The Regional Diversity Roundtable

The Regional Diversity Roundtable (RDR) is a Canadian charitable non-profit organization dedicated to the institutionalization of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within organizations and communities, primarily serving the Peel region of Ontario. Established in April 2005, RDR functions as a collaborative network of human services and public sector professionals committed to advancing equity and inclusivity in policies, programs, and workplace cultures.

History and Development

RDR began with five DEI professionals in Peel who aimed to provide support, professional development, and networking opportunities for individuals and organizations involved in diversity and inclusion work. Initial funding was received from Human Resources Skills Development Canada and the Ontario Trillium Foundation, alongside community partners such as the Social Planning Council of Peel, Peel District School Board, United Way of Peel Region, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel.

In May 2012, the organization incorporated as a federal non-profit charitable entity, marking a significant milestone in its growth and capacity to effect change. Since then, RDR has expanded its reach and influence across Ontario and Canada, gaining recognition as experts in DEI training, community building, and capacity development.

Mission and Activities

RDR’s mission is to help forward-thinking individuals, organizations, and communities integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into every aspect of their work, unlocking the potential of people and fostering healthy, harmonious communities.

Key programs and initiatives include:

• The Diversity & Inclusion Charter: A signature program with over 100 signatory organizations pledging commitment to DEI principles.

• Annual Centring Diversity for Workplace Equity conference: A gathering aimed at promoting equity best practices.

• Tough Questions Café: Community forums designed to engage the public on timely and challenging DEI issues.

• Journal of Promising Practices on Diversity and Equity: A publication highlighting successful strategies and innovations.

• Steps to Organizational Equity: A training program targeted at non-profit, government, and corporate sectors to embed equity within their operations.

• Community Leadership Program: Leadership coaching and development for DEI ambassadors within the community.

• Building DEI in Leadership: A training initiative piloted in municipalities across Ontario to cultivate equity-aware leadership.

Membership and Impact

RDR serves a diverse network comprising 47 organizations across the Peel region, including all three Emergency and Fire Services, both local school boards, the Region of Peel itself, United Way of Peel Region, Peel Police, and the William Osler Health System. The organization supports these members by providing training, workshops, conferences, and a range of DEI resources to enhance cultural competence and ensure services reflect the community’s diversity.

By fostering collective action and capacity-building, RDR plays a pivotal role in creating inclusive environments where more people can reach their full potential and communities thrive in equity and respect.

Philosophy

Guided by principles of social justice, RDR emphasizes concrete collective action as essential to achieving lasting diversity, equity, and inclusion outcomes.

Business Registration

RDR operates under the business registration number 836162503RR0001 and is noted for its leadership in embedding DEI into institutional frameworks in Peel and beyond.

This summary reflects RDR’s dedication to championing equitable practices and its role as a key driver of diversity and inclusion efforts in the Peel region and Canadian society at large.[1][2][4][5]