Has your board taken up the diversity challenge?

Call for applications now open

TORONTO , Nov. 26 /CNW/ - DiverseCity onBoard is now accepting applications for the 2009 Diversity in Governance Awards. The awards recognize GTA-based nonprofits and public agencies that have embraced diversity at their highest levels. Award recipients exemplify good practices in building and benefiting from racially and ethnically diverse boards of governance. Research conducted by The Conference Board of Canada in the fall of 2008 connected diverse leadership with greater financial and organizational performance and enhanced innovation and creativity, among other outcomes.

In 2008, the winners were the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB), YMCA of Greater Toronto and Harbourfront Centre. Winning strategies and practices included developing an inclusive board recruitment plan; creating a Diversity and Social Inclusion Report Card to monitor targets; and holding training sessions to create a work environment that supports diversity.

This year's winners will be celebrated at a reception and ceremony on February 4, 2010 . Application deadline is December 11, 2009 and forms can be found on Maytree's website at www.maytree.com.

DiverseCity onBoard is part of DiverseCity: The Greater Toronto Leadership Project, a three-year partnership of Maytree and the Toronto City Summit Alliance. The project aims to transform the leadership landscape across the GTA. DiverseCity onBoard connects qualified candidates from Aboriginal, visible minority and under-represented immigrant communities to agencies, boards and commissions in the public and nonprofit sectors.

ABOUT MAYTREE: Established in 1982, Maytree is a private foundation that promotes equity and prosperity through its policy insights, grants and programs. The foundation has gained international recognition for its expertise in developing, testing and implementing programs and policy solutions related to immigration, integration and diversity. www.maytree.com.

For further information: on the awards: Danielle Griffin, Program Assistant, DiverseCity onBoard, Maytree, p: [phone] x 262, e: [email protected]; Media contact: Markus Stadelmann-Elder, Communications Manager, Maytree, p: [phone] x 284, c: [phone], e: [email protected]