25 Social Purpose Organizations
This study is interested in how work integration social enterprises impact the lives of Black participants. The literature demonstrates that the labour market challenges faced by Black Canadians are distinct from those faced by others, thus a study that includes Canadians from other races will allow us to track long-term trends that each group faces despite a shared criminal justice history, or not.
The study will examine:
- How do work integration social enterprises ensure that those most marginalized (Black participants with experience with the criminal justice system) gain labour market access, health and wellness and social justice?
- How do permanent and temporary WISE programs support the reintegration of people attempting to enter the labour market with criminal records? What are some long-term implications?
- How can transitional work opportunities through social enterprises help build self-efficacy and personal agency in Black participants with gaps in employment? What elements of the experience (skill development, social connections, structure/routine etc.) are most impactful in shaping one’s perspective and identity?
- In what ways can involvement in a social enterprise transform perspectives on concepts like “work,” “productivity,” and “contribution to community”? How might these expanded definitions of traditionally narrow constructs influence goals, values and life directions beyond the bounds of the program itself?
Longitudinal Study
The Longitudinal Study will examine the subjects over a 4-5 year period to analyse patterns, behaviors and trends over the term, while publishing a non-fictional documentary.
The Black Impact Longitudinal Study: A Pioneering Study By Us and For Us
Principal Investigator
Dr. Patience Adamu
Dr. Patience Adamu is an impassioned champion of diversity, equity and inclusion with over 15 years of experience. Currently, she serves as a Director of EDI of a Canadian corporation working to cultivate a more diverse and equitable workforce. She holds a PhD in Policy Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University. Her doctoral research focused on “How Does Blackness Affect Labour Market Outcomes and Experiences in Ontario and Quebec”, reflecting her commitment to examining and redressing inequities faced by Black communities.
Outside of work, Dr. Adamu lends her scholarship and leadership to empower marginalized groups. She has conducted studies on representation of racial minorities in leadership roles and distinct experiences of Black women founders in Canada. Most recently, she co-founded a foundation serving Black Canadians with disabilities, disrupting traditional dialogues dominated by non-disabled and white voices. Dr. Adamu continues leveraging her academic expertise and lived experience to promote social justice through innovative research, advocacy and community building.
Learn More or Get Involved at: Black Equity Integration Initiative
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