York University Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion

A Fireside Chat with World-Leading Expert Professor Gordon Flett & Interim Vice-President, Equity, People & Culture, Professor Parissa Safai

Kick off Inclusion Week and Well-being Week on Monday, March 2nd @ 11:30 a.m (virtual event) with a fireside chat featuring world leading mattering expert Professor Gordon Flett, recently featured on The Oprah Podcast for his insights into why mattering is essential to human well-being. Joined by Professor Parissa Safai, Interim Vice-President Equity, People & Culture, this energizing discussion introduces the core idea of mattering—what it is, why it’s essential to mental health and belonging, and how we can close the “Mattering Gap” when people feel unseen in large institutions. You’ll learn how mattering involves both being cared about and adding value to others and our communities. They will also share practical micro restorations—small, meaningful actions that rebuild trust and strengthen relationships.
Whether you’re staff, faculty, a student, or an alum, this session offers insights you can use immediately to help create a culture where everyone feels they matter.

Inclusion Week is your opportunity to help shape a more inclusive university community. This year’s theme, Building Inclusive Spaces Through Community Support and Restoration, invites us to reflect, learn, and share strategies for repairing relationships and strengthening collaboration across our campus. By restoration, we mean the practical work of rebuilding relationships and restoring psychological safety after challenges and creating space to imagine new ways of working together.

Why attend an event? Inclusion Week offers engaging experiences, (fireside chat, interactive workshops, small-group sessions, and creative activities) designed to help you build practical skills, connect with colleagues, and imagine new ways of working together. It’s for faculty, staff, and students who want to deepen their understanding of inclusion and contribute to building a culture of belonging.

During Inclusion Week 2026, we invite the community to reflect on what restoration means for inclusion and to engage in practices that foster connection, resilience, and collective care.

For more event info please visit: https://www.yorku.ca/services/rights/events-calendar/inclusion-week-2026/

February marks Black History Month.
REDDI session Feb 19 Impacts and Issues of Misogynoir. Register on YU learn.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

To learn more about the events throughout the 16 days, please visit:
https://thecentre.yorku.ca/16-days-of-activism