The rights and responsibilities we take for granted in Canada never came easily and they weren’t created overnight. What can we learn from the past and what are we willing to do for the future?  Stephen Hammond, author of the new book Steps in the Rights Direction: 365 human rights celebrations and tragedies that inspired Canada and the world, will address examples from the past and then encourage people in the present to decide what respect and changes they want.  If you think the bully, harasser or discriminator will change on his or her own, think again.  Stephen will address realistic approaches every person must take if she and he want more respect, a better workplace and better interactions with people.

Everyone at work.  All employees, from the entry level to the top level of an organization will want to share in this message.  Many people point the finger at someone else, when in fact it’s each of us who has to take control of what is being said and done in the workplace.  You will leave Stephen’s talk encouraged to look at your own behaviour and to speak up, respectfully and assertively when the behaviour of others is not what you get paid for.  You will also hear stories of those who spoke up, against all odds, and left a legacy for all of us.

"I have always appreciated Stephen’s professionalism and style. He is excellent at getting people engaged to talk about subject matters that are difficult and complex. When people leave his sessions they either have good ideas, or good questions to answer. In each case people have a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities in the workplace.
Stephen is gifted at being able to add humour to a subject that very few people think of as funny. He is able to not only keep up with current issues, but also current technology, to support the learning process."

Steve Traviss
Senior Human Resources Officer
District of Maple Ridge, B.C.

Stephen Hammond, B.A., LL.B., CSP, is a lawyer turned workplace and community human rights speaker and educator.  His Bachelor of Arts in political studies is from the University of Manitoba and his Bachelor of Laws degree is from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto.  Stephen is the author of Managing Human Rights at Work: 101 practical tips to prevent human rights disasters and Steps in the Rights Direction: 365 human rights celebrations and tragedies that inspired Canada and the world.  Stephen is a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers and the International Federation for Professional Speakers. In 2008 Stephen was one of only 5 Canadians to receive the designation of CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) which is the “most prestigious earned designation for platform excellence” by the International Federation. Fewer than 10% of the Federation members hold this designation including just 43 Canadians.