The Value of Paying It Forward
To take your mentorship to the next level, consider being a sponsor: someone who speaks the names of protégés in rooms of opportunities, goes to bat for their career success when they aren't there.
Hi everyone,
First of all, for all those observing, Ramadan Mubarak! If you want to learn more and think about supporting folks observing Ramadan in the workplace, check out this great guide by Muslamic Makers.
What an exciting time the last few weeks have been on Canada’s policy and public affairs calendar!
Recently, my LinkedIn and Twitter has been full of folks who were present in what I will term the ‘Canada-US Prom’, the State Dinner in honour of U.S. President Joe Biden, who visited Canada last week on Thursday and Friday. It culminated President Biden’s first visit to Canada since being inaugurated.
Another key event on the horizon: tonight is Federal Budget eve.
Since the pandemic began in 2020, federal budget-making has taken on heightened importance in the increasingly complex world we are navigating, whether it be escalating geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, an inflammatory political context mired in hate and violence, uncertainty of what the future holds and questions about whether upward prosperity is even possible, especially for Millennials, Gen Z and future generations.
Within these circumstances, public policy entrepreneur and veteran budget-maker Tyler Meredith, (who has been behind the last seven or so Federal Budgets), shares the 10 things he is looking for in Tuesday’s Federal Budget - a must-read before tomorrow’s budget drops at 4 pm ET.
Budgets are political documents that highlight what a government or administration deems a priority - let’s see what makes the cut, especially in this constrained financial climate. Many signals point to fiscal restraint being an overriding objective for this year’s Federal Budget. At the same time, other signals highlight that the moment also demands strategic investments in initiatives to combat the complex issues we are facing in 2023 and beyond.
I’ll be looking forward to analyses on the budget - keen to see what the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives will put out. I had an opportunity to contribute to their Alternative Federal Budget, so be sure to check out before the Federal Budget is released to see what aligns and diverges from what advocates have been calling for. For the global development and humanitarian sector, tune into commentary from Bigger than our Borders and Cooperation Canada (happening on April 4).
Speaking of ‘prom’, a highly anticipated event in the policy and public affairs calendar is the Testimonial Dinner, a veritable prom for Canada’s policy wonks (typically sandwiched between the Public Policy Forum's Growth Summit and Toronto Metropolitan University Leadership Lab’s Wonk Prom). I hope to see many of you in attendance - drop me a line if you’ll be attending!
Today’s post, the 3rd in a series on career navigation (the first one focused on the power of building community, and the second one on the impact of giving back), will focus on the value of paying it forward.
Right now, there is a dearth of members of underrepresented communities securing positions of leadership, decision-making, and influence, from senior management roles to board directors, to politics and public affairs.
Too often, women and people of colour are not accessing a vital ingredient to career progression and advancement: sponsorship.
These articles in the Harvard Business Review outline the difference between mentors and sponsors (by Janice Omadeke) and the ABCDs of sponsorship: Amplifying, Boosting, Connecting, and Defending (by Rosalind Chow).
In the workplace, sponsorship can look like securing high-profile ‘stretch assignments’ for your protégés to increase their visibility and build their track record. It can look like nominating them for promotions, awards and fellowships. It means amplifying the achievements of protégés, speaking their name in rooms of opportunities, and, when needed, protecting them from unfair backlash or critique. Sponsorship also means sharing your social capital and opening up your networks.
Now, this is by no means necessary or required. However, it is an important pathway, alongside public policy, to level the playing field and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace—an effective way to put your allyship into practice.
As you can see, there are many different ways to practice sponsorship. In April, I challenge you to sponsor at least two people in your network, ideally folks from underrepresented communities. I would love to hear about your experiences - let me know your reflections.
Now a question I hear often: how does one secure a sponsor?
I’ll share some reflections on that in a future post. For now, the most foundational piece of advice I can share: invest in the relationship (do not be transactional) and be someone who is seen as effective in their role and a solutions-oriented team player. Again, it is not guaranteed that someone will take you on as a protégé, but folks will be more willing to invest in you if they see you as a rising star that invests in themselves and others and someone they would like to associate their career brand with.
