
Virtual ERG Leader Development Program 2022
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 second FLOURISH cohort 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 second cohort of FLOURISH will be limited. The process by which those interested in participating may apply from Tuesday, August 9, 2022. The deadline for applications will be Friday, September 23, 2022 at 11:59pm EDT. Those selected for the 2022 cohort will pay a participation fee, due upon acceptance.
- Fee for employees of Pride at Work Canada’s Proud Partners & Community Partners: $1,250
- Fee for employees of other organizations: $1,750
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 an 2SLGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group;
- 2SLGBTQIA+ person leading an Employee Resource Group for any equity-deserving group; or
- A member of an 2SLGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group, with leadership aspirations
Please note that FLOURISH is NOT a program about how to start or build an ERG.
SESSION OVERVIEW
Session 1: Community Understanding
Tuesday, October 18, from 6 pm to 8:30 pm EDT
- Build a solid foundation of knowledge of 2SLGBTQIA+ issues
- Lived experience vs. bodies of evidence
- Best practices in communication on 2SLGBTQIA+ issues
Study Group Week: Engaging your membership – tapping into the passion
Tuesday, October 25, from 6 pm to 7:00 pm EDT
Session 2: Building Business Cases
Tuesday, November 1, from 6pm to 8:30pm EDT
- How to generate buy-in for inclusion
- Relating ERG goals to business goals
- Fine tuning goals, objectives and key results
Study Group Week: Executive Sponsors and tying into your company’s business plan
Tuesday, November 8, from 6 pm to 7:00 pm EST
Session 3: Governance and Volunteer Management
Tuesday, November 15, from 6pm to 8:30pm EST
- Compelling volunteer participation
- Defining roles and responsibilities of Employee Resource Group members
- Recognition and succession planning
Study Group Week: Leading Effective Meetings and Events Hosting
Tuesday, November 22, from 6 pm to 7:00 pm EDT
Session 4: Principles of Peer Support
Tuesday, November 29, from 6pm to 8:30pm EST
- Setting boundaries and ground rules
- Managing conflict
- Peer support specific to 2SLGBTQIA+ communities
Study Group Week: Making your ERG effective in 2023
Tuesday, December 6, from 6 pm to 7:00 pm EST
SPEAKERS

ALBERT MCLEOD (he/him, she/her)
Board Director
The Two-Spirited People of Manitoba

JACQ BRASSEUR (they/them)
CEO & Principal Consultant
Ivy + Dean Consulting

KAI CHENG THOM (she/her)
MSW, MSc Couple & Family Therapy, Qualified Mediator, Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist
Arise Embodiment Coaching & Consulting

KELSEY HARPUR (he/him)
Senior Contact Centre Specialist
Well.ca

DEBBIE OWUSU-AKYEEAH (she/her)
Executive Director
The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity (CCGSD)

MARCOS A. PERSAUD (he/him)
Senior Diversity and Inclusion Specialist
Maple Leafs Food Inc.
SPONSORS
FAQ
Here are some of the questions that we often get asked about the FLOURISH program.
APPLICATION
To support a positive learning experience the number of participants in FLOURISH 2022 will be limited. Please provide us with some information about who you are and why you’d like to participate. We’ll use this information to determine a FLOURISH 2022 cohort that represents the broad diversity of both the communities we serve and Canadian workplaces.
All submissions are private and confidential, reviewed only by Pride at Work Canada staff.
Applications for FLOURISH are now closed. Thank you to all applicants!