Dozens of diverse subject-matter experts available on a broad range of topics

TORONTO, April 1, 2009 - GTA journalists looking for diverse perspectives in their reporting now have a new online rolodex to source subject-matter experts. Together with the Toronto City Summit Alliance (TCSA), Maytree has just launched DiverseCity Voices, a free online rolodex listing diverse experts who can speak on issues ranging from human rights to the economy.

“For a long time now, the Greater Toronto Area has been welcoming people from around the world with the promise of opportunity and prosperity,” explains Ratna Omidvar, President of Maytree. “We live in one of the most diverse regions in the world. But while there is no absence of diverse voices in the media on such issues as immigration, multiculturalism or diversity, these voices are absent on a wider range of issues. With the launch of DiverseCity Voices, we make it easier for journalists to connect with diverse experts across a variety of subject areas. It is now up to the media to go beyond the ‘same old’ sources to report news in the GTA that reflects the region it serves.”

DiverseCity Voices is one of eight initiatives of DiverseCity: The Greater Toronto Leadership Project. The project’s main goal is to transform the leadership landscape in the GTA by enabling a new group of diverse leaders to emerge. The goal of the Voices initiative is to identify diverse subject-matter experts across a variety of subject areas and connect them with journalists to enrich the quality of print, radio and television news in the GTA.

Journalists and candidates can register free at maytree.com/voices.

ABOUT MAYTREE: Maytree is a private foundation that promotes equity and prosperity through its policy insights, grants and programs. In particular, it focuses on creating diversity in the workplace, in the boardroom and in public office, changing the face of leadership in the Greater Toronto Area and Canada. www.maytree.com.

ABOUT THE TORONTO CITY SUMMIT ALLIANCE (TCSA): TCSA is a multi-sectoral coalition of civic leaders who develop and support initiatives addressing issues critical to the future health and wealth of the Toronto region. Since its inception in 2002, over 6,000 volunteers have been involved in TCSA initiatives aimed at, among other things, better integrating skilled immigrants (Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council, with Maytree), promoting affordable housing (Make Housing Happen), and realizing a regional environmental vision (Greening Greater Toronto). www.torontoalliance.ca.

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Contact:
Tina Edan, Manager, Leadership and Learning, Maytree, 416-944-2627 x245, tedan@maytree.com
Markus Stadelmann-Elder, Communications Manager, Maytree, 416-944-2627 x284, mselder@maytree.com