Understanding Equity Beyond the Surface
Equity is often discussed in boardrooms, community meetings, and social justice conversations, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and misapplied principles in our society. While we advocate for equity in workplaces, policies, and education, we fail to recognize the imbalance in how we treat individuals who contribute selflessly versus those who master the art of visibility and self-promotion.
The Quiet Contributors vs. The Loud Advocates
One of the biggest oversights in our societal structure is how we distribute equity among people who engage differently. Some individuals quietly give their 200% to an organization or community, offering their time, expertise, and dedication. They express opinions, sometimes disagree, but do not aggressively push their agenda. They are the backbone of many initiatives, yet they rarely get recognized or rewarded.
On the other hand, those who are loud, who know how to manipulate relationships, satisfy egos, or maintain a strategic presence, often secure the attention, promotions, and rewards. These individuals, despite often contributing less in substance, find themselves at the forefront of decision-making and influence. The result? A society that consistently rewards the wrong people while expecting the right outcomes.
If we truly value those who contribute to society for the right reasons, many of these individuals would not have to wear a fake mask just to be loved or accepted. Not all leaders engage in superficial relationship-building or “you scratch my back, I scratch yours” politics, but they often feel compelled to do so because it is the only way to climb the ladder. However, we should strive for a society where equity is based on authenticity, where individuals can succeed by being true to themselves rather than conforming to artificial expectations.
Equity for Those Who Contribute Selflessly
We must emphasize and build equity for those who contribute selflessly with no expectation of return. Too often, decision-making spaces are dominated by individuals who are paid to participate, while volunteers who give their time and energy without compensation remain overlooked. A common scenario in many organizations and meetings is that out of 20 attendees, 18 are paid for their participation, while only 2 are present as volunteers. Furthermore, these meetings are frequently scheduled during working hours, making it difficult for unpaid volunteers to attend and contribute meaningfully. This structural bias diminishes the voices of those who genuinely care about the cause.
Another concerning issue is that many immigrant-related organizations have decision-making teams composed of individuals who have never experienced life as an immigrant. This disconnect often leads to policies and initiatives that do not effectively address the real challenges faced by immigrant communities. To build a truly equitable society, it is imperative that those who have lived these experiences are included in leadership and decision-making roles.
Some people work behind the scenes for years and years, while others contribute to high-profile events and steal the show. This imbalance causes deep frustration among dedicated volunteers who see their hard work go unrecognized while opportunists receive the spotlight. This leads to discouragement and disengagement among those who truly drive change. A just and equitable society must ensure that recognition is fairly distributed, valuing the contributions of both visible and behind-the-scenes efforts.
Systemic Barriers in Hiring, Funding, and Workplace Equity
Equity is not just about rewarding selfless volunteers; it extends to hiring, funding, and employment opportunities as well. Many organizations claim to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), yet their processes tell a different story. In bilingual cities, for example, candidates who are less capable of performing a job may be hired simply because they are bilingual, while highly skilled individuals who are multilingual but lack proficiency in French or English never even get their CVs on the HR table.
This systemic exclusion is particularly problematic in immigrant-related organizations, where decision-makers often do not share the lived experiences of the communities they are meant to serve. The presence of DEI departments in these organizations does not necessarily translate into equitable hiring or funding practices, as the criteria used for recruitment and financial support may still exclude talented individuals and impactful initiatives.
Additionally, funding allocations often depend more on personal networks and affiliations rather than the actual impact an organization or individual has created. Funds are frequently distributed based on how many people one knows from influential circles rather than how effectively they are solving issues and making a measurable impact. This flawed system undermines true equity by prioritizing connections over competence and sustainability. If we continue to reward networking over real solutions, we risk reinforcing structural inequities rather than dismantling them.
To build an equitable workforce and funding system, organizations must:
- Recognize and value multilingualism beyond just English and French.
- Assess job candidates based on competency rather than linguistic exclusivity.
- Ensure immigrant representation in decision-making roles within immigrant-focused organizations.
- Rethink hiring policies to create genuine pathways for skilled individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Distribute funding based on measurable impact rather than personal affiliations or bureaucratic politics.
Examples of Inequity in Society
- Armchair Activism in Leadership – Many executive directors of nonprofit organizations that work in vulnerable sectors seldom engage with the communities they serve beyond boardroom discussions. If leaders are detached from the realities on the ground, how can they advocate for true equity?
- Selective Acknowledgment of Work – A person who has spent years working behind the scenes on a long-term project may never be acknowledged, whereas someone who organizes a single high-profile event receives all the credit. This discourages long-term contributors from continuing their work.
- Barriers to Leadership for Grassroots Workers – Those who work directly with marginalized groups often lack access to leadership roles because they do not have the ‘right connections’ or corporate credentials, despite their firsthand experience and expertise.
- Unequal Resource Distribution – Nonprofits with well-connected leaders receive more funding regardless of measurable impact, while smaller organizations making a real difference struggle to sustain themselves due to lack of visibility in elite circles.
- Preference for Formality Over Impact – Organizations may value degrees and polished proposals over lived experiences and practical solutions, leading to the exclusion of those who understand challenges firsthand but lack formal qualifications.
- Volunteer Burnout and Disengagement – Volunteers who dedicate years of service without recognition or support often experience burnout, while those who strategically engage in short-term, visible roles gain influence and career advancement.
- Unequal Access to Decision-Making Spaces – Many marginalized voices are left out of important policy discussions simply because they lack institutional backing or formal representation, despite their deep knowledge of community issues.
- Token Representation Over Genuine Inclusion – Organizations may include individuals from underrepresented groups for optics rather than meaningful participation, preventing real progress toward equity.
Equity is not just about fair treatment in workplaces or government policies; it extends to how we treat people within our own communities. It is time we recognize and reward quiet dedication, ensure that selfless volunteers do not get overshadowed by opportunists, and build structures that support organizations that truly serve.
The question we must ask ourselves is simple: Are we rewarding the right people? If not, then we, as a society, must reflect and realign our values before we expect different results. We must foster an environment where authenticity is encouraged, and individuals do not have to compromise their values just to be seen or heard.
For immigrants and local communities alike, building a truly equitable society means recognizing not just the loud voices, but the hard-working individuals and organizations that create meaningful, long-lasting impact.
