Diversity Without Division – with Irshad Manji

The phrase is everywhere: “Diversity and Inclusion.” To our pattern-seeking brains, it suggests that diversity comes before inclusion. Wrong. Behavioural science confirms that a culture of inclusion must be fostered at the same time. That’s because everybody from “people of colour” to “straight white guys,” progressives and conservatives, younger and older, need to trust that they’ll be treated with respect under the banner of diversity. In the absence of trust, differences plant seeds of defensiveness — and, ultimately, division.

So how do we practice diversity without division? Enter Irshad Manji, founder of Moral Courage College and The New York Times bestselling author, most recently, of Don’t Label Me. Irshad will offer core insights for fostering a culture in which people engage effectively across lines of difference rather than labeling, shaming, or cancelling each other. Her Moral Courage Method works online, too, thanks to an iron-clad law of human psychology that she’ll reveal.

Ideas to be explored:

• What Moral Courage means and why it’s key to unifying people in polarized situations
• When diversity is being practiced honestly and dishonestly
• How to reconcile free speech and social justice, not in theory but in real life
• Who the coolest-ever role model of Moral Courage is (handy for teaching your kids)
• Where to begin if you want to role-model Moral Courage

Irshad encourages sincere challenges to her ideas, so let’s use this event to have an authentic exchange of views. At Irshad’s request, all proceeds will be donated to the Greyhaven Bird Sanctuary in Surrey and the Northern Lights Wildlife Society in Smithers.

Do you have a question for Irshad? Click here to submit it within 48 hours of the event and we’ll do our best to incorporate it into the event.