FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 14, 2009

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. LAUNCHES NEW EMPLOYER PROGRAM

Vancouver, BC – Through the support of the Ministry of Housing and Social Development and in collaboration with Life Strategies, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. launched another venture that will aid the employers who value diversity, in becoming better employers with better workplace environment on Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 at its Pender office in Vancouver.  The new program coined as SEED - “Supporting Employers Embracing Diversity”, is the new acronym for the original program called Employer Cultural Diversity Support Service.

Triggered by the ongoing challenge of skills shortages among many employers, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. brings in a comprehensive toolkit designed to assist employers in the integration of members of culturally-diverse groups into their workforce. The SEED Project will offer support services to employers in recruitment planning, workforce training and workforce maintenance activities.

So far, over 15 employers have committed to support this noteworthy project and are eager to start implementing the tool kit in their respective places of work.  “Coming into this project, I honestly didn’t think it would have a great impact on our environment because we already have what we feel is a successfully diverse work environment.  However, after getting into the program we were able to realize that we do have opportunities to nurture the spirit of embracing diversity, and came to realize how important it is to be continually addressing this subject in the work place”, adds Heather Timmer, Recruiter for Natural Factors Nutritional Products Ltd.

The event was also graced by the CEO of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Tung Chan who is a strong advocate for immigrant communities; Darlene Gering, CEO Burnaby Board of Trade; Michael Lam, Program Director – S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Employment Services; Susanne Lambert, SEED Project Manager; members of the SEED Advisory Committee, Jolene Kinoshita, ADECCO and Heather Timmer, Natural Factor; Margaret Stone-Mockler, Program Officer , Ministry of Housing & Social Development and Roberta Neault, President of Life Strategies to name a few.

This project will not only allow the employer/employees to achieve and maintain a high level of competence in cultural diversity but will also increase the employer’s awareness of cross-cultural understanding.  Employers who are interested in enhancing their level of competence are encouraged to contact the Project Manager, Susanne Lambert for more details and information.

Founded in 1973, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is one of the largest social service providers in British Columbia with over 20 locations and 2 overseas offices. For more details, please visit: http://www.success.bc.ca/.

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PROJECT BRIEF:

WHAT IS SEED - SUPPORTING EMPLOYERS EMBRACING DIVERSITY?
SEED is a diversity program for employers which:

• Takes a comprehensive and ongoing approach to enhancing cultural diversity within the workplace at all stages of the employment process
• Builds on the ROI (Recruitment, Orientation, and Inclusion) model of diversity intiatives promoting a three pronged approach to tackling diversity issues within an organization

ROI Model

SEED features a toolkit containing the following elements:

• Diversity Champion Backgrounder and Guide, and Online Diversity Champion Network
• Print resource describing the project, outlining steps/resources for implementation, and providing tools for measuring impact; facilitated online community to provide ongoing consultation and support
• Cultural Diversity Yearbook
• A collection of potential diversity-related quotes (and diversity poster options), discussions, and activities, as well as a diversity calendar listing to assist organization and planning of Yearbook activities
• ROI Virtual Toolkit of Resources
• A resource reference piece divided into three sections of the ROI model and topical areas to help guide diversity champions to the right resource

WHO IS THE DIVERSITY CHAMPION?

• The “go to” person for diversity in the workplace
• The coordinator of the SEED program within the workplace
• A volunteer or an appointed employee from any level of the organization who will implement the various aspects of the SEED program
• An outgoing, engaging, and open person with a passion for diversity who can commit 1 – 2 hours a week

HOW WAS SUPPORTING EMPLOYERS EMBRACING DIVERSITY SEED DEVELOPED?
The framework and tools for this project was the result of:

• An environmental scan, consisting of a topical review of published academic literature and publicly available resources for employers
• Input from the Employer Advisory Committee supporting this project, and the project teams at S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and Life Strategies.
• Feedback from a three month test phase within a diverse set of organizations representing a range of industries and organizational structures/sizes

SEED  - Supporting Employers Embracing Diversity is funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement.

For more information contact:
Susanne Lambert, Project Manager
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ï¼› 604-524-2100 Ext 122

SEED (Supporting Employers Embracing Diversity)
Employers Advisory Committee

Sample Activity Scenario using Supporting Employers Embracing Diversity SEED virtual tool:
Human Resources staff needs information on how to handle interviews that are diversity sensitive
Log on to www.success.bc.ca/embracingdiversity

• Click on the “ROI Virtual Toolkit of Resources”
• “Recruitment” link
• “How to Get Started
• “Interview Applicants”
• “Cross Cultural Interviewing: Training for Human Resources and Hiring Managers”