I have thought much, read much and struggled much with what to say in this blog. In the moving words of my colleagues, Dr. Susan Rappolt, Chair of the Department of Occupation Science and Occupational Therapy at University of Toronto, “Much has been going on in the world around us over the past few months that has left many of us feeling very sad, crushed, angry, disempowered or vulnerable; in particular, the tragic terrorist attack of Muslim people at a prayer in a Quebec mosque. In our conversations with faculty and students, it seems clear that, for many, these recent events have had a very real impact on our work and our interactions as students, staff and faculty.”
To this I would only add that for leaders it is not a time to be silent.
Over the past year, thousands of people joined together at UHN to create a statement of Purpose, Values and Principles. Recent events bring into ever-clearer focus why such statements are required, and how important they must be in guiding our institutions. Michener staff and students were pivotal in creating this document and will be pivotal in ensuring we uphold the ideals we have set for ourselves.
Compassion: Kindness and respect in every interaction
As healthcare professionals and educators, compassion has always been central to our work. The phrasing of this value reminds us of our commitment and directs us to demonstrate kindness and respect in every interaction. This is not what we see on television, not what we see in public discourse and, sadly, not always what we see on the streets of our city. But it must be what we see, and value without exception, inside our walls. The Michener Institute of Education at UHN must be a sanctuary for learning – a safe space where we can all grow, learn and care because we experience kindness and respect at all times.
Teamwork: Valuing differences in background, culture and ethnicity
The teamwork value in our statement expressly calls out diversity. It does not simply mean using words, often heard publicly, like “tolerance” or “accommodation”. It directs us to “value” background, culture and diversity. To give value to the many perspectives and experiences we all bring to the learning and caring environment is to enrich us all. It is also the responsibility of our institution to help when identity is confused with opportunity. Selective restrictions on mobility and career opportunity are corrosive and we will work hard to advocate for and ensure that all students, faculty and staff have every possibility to advance their studies and their work.
Integrity: Taking concerns raised by others seriously and seeking resolution
Our statement about integrity also speaks to action. Action means different things to different people, but we should all do what we can to listen, understand and then to help where we can. This might mean speaking up when we see or hear something that does not align with these values. I am heartened that some of our students and staff have courageously spoken up in public media. And we should not underestimate the value of simply speaking up, with kindness and respect, with friends or colleagues who lose sight of the value of teamwork or inclusion.
Our President and CEO Dr. Peter Pisters wrote to all of us last week:
“Toronto is the world’s most diverse city and UHN reflects that diversity in its staff, patients and their families, students and volunteers. Many people will be struggling with the news today and may well be affected by the travel ban or the attack at the mosque. We must all work together to demonstrate that despite these events we will stand strong in our beliefs that tolerance, support, peace and understanding are the best attributes of our society, and our citizens are worth standing up for at this time in our history.”
It is not a time to be silent. It is a time to redouble our commitment to live the values that we have crafted – to lift them off the page and bring them to life, in an organization that is proud to be a safe, supportive, kind and respectful environment for all learners, patients and for everyone who works here.
