COSTI is a multicultural organization committed to equity, and employs staff who are reflective of the communities that it serves.
COSTI is committed to creating a community where there is respect and equity for all.
The integration of non-discriminatory and anti-racist principles and practices is fundamental to operationalizing principles of social justice and support of COSTI's Vision and Values. COSTI's investment in anti-racism organizational change is an extension of the agency's leadership and commitment to providing high quality services to immigrants.
COSTI's Non-Discrimination Policy states that the organization prohibits discrimination and harassment, and protects the right to be free of hate activity, based on age, ancestry, citizenship, creed (religion), colour, disability, ethnic origin, family status, gender identity, level of literacy, marital status, place of origin, membership in a union or staff association, political affiliation, race, receipt of pubic assistance, record of offences, sex, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristics by or within the organization.
COSTI incorporates and follows anti-racism principles in its policies and practices. The organization's Anti-Racism Policy and Protocol applies to all current and former staff, clients, volunteers, student placements, employees of partner organizations working on joint projects, and Board Members.
Established in 2000, COSTI's Anti-Racism Education and Training Team, is a staff-led advisory team responsible for Education, Training, Evaluation, and Communication on the existence, complexity and many forms of racism; and provides anti-racism leadership to COSTI and its Community. ARE-ATT undertakes numerous activities that educate, sensitize and train staff and Board. Its mandate is to:
In addition to anti-racism training, front-line and management staff, volunteers, and Board Members, participate in professional development activities such as information sessions on mental health illness, conflict resolution, etc. This training enhances the organization's ability to identify, and more effectively deal with the needs of equity seeking groups.
In addition to the Anti-Racism Protocol and Non-Discrimination Policy, COSTI has also developed a Sexual Harassment Policy and manual, Wife Assault/Woman Abuse Protocol, and Child Protection Protocol.
COSTI is presently developing a Client Rights Policy for the settlement sector that will be standardized agency-wide for clients accessing COSTI services on-site or off-site, offered by COSTI staff or by partners in service delivery on behalf of COSTI. The long-term objective is to work towards the promotion of Clients' Rights and a Standard of Professional Conduct in the settlement sector at large.