On that note, I am so grateful to this incredible community of subscribers - your messages of support, feedback, and stories of how you’ve taken the tips shared in this newsletter and applied them to your own career journey is so appreciated. Please continue to share your experiences.
Next month will be a busier period than usual on the personal and professional front (that’s why I’m publishing 2 newsletters in March instead of 1 in April)! Enjoy - this newsletter is packed with 50 jobs and many professional development opportunities, events, and recommended reads.
Till we speak again - take good care!
Sincerely,
Anjum
PS: This newsletter will be on hiatus in April. I’ll be back in May. I’m considering hosting a gathering in Toronto for subscribers + the broader policy and public affairs community in June. If I did, would you come? Message me + let me know!
PPS: If you haven’t yet, hit the subscribe button below.
Do you know a youth advocate, activist or campaigner? Share Canadian perspectives in a global survey!
📣Are you a girl or young woman campaigner, activist or influencer? Plan International wants to hear from you!
📝In the lead-up to the International Day of the Girl, Plan International is conducting research this year on the experiences of young women and girls in campaigning, activism or influencing activities. We are inviting girls and young women aged 15 to 24 living in a specific set of countries to take part in a short global survey by April 4th
🔗Click here to find out more: https://bit.ly/2023-State-Of-The-Worlds-Girls-Report-Survey
Opportunities to stretch + grow
BoardShift - Training Program for Prospective Board Directors | CivicAction
Women in Media Fellowship | Women Who Lead X Enterprise Canada
Young Fellowship Program | The Insitute of Peace and Diplomacy
Rise on Boards | Fora: Network for Change | Deadline March 29, 2023
Top 30 Under 30 | Canadian Arab Institute | Deadline March 31, 2023
Policy Youth Fellowship | Urban Alliance on Race Relations | Deadline March 31, 2023
Chinese Youth Fellowship | Urban Alliance on Race Relations | Deadline March 31, 2023
HerStart Fellowships | Youth Challenge International | Deadline April 1, 2023
Board Director | Operation Eyesight Canada | Deadline April 22nd, 2023
Must-Go Events
When Preparation Meets Opportunity: Cultivating Your Career Path | Women Who Lead | March 29, 2023
Niagara Leadership Summit for Women | YWCA Niagara Region | April 1, 2023
City of Toronto Iftar Event | Co-hosted by Councillor Ausma Malik & Deputy Mayor McKelvie | April 6, 2023 (Tickets limited, register ASAP - I will likely be in attendance)
TIFF Next Wave Film Festival | April 14-16, 2023 | Free for folks under 25
Advocacy Incubator | April 19 and April 26, 2023 | Children First Canada
Two-Trailblazing Futurpreneur-Supported Founders | Canadian Club Toronto | April 19, 2023
Canada Growth Summit | Public Policy Forum | April 27, 2023
Testimonial Dinner | Public Policy Forum | April 27, 2023
Wonk Prom | Leadership Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University | April 27, 2023
Inclusive Child Care Conference | Oxfam Canada | May 5-6, 2023 | Apply by April 10th
National Conference | Results Canada | May 6-8, 2023
Equal Futures Summit | CanWaCH | May 17-18, 2023
Toronto Policy & Public Affairs Connect | Sometime in June 2023 (Stay tuned)
What I’m Reading + Recommended Reads
Feminist Intentions | The Equality Fund
What I’m Watching for in Tuesday’s Budget | Air Quotes Media | Tyler Meredith
Alternative Federal Budget | Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
How to Ensure Women Leaders Succeed | Toronto Star | Ziyana Kotadia
It will take 132 years to achieve gender equality - we can’t wait that long | Mississauga News | Anjum Sultana & Tehsin Jaffer
Don’t Just Mentor Women and People of Colour, Sponsor Them | Harvard Business Review | Rosalind Chow
Building the Charitable Sector’s Policy Muscle | The Philanthropist | Tim Harper
On International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, here are 10 pathways to progress for any organization | World Economic Forum | By Kimberly Bennett & Asha Nooh
