Pathways to change

Pathways to Change is a research-based model and tool to help equality-seeking organizations and communities in their work to reduce discrimination and racism, and to facilitate the full civic engagement of individuals in all aspects of society. In this document, full civic engagement means that groups and individuals, regardless of their membership in a diversity group, fully participate in, benefit from, and exercise influence in all aspects of society without encountering discrimination, racism, or other barriers, either discrete or systemic. The term diversity group refers to a group of people defined by race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or mental or physical disability. Evidence of full civic engagement would include, for example, labour market integration of members of diversity groups, the absence of income disparities between members of diversity groups and members of the broader community, and representation of society's diversity among elected officials. Full civic engagement is a lofty ideal, but it is a cornerstone of democracy, and it is the goal to which we aspire.