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OPPI partners with MIIPOC to support mentorship of Black, Indigenous, and Planners of ColouR

OPPI is proud to announce financial support for the Mentorship Initiative for Indigenous and Planners of Colour (MIIPOC), specifically to aid in the recruitment of a new coordinator for their organization’s mentorship program. The Black Planning Project (BPP) will host the coordinator on behalf of MIIPOC and support the new coordinator in their daily tasks through guidance, mentorship and training.

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The coordinator will support MIIPOC’s mentorship program by:

  • Managing mentorship program administration
  • Coordinating recruitment efforts with partner organizations
  • Organizing programs and membership events
  • Strengthening membership outreach

By funding this position, OPPI aims to help MIIPOC expand its capacity to mentor and support Indigenous, Black and planners of colour, ultimately advancing diversity and inclusion within the planning profession.

In return, MIIPOC will advance OPPI’s mission by sharing educational materials that highlight the importance of MIIPOC’s work, the significance of sponsorship, and the role OPPI plays in promoting increased representation and inclusion.
 
“OPPI is grateful to MIIPOC for its leadership in mentoring Indigenous, Black and planners of colour over the years,” says Claire Basinski, RPP, Chair of OPPI Council. “We are proud to support this important organization and its vital work in increasing representation of diverse voices within the planning profession. We look forward to building a deeper, more meaningful relationship and continuing our long-term support for their efforts.
 
This initiative marks the beginning of a possible longer-term collaboration between OPPI and MIIPOC to advance shared equity and inclusion priorities, as well as recognize the critical leadership role MIIPOC has already played in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the planning field.
 
Through this partnership, OPPI is excited to continue working alongside MIIPOC to build a more inclusive and diverse planning profession for all.

 


 
About MIIPOC
The Mentorship Initiative for Indigenous & Planners of Colour (MIIPOC) is a group of planners, aspiring planners, and city builders who believe the inclusion of diverse perspectives is crucial to the creation of a city that works for everyone. MIIPOC was established in 2019 out of the recognition that urban and community planning has a significant impact on people's lives and well-being, most importantly Indigenous, Black and racialized communities, which have faced the structural and systemic harm caused by planning and development. Yet, those facing the most harm are notoriously under-represented in planning–a profession that must act on behalf of their communities. Communities which have been historically and systematically under-served. As a result, MIIPOC’s mission and three goals are to:

  1. Create pathways for Black, Indigenous, and Planners of Colour (BIPOC) to enter into a career in planning or support those transitioning from academia to work;
  2. Strengthen the presence of BIPOC in the field of planning and build a sense of community amongst BIPOC; and
  3. Improve the influence of BIPOC in the field of planning and policy making.    

 
About BPP
The Black Planning Project (BPP) seeks to amplify Black voices and perspectives in city and community building, planning, and development and address systemic planning and development challenges faced by Black communities with the goal of reshaping planning practice and facilitating more sustainable and resilient communities.