
Virtual ERG Leader Development Program 2023
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 third 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 third cohort of FLOURISH will be limited. The process by which those interested in participating may apply from Monday, August 14, 2023. The deadline for applications will be Friday, September 29, 2023 at 11:59 PM ET. Those selected for the 2023 cohort will pay a participation fee, due upon acceptance.
- Fee for employees of Pride at Work Canada’s Proud Partners & Community Partners: $1,500 (+ tax)
- Fee for employees of other organizations: $2,000 (+ tax)
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.
SESSION OVERVIEW
All sessions will be Tuesday evenings, beginning at 6 pm ET and running 2-3 hours, depending on the speaker.
Session 1: Community Understanding with Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah and Saylesh Wesley
Tuesday, October 17, at 6 PM ET
- Build a solid foundation of knowledge of 2SLGBTQIA+ issues
- Lived experience vs. bodies of evidence
- Best practices in communication on 2SLGBTQIA+ issues
Speed-networking session
Tuesday, October 24, from 6 PM to 7 PM ET
Study Group Week: Engaging your membership – tapping into the passion
Tuesday, October 24, from 7 PM to 8 PM ET
Session 2: Generating buy-in from executive leadership with Gwenna Kadima
Tuesday, October 31, at 6 PM ET
- Generate buy-in for workplace inclusion
- Identify and engage influential ERG champions and sponsors
- Articulate the value and impact of their ERGs relative to business goals
Study Group Week: Executive Sponsors and tying into your company’s business plan
Tuesday, November 7, from 6 PM to 7 PM ET
Session 3: Governance and Volunteer Management with Jacq Brasseur
Tuesday, November 14, at 6 PM ET
- 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 21, from 6 PM to 7 PM ET
Session 4: Principles of Peer Support with Kai Cheng Thom and Saylesh Wesley
Tuesday, November 28, at 6 PM ET
- Setting boundaries and ground rules
- Managing conflict
- Peer support specific to 2SLGBTQIA+ communities
Study Group Week: Making your ERG effective in 2024
Tuesday, December 5, from 6 PM to 7 PM ET
SPEAKERS

SAYLESH WESLEY (she/her)
Indigenous Enhancement Teacher
Chilliwack School District

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

GWENNA KADIMA (she/her)
BIPOC Career Activator and DEI Consultant

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

KAI CHENG THOM (she/her)
Writer, Performer & Community Worker
SUPPORTERS
Lead Supporter

Cohort Sponsor

TESTIMONIALS
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 2023 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 2023 cohort that represents the broad diversity of both the workplaces and communities we serve.
The process by which those interested in participating will open on Monday, August 14, 2023. The deadline for applications will be Friday, September 29, 2023 at 11:59 PM ET. Those selected for the FLOURISH cohort will pay a participation fee of $1500 (+ tax) for employees of Pride at Work Canada’s Proud Partners and $2000 (+ tax) for employees of other organizations, due upon acceptance.
All submissions are private and confidential, reviewed only by Pride at Work Canada staff.
Disclosure: the application form is available only in English because FLOURISH will be offered exclusively in English. If you cannot see below, please click here.
Applications are closed now.