TAS Statement on Diversity:
"The Advocates' Society commits to fostering diversity and inclusiveness in the legal profession in Canada, first and foremost through its own activities. TAS endorses the principles of diversity, inclusion and equality through its programs, advocacy and policies. TAS actively seeks to:
(1) increase the diversity of its membership; and
(2) identify and address any barriers to membership, or participation by all members, that may arise from unconscious bias or discrimination.
TAS encourages representation of lawyers and staff of varying backgrounds and perspectives in all levels of seniority and in leadership positions within TAS and the legal community. TAS is dedicated to becoming a leader within the legal community in supporting and promoting equality, inclusion, and diversity in the bar. TAS acknowledges the need for its own continuous learning and improvement and welcomes feedback from its members on TAS’s diversity and inclusiveness."
- Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee ("DISC")
At the beginning of the 2019-2020 term The Advocates’ Society (TAS) established the to help TAS create a vibrant culture of diversity and inclusion within the organization. DISC's mandate is to identify and develop specific initiatives and reforms to enhance diversity and inclusion throughout the Society's various undertakings, in consultation with relevant Standing Committees of the Board. This commitment to diversity and inclusion will ensure the organization thrives in the years ahead and we will use this space to keep TAS members and our stakeholders up to date on our diversity and inclusion projects. Learn more about DISC here.
- Leadership Principles
Our continued growth throughout the country, and our standing within the profession, depends upon effective volunteer leadership that reflects the Society’s values. As we continue to position advocates for leadership within our growing organization, it is increasingly important that we ensure there is a common understanding of what leadership means within The Advocates' Society. To promote that common understanding, the Board of Directors of the Society has adopted the following Leadership Principles. Our hope is that these Leadership Principles will support and guide our present and future leaders in their important work for the Society, and that they will render all of us more effective in pursuing the Society's important mission. Read our Leadership Principles here.
- Land Acknowledgements
As a reflection of its commitment to better understanding and meaningful inclusion, The Advocates' Society encourages the volunteers and leaders who are hosting its programs and events to offer land acknowledgements. A land acknowledgement is an informed opening statement given at the start of a gathering, event or ceremony and is an expression of respect to recognize the enduring presence and specific traditional territory of the Indigenous people(s) on whose territory the event is taking place. To support our members and volunteers who want to offer a meaningful land acknowledgement, the Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee (DISC) has gathered resources for members and volunteers to refer to, found here.
- Inclusive Language
TAS is taking active steps to ensure that the use of language within the Society is not discriminatory, but is inclusive and welcoming to individuals of all gender identities and expressions. The Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee (DISC) consulted with members of transgender and gender-diverse communities to create a guide for the TAS membership to help encourage and foster the use of inclusive language within the legal profession. We encourage all TAS leaders and members to refer to this guide as a resource for their communications at TAS events and beyond. Read the Inclusive Language Guide here.