Advancing equity, diversity and inclusion through the SAIT Family Campaign

The SAIT Family Campaign is an annual fundraising initiative that brings SAIT employees together to support the next generation of SAIT students. Throughout the year, SAIT employees can participate in the campaign by donating to help advance student success.

This year, SAIT employees can recognize someone who is helping make SAIT more inclusive by sending them an Inclusion Matters ShoutOut from Feb. 22 through March 31, 2022. Proceeds will support the Inclusion Matters fund, which supports the implementation of SAIT’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

“The Family Campaign helps move SAIT forward along its inclusion journey by supporting students and employees,” says John Partington, Associate Director, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at SAIT. “The Inclusion Matters Fund in particular directly supports initiatives which ensure everyone in our community feels welcome, respected and empowered to succeed. This is the ultimate goal of an equitable, diverse and inclusive campus”.

Initiatives supported by the Inclusion Matters Fund vary from training and education for staff and students, policy and procedure review, and learning experiences like Orange Shirt Day.

One such initiative is the SAIT Pride Award, which incentivizes the student community to participate in inclusion initiatives, specifically for 2SLGBTQ+. Through the SAIT Pride Award, students that are already doing work with the 2SLGBTQ+ community would have an opportunity to be recognized for their efforts. Students such as Jonathan Vivas, the recipient of the SAIT Pride Award in 2021.

“Small gestures, like sending recognition through Shout Outs, do make a difference. They are an important way to acknowledge the effort of EDI champions who go above and beyond to improve our campus climate. Receiving a ShoutOut is a great feeling, and the enthusiasm is contagious; you immediately want to encourage others to get involved,” says Partington.

"Thank you for the work you do to ensure all students feel they are a part of the SAIT community.”

“Your involvement in Pride at SAIT helps make our campus a brighter place — you’re the best!”

“I appreciate you bringing up digital accessibility at our last team meeting.”

“Thank you for the shared learning experiences throughout Black History Month.”

To learn more about the Inclusion Matters ShoutOuts, visit sait.ca/familycampaign.

If you have any questions about the SAIT Family Campaign, contact family.campaign@sait.ca.