Preamble
Creating equitable and inclusive environments free from harassment and discrimination shall be a priority in all events and meetings of the Toronto Youth Food Policy Council (TYFPC). It is our collective responsibility as a council to ensure that discrimination in all its forms will not be tolerated and that we continue to work towards a world free of oppression by fulfilling our equity policy.
Policy
It is the policy of the TYFPC to include this document on our website, continually refer to its principles, and read it aloud during the opening address of all meetings and events to establish a safe and inclusive space:
Solidarity within the food movement is based on the principle that all members are equal and deserve mutual respect and understanding. We recognize that there are social and structural barriers that create obstacles and prevent equal treatment of people on the basis of their religion, race, gender, sexuality, age, income, or ability, and our work as members of the Toronto food movement aims to challenge all forms of discrimination on both an individual and institutional level.
As members of the TYFPC, mutual respect, cooperation and understanding are our goals. As such, we will neither condone nor tolerate behavior that undermines the dignity or self-esteem of any individual or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. Discriminatory speech or conduct that is discriminatory or hurtful will only divide us. Sometimes discrimination takes the form of harassment. Harassment means using real or perceived power to abuse, devalue or humiliate.
Discrimination and harassment focus on characteristics that make us different and they reduce the capacity to work together on shared concerns such as safe and equitable learning environments, justice in our communities, institutions and society and the overall creation of a sustainable food system. By adhering to these guidelines and principles we may achieve a safe and equitable space allowing us to work together to achieve a just and sustainable food system for all.