the lessons I have learned to co-create and evolve our ERG framework.”
Roz Macey (she/her, they/them)
Property Inspector, Valuation & Customer Relations
Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
2022 cohort
FAQ
Here are some of the questions that we often get asked about the FLOURISH program.
Interested in our next cohort? Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on our social media channels, or fill out this form to receive direct communication from our team.
Questions about FLOURISH can be directed to Jade Pichette (they/them), Director of Programs, at jade.pichette@prideatwork.ca.