Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Hot Docs affirms its commitment to equity and inclusiveness in all aspect of organization and will work to ensure that there is no discrimination on the basis of, but not limited to, ethnicity, language, race, age, ability, sex, sexual or gender identity, sexual orientation, family status, income, immigrant or refugee status, nationality, place of birth, generational status, political or religious affiliation.
Hot Docs further recognizes that the increasing diversity among residents in Toronto and in Canada has added profoundly to the cultural, social and economic benefits to our communities. It is also sensitive to the fact that marginalized groups encounter barriers to full access and participation in the community. Hot Docs seeks to increase access and participation, especially for those who are marginalized, disadvantaged or oppressed.
Hot Docs encourages individuals to participate fully and to have complete access to its public and industry facing programs, funding opportunities, employment, boards, committees and volunteer opportunities. Hot Docs shall make every effort to see that its structure, policies and systems reflect all aspects of the total community and to promote equal access to all. Hot Docs goals and strategies with respect to Equity outcomes will detailed and reported on in all future Business and Annual Plans.
To this end, Hot Docs strives to ensure that:
- Discriminatory or oppressive behaviours are not tolerated;
- Individuals who engage with Hot Docs are valued participants who have opportunities to shape and evaluate our programs;
- Programs are delivered in such a way that systemic barriers to full participation and access are eliminated and so that positive relations and attitudinal change towards marginalized groups are promoted;
- Communication materials present a positive and balanced portrayal of people’s diverse experiences.
With respect to its Board of Directors, Hot Docs seeks to maintain a Board comprised of talented and dedicated directors with a diverse mix of expertise, experience, skills and backgrounds. The skills and backgrounds collectively represented on the board should reflect the diverse nature of the environment in which Hot Docs operates and the audiences and professional communities we serve.
Board diversity includes but is not limited to, professional experience, geography, ethnicity, language, race, age, ability, sex, sexual or gender identity, sexual orientation, family status, income, immigrant or refugee status, nationality, place of birth, generational status, political or religious affiliation.
Hot Docs is committed to a merit-based system for Board composition within a diverse and inclusive culture which solicits multiple perspectives and views and is free of bias and discrimination. When assessing nominees for Board positions, Hot Docs will consider candidates on merit while maintaining due regard to the benefits of diversity and the overall need for a balanced and representative Board.