The London Environmental Network (LEN) was one of twenty non-profit organizations that took part in a collaboration project to deepen EDII (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Indigenization) commitments in the workplace and across the environmental sector. 

Funded by the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund (a one-time investment), organizations that were part of this cohort received support through group training, network-wide resource development, collective accountability monitoring, and the creation of an internal strategy. Strategies outline specific actions and measurable outcomes for improving EDII at the organizational level, along with how to operationalize them into staff work plans and timelines for tracking progress over time. 

Doing this work will build LEN’s capacity to accelerate justice-focused climate solutions that center and engage with those who are most affected.

As a participating member of this cohort, the LEN has: 

  • Completed training and workshops focused on different topics, including but not limited to: recruitment & retention of diverse staff, audism & ableism, indigenization, truth, reconciliation & land acknowledgments, respectful data collection, stereotypes & unconscious bias

  • Worked with partner organizations to identify key areas of focus, determine opportunities for improving organizational policies and practices, and provided feedback on the development of internal strategies

  • Reviewed and enhanced the organization's previous strategy, which involved assessing progress to date, identifying gaps and missed opportunities, seeking feedback from partner organizations, staff, consultants, board of directors, committees, etc., and increased accountability by including more measurable outcomes, more progress reviews, and more goals. The updated strategy was approved by the board of directors in May. 

Did you know that the LEN:

  • Is a Certified Living Wage Employer - This means that our employees are given the hourly wage a London worker needs to earn to cover their basic expenses and participate in their community. We believe providing a living wage to all employees supports our vision for a more sustainable and equitable future, and aligns with our policies to support Decent Work Initiatives for employees in the nonprofit sector.

  • Has signed onto The 50-30 Challenge at the federal level. The goal of the program is to challenge Canadian organizations to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplaces while highlighting the benefits of giving all Canadians a seat at the table.

    This challenge asks organizations to aspire to two goals:
    -Gender parity (50% women and/or non-binary people) on Canadian boards and/or in senior management
    -Significant representation (30%) on Canadian boards and/or senior management of members of other equity-deserving groups 
  • Includes accessibility and anti-discrimination hiring policies in all of our job postings

  • Provides accessible membership fees to nonprofits that represent marginalized communities in London that join our business sustainability program, Green Economy London

  • Our website is aligned to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act  accessibility compliance requirements

  • Participates in observances in our communications including: Black History Month (February), International Women’s Day (March), Indigenous History Month (June), Orange Shirt Day (September 30)

  • Formally acknowledge, recognize and respect Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of the land (Our Current Commitment to the Land and Reconciliation)

  • Has committed to hosting all of our in-person events at accessible locations, with access to cycling routes, public transportation and parking 

As part of our continuous commitment to promote a healthy planet, healthy people and healthy communities, we acknowledge the need for EDII not just within our organization, but also the environmental sector as well as general society.

The LEN is dedicated to intentionally learning about and engaging with underrepresented individuals, groups and communities in our organization and our work. We are committed to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through meaningful and reciprocal relationships, supporting Indigenous-led efforts, and the creation of ethical spaces.