Anti-Racism Charter in Recreation
As an organization, Recreation Nova Scotia is dedicated to fostering a more equitable and welcoming environment for all Nova Scotians. Recreation is a vital bridge for uniting diverse populations. However, what occurs when inclusivity falls short?
The Anti-Racism Charter in Recreation and supporting initiatives provide a tool to tackle discrimination head-on, educational resources, establish networks, and consultation services to organizations committed to advancing Equity and Anti-Racism initiatives.
Please take a moment to learn about our Anti-Racism Charter in Recreation.
What is the Charter?
A proactive and systemic approach is required to make recreation welcoming and inclusive for everyone in Nova Scotia. As a result, the Anti-Racism Charter in Recreation was created as a resource to specifically acknowledge and address the harm and exclusion caused by racism in our communities. Equipped with tangible tools and a supporting action plan, it's not just a document—it's a commitment to action, learning, and social change.
The Anti-Racism Charter in Recreation was launched in October 2022 as part of the RNS Annual Conference.
Find the Anti-Racism Charter and Action Plan here:
- pdf Anti-Racism Charter in Recreation (English (888 KB) )
- pdf Anti-Racism Charter in Recreation (French) (1.52 MB)
- pdf Anti-Racism Charter in Recreation - Action Plan Template (3.75 MB)
Acknowledge that racism exists: Acknowledgement gives us the opportunity to proactively address racial discrimination and the barriers it creates
Collect data beyond the anecdotal: To maintain best community practices and contribute to increasing the limited data regarding racialized groups
Whole-sector approach to understanding and addressing racism: Using a collective framework creates better communication and understanding that contributes to the ability to create change
The Charter's creation was a collaborative effort spanning 6-12 months. Recreation Nova Scotia engaged various stakeholders, including recreation professionals, community leaders, and individuals with diverse lived experiences. A Steering Committee of sector leaders and a Youth Advisory Council played crucial roles in shaping the Charter's development.
Three key initiatives drove the Charter's creation:
- Relationship Building: Gathering insights from diverse voices across Nova Scotia
- Research Phase: Examining best practices and existing anti-racism frameworks
- Draft Reviews: Refining the charter through multiple iterations and feedback loops
The Anti-Racism Charter provides an opportunity to engage in dialogue, education, and actions that aim to influence a more knowledgeable and representative sector. It offers all organizations a foundation to build upon and the ability to identify steps and actions focusing on anti-racism, equity and inclusion.
Additionally, Recreation Nova Scotia provides ongoing check-ins and consultation with those who sign the Charter and become signatories.
Document content consists of:
- Charter Development and Overview
- Guiding Charter Principles & Values
- Anti-Racism Charter Actions & Commitments
- The 5 Steps of Endorsement
- Action & Commitment Examples
- FAQs
- Signatory Commitment Form
A signatory is an organization that formally commits to the principles and actions outlined in the Anti-Racism Charter. By becoming a signatory, you're pledging to actively work towards addressing and dismantling racism within your organization, broader sectors and or within your community in Nova Scotia.
The Charter is a tool that can be adopted and used by any organization in Nova Scotia, whether they are a member of Recreation Nova Scotia or not. Each path signatories take to acknowledge and address racism within their organization and the communities they serve will look different.
One to two employees can take the lead by:
- Reviewing the Charter: Familiarize oneself with the Charter's principles and commitments.
- Signing the Commitment Form: Officially adopt the Charter for your organization.
- Developing an Action Plan: Using our Action Plan, create a tailored plan to implement anti-racism initiatives.
- Engaging Your Team: Involve staff, volunteers, and participants in the process.
- Seeking Support: Reach out to Recreation Nova Scotia for resources and guidance.
The Anti-Racism Charter's four Actions & Commitments represent areas of focus for signatories to the Anti-Racism Charter. The examples of inquiries, actions and initiatives to be undertaken for each area of focus are suggestions to help guide the implementation of each Action & Commitment...
Please see the pdf Action Plan and Charter (888 KB) for more information.
We are glad to offer the Online Anti-Racism Training Module, geared as a complementary tool to the Anti-Racism Charter in Recreation.
The goal of this training is to provide awareness that racism and discrimination still exist within our province as a foundation to help improve our working relations with community members.
Signatories: Interested in in-person and or group training? Contact us at