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Together We’re Better...Gearing up for our Social Justice Day
On Thursday, April 24th, a group of Grade 8 students from the Student Council attended the Together We’re Better conference at Bill Crothers Secondary School. The conference has been taking place in the Board for the past 21 years, as its lessons are timeless and will always be of use. Its main goal is to increase equity and inclusivity amongst all YRDSB members.
Building an inclusive environment involves acknowledging and celebrating differences. This was highlighted during the first presentation by the First Nations Group, Tribal Vision. The many dances performed by various tribes demonstrated how inclusivity is possible even if people come from different places. Although the dances were diverse, they all encompassed the feeling of unity. Greg Frankson a well known Canadian Poet shared his insightful poems based on personal experiences. Educating others with his poetry made us understand prominent social issues like racism. His powerful words, “No matter what our intention, it is the effect of the action that changes our lives” made us realize just how impactful actions are. We need to be the change we want to see. Itah Sadu, a well-known storyteller and author shared her vision. She underlined the need for everyone to help others when they are vulnerable and in fact, asking for help is not a weakness but a strength.
The workshops we attended were very informative. The Scanning for Equity workshop made us realize we should be creating a more inclusive community at our school by reflecting on our school’s physical space. A simple idea such as displaying achievements of all of the various clubs at our school in the front foyer will foster more equity and inclusivity within our school. The Learning and Unlearning workshop had participants experience first hand what English Language Learners go through when facing an unfamiliar language environment.
The conference has given us some ideas to share at our upcoming Social Justice Day. We look forward to planning an amazing day.
Mrs. Reid in collaboration with Shanzay A.
I attended the conference years ago and I agree that the lessons are timeless. I am hoping that the students we sent to the conference are able to take these lessons and internalize them. Students have the power to "be the change they want to see." The world definately has lots of room for change.
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