KEY PRINCIPLES AND STEPS:
• We need to see ourselves as workers who are involved in our communi- ties socially, in sports leagues, clubs, community and faith groups. We have many opportunities to meet community members and parents outside of our schools. This allows us to work from our strengths and passions and meet people where they are comfortable.
• Relationships that last are formed by having personal conversations.
• Consider how you will stay connected with your parent and community partners when we are bargaining, how you will be able to communicate early and often about the issues at the centre of our education struggles so everyone remains united.
• People are more likely to participate if they are given concrete tasks.
• Show up for the struggles in your com- munities outside of your schools. We get support when we give support and the ills of our society, poverty, diminishing public services, heightened racism and xenophobia, all have an impact on our students and families. Is there a local $15 and Fairness organizing group, a com- mittee to deal with housing or child care or transit issues? Join.
WEST END PARENTS FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION
We will continue to grow this move- ment, organize and resist until the cuts to education are reversed and until we’ve won the schools our children deserve and can thrive in.
There is a growing network of parent/
guardian-led groups all over the GTA and around the province. We know that many education workers are also parents and are welcome in these organizing spaces. Please see the links below to find out more and get involved in your area.
Our Demands for Strong and Equitable Fully-Funded Public Education
• A reversal of the cuts to public education, the cuts that have already happened and those planned for the future.
• A reversal of the harmful changes made; a reinstatement of Indigenous
32 ETFO VOICE | FALL 2019
curriculum writing sessions and the 2015 Health Curriculum.
• No elimination of education worker jobs.
• A fully-funded public education system that includes low class size caps, excellent needs support, no mandatory e-learning and well- maintained buildings.
• Funding that provides equitable enrich- ment opportunities across the system and reduces the burden on school- based fundraising.
• An inclusive curriculum and respect for the diversity of our students and educators.
• A protected Full-Day Kindergarten pro- gram, and quality, free, safe, universal public childcare.
Please check these links for more information and upcoming actions.
https://linktr.ee/schoolwalkins https://www.facebook.com/WEPPEToronto/
• Create teams in schools to share the work, coordinate efforts and support each other. Include members from other bargaining units, e.g. occasional teachers and education workers.
• Build your contact list of parents and community members each time you hold an event.
• