What are pluralities?

What do I mean when I say pluralities? First, we need to set the scene [pace, current, meaning].

IDEA-B represents inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, and belonging. There are numerous, potentially endless*, approaches to IDEA-B alongside any number of their fraternal siblings (DEI, JEDI, DEIB, DEIA, EDI, etc.; etc.; etq.). Those versed in the 'DEI' world are all too familiar with conversations exploring, critiquing, and pigeonholing this language, whether it does the 'movements' "justice" and whether or not to throw those terms away and restart from scratch.

As is standard practice, let's define these words in a pluralist context.

While working at Aurora College as their first Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigenous Knowledge (EDI-IK) Coordinator, one of my goals was to expand the definitions of IDEA so students, staff, educators, and community members had something tangible to hold onto when addressing concerns of injustice, oppression, and violence within the institution.

Below are the formally approved definitions as agreed upon by the EDI Committee.

inclusion: Inclusion is an ongoing and deliberate act which fosters a culture where people feel safe and mutually respected. It is the process of intentionally creating space and opportunities for underrepresented and underserved groups to thrive by addressing inequalities in power and privilege.

diversity: Diversity represents the various identities, lived experiences, values and perspectives of people that may include but are not limited to Indigeneity, race, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ability, language, class, age, and/or socio-economic status.

equity: Equity is both the approach of recognizing systemic inequalities that gives privileged groups unearned advantages while withholding opportunities from those most marginalized, and the process which provides resources, accommodations and systemic change to ensure everyone has access to the same opportunities.

accessibility: Accessibility refers to the design and provision of resources, environments, services, facilities, and opportunities that are inclusive and accommodating to all people according to our differing abilities. This includes physical accessibility, such as ensuring buildings and facilities are wheelchair accessible, as well as digital accessibility, ensuring that information, communication and technology are usable by people with disabilities.

I may return to adjust these definitions in the future, but these will do for now.

Rather than defining belonging, I choose to describe what it feels like to belong. When we belong, we feel anything from safety, trust, a sense of community and connection, a commitment to ensuring we extend this welcoming sensation to those "around us"; this is in quotations as one can feel they belong in a regional community, a workplace, a cultural group, family settings, professional environments, or what I am introducing as virtual ecosystems.

In a modern world where collective suffering, global change, and politics often has a vice grip on our ability to feel safely connected with our neighbours, I am choosing to focus on ecosystems where people gather because they choose to show up with intention. Virtual ecosystems can grow on social media platforms, local groups, chapters around the earth, or gathering online to share in similar beliefs, passions, and values.

Virtual ecosystems are not defined by place, rather, their existence is created through a desire to belong.

So, here we are. Through applying IDEAs in our circles, whether individual communal systemic or global, we are co-creating opportunities to all feel we belong.

This brings us back to pluralities.

Pluralities exist with the assumption that there has already been an intent to belong. Pluralities are not defined by their individual meanings, who are utilizing them, or where they manifest. Pluralities are a quantum concept representing the potential existence of another reality; one where racism decreases, all genders feel present at the table, we aren't fighting about minimum wage, everyone has access to affordable, safe, and secure housing, and peace is spreading throughout the world.

Does that feel far away? I know, some days it does.

Other days, I am viewing my role in this world as a portal to pluralities.

You may be any of the following, a combination, or another wave:

• an activist (frontline, systems, citizen, reformer, change agent, rebel) seeking climate, political, or social justice

  • (I created this business for you, btw)

• an individual seeking justice within your current ecosystem

• an employer trying to develop fair and equitable hiring practices

• a collaborative team looking to expand justice-seeking initiatives

• an official looking to innovate your operations

• someone who cares about the world, about humanity, Mother Earth, and feel exhausted trying to sustain your practice

  • (I made this business for you, too)

The idea-b here is that "there has got to be a better way" to change our worlds. IDEA-B doesn't sweat the details trying to define, redefine, and re-define its letters. We share a general understanding of "the world is structured through webs of corruption and through collaborative innovation and collective action, we can co-create new systems, new approaches, new languages, and new understandings of what a just world is"*.

Pluralities meet you where you currently are, the reality you and your relations exist within, and works to imagine what another version of this reality could look like. Perhaps it's developing new policies, establishing employee resource groups, creating low-barrier and accessible harm reduction programming, learning how to care for your Self while you feel responsible in caring for the entire planet.

Pluralities is the idea that things could be better. So let's take a look at your context, what needs evolving, and start planting those seeds in new gardens.

I'm currently offering coaching and consultation services to those interested in exploring a plurality of potential pathways for growth. If this sounds like something you, your team, or your organization could benefit from-- reach out. Let's (re)connect.

Who knows, maybe we can even co-create our own virtual ecosystem(s).

with care,

t

*read: plural(ities)