Our Inclusivity Committee began out of an Anti-Racism Action Plan that we as a staff of the SOBDL created in summer 2021. We ultimately created this plan in response to the Black Lives Matter global movement that was sparked due to the police killing of George Floyd. It was a good wake up call for us to identify that there is always more work to be done within our organization to address racism in not only the explicit but also the implicit ways. The plan outlined multiple action points we will work on as an organization to continue to strive to be leaders in the craft beer industry for all things inclusion.
We have since expanded the action plan to also address other inclusion pillars such as LGBTQ+, disability, etc. We always want to be open-minded and put policies and procedures in place that will make folks feel included and welcome. As with any work of this magnitude, change can be slow but we’re committed to learning, growing and implementing. We want to make sure we don’t simply TALK, but DO! We want to set a good example for the craft beer industry at large that this work is important, necessary and needed.
The committee was formed from both Erica reaching out to certain folks and others applying during the call we put out on social media and in our newsletter. We were thrilled at the number of amazing applications and in the end narrowed it down to 12 amazing folks.
Our plan is to have quarterly meetings with the committee to listen, learn and engage in lively and productive conversations. Shortly after a meeting occurs, we will post the meeting minutes on our SOBDL blog (and this page!) for full transparency of what was discussed and so other breweries or interested peeps can check it out and hopefully use some of the resources and info discusssed. In between meetings, the SOBDL staff spearheading this initiative (aka Drea, Jess and Erica) will be putting recommendations into action.
Let’s grow! Onwards,
Our Committee Members
SOBDL Staff Involved
Erica Campbell
She / Her
Back in 2013, Erica had the brilliant idea (in the shower of course) to create a secret society of beer loving ladies in Toronto. Having just joined the beer world she chatted up some like minded women and the rest, as they say, is history!
Jaime Dobbs
Jaime’s background in graphic design, party planning and beer infused cupcake creation has prepared her for favourite job yet - running the SOBDL! After joining the craft beer industry working in events and sales, she teamed up with Erica to launch the very first Bevy in 2014.
Committee Meeting Notes - Click on the Image Below to Read the Notes!
Inclusivity Committee Meeting #2
Location: Zoom
Inclusivity Committee Meeting #1
Date: March 8 2021
Location: Zoom