CivicAction seeks to get more diversity in non-profit, public and charity board positions | North York Mirror | Alice Chen
Equity Kickstart Guide for Cities | YWCA Metro Vancouver
4 Ways ChatGPT could help level the humanitarian playing field | The New Humanitarian | Aanjalie Roane
The Atlantic Momentum Index | Public Policy Forum | Andrew Sharpe
50 jobs in policy, communications & public affairs:
Public Policy Analyst | CSA Group
Associate Director, Public Affairs | Gilead Sciences
Advocacy Communications Manager | ApplyBoard
Public Affairs Coordinator - Corporate Giving | Gilead Sciences
Director of Operations & Development | Informed Opinions
Senior Director, Government and External Affairs | McCain Foods
Senior Communications Officer | Nutrition International
Manager, Public Policy & Advocacy | Region of Peel
Public Policy Manager, Canada | TikTok Canada
Vice President, Federal Government Relations | Retail Council of Canada
Lead, Media and Advocacy | World Vision Canada
Assistant Director, Government Relations | Universities Canada
Senior Project Manager | Plan International Canada | Deadline March 26, 2023
Strategy Lead | Plan International Canada | Deadline March 26, 2023
Manager of Advocacy | YWCA Toronto | Deadline March 27, 2023
Public Affairs Officer | Fulbright Canada | Deadline March 27, 2023
Program Manager - Burma | Interpares | Deadline March 27, 2023
Director, Corporate Civic Engagement | Volunteer Canada | Deadline March 29, 2023
Director, Strategic Engagement | Public Policy Forum | Deadline March 30, 2023
Manager of Public Policy & Advocacy | YMCA Canada | Deadline March 31, 2023
Senior Development Officer | Calgary Public Library Foundation | Deadline March 31, 2023
Government Relations & Advocacy Associate | Ovarian Cancer Canada | Deadline March 31, 2023
Communications and Media Senior Officer | SOS Children’s Villages Canada | Deadline March 31, 2023
Government Relations Officer | Universities Canada | Deadline April 2, 2023
Director of Strategic Communications & Initiatives | Ontario Nonprofit Network | Deadline April 3, 2023
Public Affairs Specialist | Council of Ontario Universities | Deadline April 3, 2023
Policy Analyst | Cooperation Canada | Deadline April 4, 2023
Public Engagement Strategist | City of Regina | Deadline April 6, 2023
Manager of Partnerships and Community Engagement | The Hogan’s Alley Society | April 7, 2023
Manager of Advocacy Services | OCAD Student Union | Deadline April 8, 2023
Campaigns Manager, Canada | ONE Canada | Deadline April 9, 2023
Senior Engagement Specialist | Canadian Climate Institute | Deadline April 9, 2023
Policy Development Officer | City of Toronto | Deadline April 11, 2023
Manager of Clean Energy Policy | Pembina Institute | Deadline April 11, 2023
Advocacy & Policy Advisor | Canadian Association of Midwives | Deadline April 11, 2023
Program Manager, Just Transition Coalition | Vancouver Economic Commission | Deadline April 13, 2023
Manager, Public Affairs | U-15 Group of Canadian Research Universities | Deadline April 14, 2023
Senior Policy Advisor / Director of Policy | U-15 Group of Canadian Research Universities | Deadline April 14, 2012
Senior Manager, Corporate Partnerships | Achev | Deadline April 15, 2023
Director of Finance & Operations | Regent Park Community Health Centre | Deadline April 16, 2023
Project Coordinator, National Programs | Canadian Association of Midwives | Deadline April 16, 2023
Civic Engagement Coordinator | City for All Women Initiative | Deadline April 17, 2023
Director of Government Affairs and Policy | Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations | Deadline April 21, 2023
Manager of Government Relations | George Brown College | Deadline April 24, 2023
Vice President, Public Affairs & Communications | Nature Conservancy of Canada | Deadline April 25, 2023
Manager of Public Affairs & Advocacy | CUSO International | Deadline May 2, 2023
Communications Director | Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment | Deadline May 9, 2023
Knowledge Mobilization Specialist | York University | Deadline May 16, 2023
Government Relations Specialist | SMART | Deadline May 16, 2023
Acting Advocacy Program Director | Canadian Civil Liberties Association | Deadline May 19, 2023