Positive Space Program Evolution

October 31, 2022 - Defence Stories

For more than five years, the Positive Space initiative has been helping the Defence Team foster an inclusive working environment and increase awareness of 2SLGBTQI+ topics. Since it was first introduced in Canadian Forces Base Halifax in 2014, it has steadily grown into a fully developed program, delivered by over 800 Positive Space Ambassadors at bases, wings and Defence Team establishments across the country.  

What does the Positive Space do? It increases overall awareness of 2SLGBTQI+ topics within workplaces and positively enhances the entire work experiences within the Defence Team by creating a safer, more open-minded environment for all. It helps develop stronger cultural literacy on the history, identity, stories, challenges and victories of 2SLGBTQI+ persons and communities. Positive Space Program Ambassadors are volunteers within units across the Defence Team who are trained to assist members seeking support, information, and guidance. The Program offers training sessions to help create a safe and inclusive workplace for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Building on success

Given the success to this employee-led initiative, in early 2022 a review was conducted of the Defence Team Positive Space Program to determine what the Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) could do to bolster the effort and integrate it in current culture evolution efforts. This review was conducted by a team made up of Defence Team members from the Directorate of Inclusion within Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (CPCC), and the Director Workplace Programs and Services within Assistant Deputy Minister (Human Resources-Civilian), in consultation with members of the Positive Space network and the Defence Team Pride Advisory Organization (DTPAO). CPCC also conducted a Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) assessment as part of the review.

Overall, the review found that Positive Space was having a positive impact on the Defence Team and recommended updating and expanding the program to support DND/CAF’s culture evolution efforts. Here are some steps we are taking to make the Positive Space Program even better:

• Updating information about the program and the training curriculum;
• Enhancing resources and tools for Positive Space volunteers;
• Implementing an online booking tool for training;
• Creating an online space for all Positive Space volunteers to collaborate; and
• Making all materials and resources more accessible for all members of the Defence Team.

This update and expansion of the Positive Space Program could not come at a better time. In August 2022, the Government of Canada launched the first Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan. The Action Plan calls on all departments to strengthen 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion in federal workplaces and to continue acting on the lessons learned from LGBT Purge history. Updating and expanding the Positive Space Program is in line with recommendations in the Action Plan, which specifically commits federal departments to nurturing inclusive workplaces “through awareness-raising and learning – and providing sources of peer support and community connections for 2SLGBTQI+ federal employees.”

First steps

On October 31, 2022, the Positive Space Program began implementing its evolution plans.

At first glance, one of the most noticeable changes, is a new look for the Positive Space Program. S1 Joey Dimayuga, a member of the Positive Space community, developed the “Bubble of Inclusion” visual identity and worked with the ADM(PA) Creative Design Team to refine it.

Beyond visuals, there are plenty of helpful new developments. The Positive Space Program has updated its intranet content and improved its accessibility. There is also a new Positive Space web section on Canada.ca, a Positive Space Program SharePoint site (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website) and Positive Space MS Teams channel on Defence 365 (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website). These new sites will ensure that all Defence Team members can network, seek guidance, and access Positive Space material. The sites offer new content, including visual aids, standardized promotional material and a new Positive Space Program manual with essential Program information and standard operating procedures on how to register for courses. In addition, there is now a centralized online booking tool for Positive Space training. This tool was developed at the national level and piloted by the Positive Space team in CFB Esquimalt during the summer of 2022. Users found that it not only eased the administrative burden for volunteers administering the course but also assisted in promoting the availability of courses for participants.

What’s next?

There are many enhancements on the horizon for the Positive Space Program. Here are a few new developments to watch for in 2023:

• A new identifying patch and other promotional materials. The patches will be authorized for wear on CAF operational dress and products will be available through CANEX starting in spring/summer 2023;
• Updated qualification standards and training plans for both the Positive Space Ambassador (PSA) and Positive Space Facilitator (PSF) training, as well as new master lesson plans;
• The PSF training has been granted a National Qualification (ALWV), and both the PSA and PSF course Military Individual Training and Education (MITE) codes have been granted 100 Series codes, so that they can be integrated with the CAF Performance and Competency Evaluation (PAcE) system;
• A series of short interactive online learning modules aimed at increasing awareness of a variety of Positive Space topics. These courses are being developed through a partnership with Canadian Defence Academy. They will be available on the Defence Learning Network (DLN 3.0) and the credentials will be linked with PAcE; and
• Targeted Positive Space training for specific groups, including Chaplains, Senior Leaders, and Indigenous Peoples. The Positive Space Program has established working groups to develop these workshops.

Get involved

While much progress has been made, we know that 2SLGBTQI+ communities still face challenges with heterosexism, genderism, transphobia and homophobia, which can lead to individuals feeling unsafe at work. The Positive Space Program is having a positive impact on our institutional culture, and you can help! Contact the Positive Space Program team if you have questions, would like to be part of the Positive Space community or become an Ambassador.