STA Executive Chair:
Mandart Chan
The BCTF is proud of its history as a social justice union. This means that as an organization of professionals, we accept and act on our broad responsibility to be involved in the social development of the communities and the province we live in, and we do this in the interests of the children we teach.
A social justice union advocates for social change that will enhance equity, security and safety, sustainability of communities, participation of citizens in social change, and access to opportunities for personal growth and development.
The social justice initiatives of the Federation focus on poverty, child and youth issues, race relations, gender equity, homophobia and heterosexism, bullying, environmental issues, globalization, and violence prevention. In addition, the Federation has an advisory committee on Aboriginal education.
SOGI Resources
Bite Size SOGI – Made by Kelli Kraft – SOGI Lead in Victoria
If you are looking for a good and easy resource about pronouns, check out this one from Trans Care BC!
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Social Justice Days & Themes
October is Women’s History Month and Learning Disability Awareness Month.
October 4 – Sisters in Spirit Day
October 17 – International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
October 18 – Person’s Day
November is Anti-Poverty Month
November 20 – Transgender Day of Remembrance
November 25 – International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women
December 2021:
Social Justice Readings – I am currently in the Master of Professional Education in Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice and my professor has granted me permission to share our readings with all STA members. If you are wanting to “read along” with me, please feel free to us this link for the readings. https://bit.ly/ReadAlonginSJ All readings are organized by topic, all pertaining to Social Justice.
Social Justice Materials & Resources – Here is a collection of materials that have been collected from BCTF and other organization with a focus on Social Justice. Please feel free to use them as well! https://bit.ly/SJMaterialsResources
Moose Hide Campaign Day – “Grounded in ceremony and Indigenous values, the Moose Hide Campaign is a grassroots movement inviting Indigenous and non-Indigenous men and boys, alongside all Canadians, to stand up against violence towards women and children.” The Moose Hide Campaign Day is on February 10, 2022 and the information is below. Although the movement is geared towards “men and boys”, I encourage everyone of all genders to be part of this awareness campaign as well.
Social Justice Noteworthy Dates (December);
1 Dec – World’s AIDS Day
2 Dec – International Day of the Abolition of Slavery
3 Dec – International Day of Persons with Disabilities
6 Dec – National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
TEACHER ACTIVISM:
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Hi everyone,
Here is an important petition addressed to the Ministry of Education asking them to mandate two days of in-service training on TRC and UNDRIP in the 2021-2022 school year for all K to12 school district staff in public and independent school systems.
| As you may have heard, the bodies of 215 murdered Indigenous youth and children were revealed at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School on the territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc. As settlers we have to dig deep and ask ourselves, what role has education played in the genocide of Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island? It is only when we confront and accept the truth, that we can move forward in Reconciliation. We send love and condolences to our Indigenous colleagues, students, and supporters, who have to relive the trauma of colonization on a daily basis. AOEC commits to doing better. In this spirit, please find our open letter to the Ministry of Education, demanding two days of in-service for the 2021/2022 school year to focus on reading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples To read our full letter, visit www.aoec.ca. We must read, learn and reckon. We ask that you join our call by signing and amplifying our petition. This demand is for settlers in the K-12 education system, please find our letter of love to our Indigenous colleagues on our website, we commit to doing better for you and our students. |
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| Teacher Activism: What Does it Look Like?Are you wondering what practical teacher activism resembles? Come and learn how educators Monica, Nikitha, Ramona, Trevor and Kenneth are transforming pedagogy and student learning experiences through collaboration, ally-ship, organizing and resource sharing. Remember, best educators don’t limit themselves into their traditional classroom walls! Wednesday, June 23, 20215:00-6:00pmFind the link to register here: https://educ.ubc.ca/news-events/ |
Vancouver Island K-12 Teacher GSA:
Are you a teacher that identifies as a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community? If so, we welcome you to join the Vancouver Island K-12 Teacher GSA. This is a safe and private group. All of us are here to learn, grow, and create a supportive environment together. Here, you can ask questions, share stories/resources, have healthy discussions, and feel supported by fellow teachers.https://www.facebook.com/groups/vik12gsa
SOGI EVENTS:
www.arcfoundation.ca | www.SOGIeducation.org
