In a time when understanding differences and building supportive communities has never been more important, BCRPA’s Pathways to Belonging program is helping to lead the way. This initiative is designed to strengthen and expand IDEA‑aligned practices — Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility — across the recreation, parks, culture, and physical activity spaces.
When inclusion is intentionally woven into every aspect of programming, everyone has the opportunity to experience a genuine sense of belonging. By creating environments where participants feel welcomed, including through physical spaces and the staff who support them, Pathways to Belonging training helps foster comfortable, engaging recreation experiences where everyone can participate.
Whether it’s ensuring accessible entrances and pathways, offering translated materials, having classes in different languages or providing gender-neutral washrooms, there are many practical ways to make recreation and parks programs more inclusive and accessible for all.
“…I can make a difference with my staff through this training and where we can go with it.”
Stacey Miranda, Williams Lake Director of Community Services
Advancing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility
The program includes six online modules designed for participants at every level of an organization, from interns to Recreation Directors and business owners. Participants explore how recreation and parks programs can benefit from incorporating IDEA principles and practices, learn how to apply them in practical ways, and deepen their understanding of unrecognized privileges and biases that can impact people on a daily basis.
BCRPA partnered with Synergy Executive & Boards Consulting Group to develop the program, training 21 program leaders in 20 communities to support the program in all regions of BC. In each module, participants will learn about a variety of topics, including incorporating inclusive language, engaging community members, and breaking down accessibility barriers that may be invisible.
“Advancing IDEA at this moment is about safeguarding community cohesion, countering exclusionary narratives, and ensuring these spaces continue to serve as accessible, welcoming anchors for everyone, especially those most impacted by uncertainty and division,” said Trish Mandewo, Founder & CEO, Synergy Executive & Boards Consulting Group.
Each module includes the opportunity for participants to reflect on what they have learned. Program trainers facilitate group discussions, providing an opportunity for participants to further their learning and discuss key topics and issues at the community level.
Delivering Pathways to Belonging Across BC
The first step to bringing BCRPA’s Pathways to Belonging program to life was to train facilitators who can deliver the program in their communities across the province.
Williams Lake Director of Community Services Stacey Miranda and BCRPA Registered Fitness Leader and Vancouver personal trainer Kate Lee are two of the trainers currently completing the program.
“Some of the questions that are coming from the participants have already opened my eyes [about] how I can make a difference with my staff through this training and where we can go with it,” Miranda said about leading Pathways to Belonging.
Implementing a new program always carries some risk, as it may not resonate with everyone who participates. The Pathways to Belonging program was designed to ensure space for open conversation and room for both organizations and individuals to grow in a way that will impact the community now and into the future.
“I’m going to be looking for a group that is enthusiastic,” Lee said about leading the first Pathways to Belonging program, “They’ll challenge me, they will be open to me trying various methods, [and] that they’ll give me more time because I’d like to try different examples.”
A preliminary cohort of about 200 participants funded by the Province of British Columbia through the BC Alliance for Healthy Living is wrapping up this summer.
Pathways to Belonging will be launching registration for its first public cohort this September. Keep your eyes peeled for your opportunity to bring IDEA work into recreation and parks and physical activity spaces and support the foundation of making your facility or program more inclusive for everyone to enjoy.
About the Author
Ethan Paulson loves going for a swim, even in the middle of winter! Growing up in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, he was surrounded by beautiful lakes and rivers, which he spent countless hours in during the summer. When Ethan isn’t taking a plunge, he is a 4th year Communications student at the University of the Fraser Valley, writer for his schools’ newspaper and a former Communications Assistant Intern for BCRPA. With a passion for sport and recreation, Ethan hopes to bring communities together through a shared love of the game.
