Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Roundtable Member

We are continually working to ensure that our Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Roundtable includes a balance and diversity of voices from equity deserving groups. Right now, we are specifically interested in having Indigenous, Black and northern Alberta voices join the roundtable.

Wellspring Alberta is a charitable organization that supports, informs, and empowers those diagnosed with cancer by helping them address the fear, isolation, disruption and practical problems cancer can bring to their lives.  An affiliate of the Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation, Wellspring Alberta provides a comprehensive range of programs, support, resources, and programs so anyone living with cancer and the people who care about them can improve the quality of their lives. All programs and services are informed by evidence and offered free of charge and without referral in three centres and online. Our vision is that no one has to face cancer alone.

The collective efforts of our wonderful team of volunteers contribute to the heartbeat of Wellspring Alberta. Their commitment of time and talent is a gift of immeasurable worth. Volunteers embody the kindness, compassion and community that Wellspring Alberta extends to all who seek support in dealing with cancer.

Position Description:

Are you passionate about diversity and inclusion and have a lived cancer experience either as someone diagnosed, a caregiver or family member? Are you looking for ways to contribute and share your expertise/experiences to improve cancer support? Are you interested in creating more inclusive spaces through thoughtful, open, and honest dialogue? Wellspring Alberta is seeking volunteer members for our Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Roundtable.

In our strategic plan, Wellspring Alberta commits to diversity and inclusion efforts as an imperative. This means ensuring that all individuals living with cancer who need support – including those diagnosed, caregivers and family members – experience Wellspring as welcoming and inclusive; ultimately seeking to ensure that no one has to face cancer alone.

The Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Roundtable members will advise Wellspring Alberta’s senior leadership team with respect to the diversity and inclusion imperative.

Responsibilities:

• Presence and engagement, contributing time, knowledge, expertise, and experience.
• Review and advise on Wellspring strategies, initiatives, and communications related to diversity and inclusion.
• Provide advice and counsel on policy development as it relates to diversity and inclusion.
• Contribute to a safe space for difficult conversations, growth, and learning regarding Wellspring Alberta’s diversity and inclusion imperative.
• Provide consultation to staff on difficult societal issues that the organization needs to respond to.
• Provide consultation and feedback to staff on barriers to membership, program access and participation for diverse and underrepresented communities.
• Would consider seeking input from their broader respective communities and advocacy groups on issues related to diversity and inclusion in the cancer context.
• Honour an environment where mutual support, trust, respect, teamwork, creativity, and a sense of humour are valued approaching our integral efforts in a good way.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Wellspring Alberta is looking for individuals living in central or northern Alberta who:

• Have knowledge, living or lived experience with marginalization, racism, and significant barriers to accessing community-based supportive care or the health care system. Examples might be members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, newcomers to Canada, and those living in regional and remote communities.
• Have had a cancer experience either as someone with a diagnosis or as a caregiver.
• Are invested in the Wellspring mission, vision, and values:
  • Our Mission: Wellspring Alberta is a warm and welcoming community that provides a comprehensive range of support, resources, and programs so anyone living with cancer and the people who care for them can improve the quality of their lives.
  • Our Vision: No one has to face cancer alone.
  • Our Values:
    • Respect: a diverse and inclusive community where all of us feel accepted and valued.
    • Community: a safe and caring environment where members experience a satisfying sense of connection, belonging and empowerment.
    • Compassion: share in the experiences of our members by listening to their stories, being responsive to their needs, and communicating with genuine kindness.
    • Empowerment: instill strength and hope in members and provide programs and resources that will help them build physical, psychological and emotional wellness.
  • Are interested in moving Wellspring towards an even more inclusive space through thoughtful, open and honest dialogue.
  • Want to participate in a safe and brave roundtable space.

Training requirements:

• Engagement conversation.
• Volunteer application.
• Resume or overview of career and lived experience.
• Sign off on Wellspring Alberta Code of Conduct and Confidentiality agreements.

What’s the commitment? A renewable two-year term (or less). The roundtable will meet a minimum of four times per year with a mixture of in-person and zoom meetings, based on what works best for roundtable members.

To apply:

Please contact sheenac@wellspringalberta.ca for more information. To apply, complete the Wellspring Volunteer application form and we will be in touch soon.

Inclusion Statement

Wellspring Alberta is committed to being an inclusive organization. We are in a process of expanding the diversity of identities and lived experiences, to be more reflective of the communities in which we work and live. To support this process, we’ve become an employer partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, developed an Advisory group, and we are taking action as part of our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion. We understand we’re on a journey, which will take time, and that increasing equity in our organization and in cancer care is critical.

We encourage applications from groups that are typically under-represented in cancer-serving organizations including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) individuals, LGBTQ2S+ identifying individuals, persons with disabilities, and candidates from all equity seeing groups.

We welcome you to contact us for a conversation about accessibility and accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

We know that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet every single requirement. If you’re excited about the role, but your qualifications don’t match perfectly, we encourage you to apply.

We appreciate your interest in Wellspring and warmly welcome all applications.