Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee Awards

DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL JUNE 30, 2025

The City’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Committee is pleased to present the criteria for their annual DEI awards. These awards will be presented by the Mayor and the Committee Chair/Co-Chair on an annual basis at City Council during the month of June. Applications to nominate and individual or group will be open from October 1st each year to April 30th.  The DEI committee will review applications during the month of May and will announce successful candidates at City Council during the month of June.

The awards criteria have been designated into three (3) separate categories for nomination. These categories include the following:

  • Workplace DEI
  • Community DEI
  • Youth Empowerment DEI

Apply for the DEI Award using our online form.

Criteria for the Workplace DEI Award

The Workplace DEI Award recognizes a local business who demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment. Criteria for this award includes the following:

  1. Diversity Representation
    • Evidence of a diverse workforce across all levels, including leadership positions.
    • Active recruitment strategies that promote diversity in hiring.
    • Programs and initiatives that create an inclusive work environment where all employees feel valued and respected.
  2. Training and Education
    • Regular DEI training programs for employees at all levels.
    • Initiatives to raise awareness and educate staff on issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  3. Leadership Commitment
    • Demonstrated commitment from senior leadership to DEI principles and practices.
    • Allocation of resources to support DEI initiatives.
  4. Measurement and Accountability
    • Use of metrics and regular assessment to measure progress in DEI efforts.
    • Transparency in reporting DEI metrics and outcomes.
  5. Employee Feedback
    • Positive feedback from employees regarding the organization’s DEI efforts.
    • Mechanisms for employees to provide input on DEI initiatives.

Criteria for the Community Impact DEI Award

The Community Impact Award recognizes organizations or individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the local community. The purpose of this award is to celebrate those who have demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the lives of community members and fostering a stronger, more connected local Niagara area. Criteria for this award includes the following:

  1. Community Engagement
    • Demonstrated commitment to actively engaging with the local community, including culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
    • This could include initiatives, events, programs, or partnerships which foster diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
  2. Collaborative Impact
    • Exceptional collaborative impact between community partners and community members, resulting in tangible benefits and improvements for the local area.
    • Evidence of strong, mutually beneficial relationships and joint initiatives
  3. Effective Communication
    • Consistent communication with the community, demonstrating a deep understanding of local needs, programs, and services.
    • Active participation in community committees, special events, and initiatives.
  4. Sustainable Engagement
    • Proven track record of sustainable, long-term commitment to community engagement.
    • Demonstration of commitment to the community which extends beyond short-term projects or initiatives.

Criteria for the Youth Empowerment DEI Award

The Youth Empowerment Award is presented to and empowers a local youth resident, or a group of youth residents, 21 years of age or younger. Criteria for this award includes the following:

  1. Advocacy and Communication
    • Demonstrates dedication to empowering and advocating for equitably deserving youth from diverse backgrounds within the community.
    • Advocate for policies or programs which support the rights and needs of people from diverse backgrounds.
  2. Leadership Commitment
    • Demonstrates the of qualities of compassion, service, and leadership in youth focused initiatives.
  3. Education and Awareness
    • Positive outcomes and measurable impact on the lives of those served with a focus on providing education, raising awareness and/or raising funds.
  4. Community Engagement
    • Engages with other peers from culturally diverse communities, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.
    • The community service they are engaged with is above and beyond volunteer services required by their school.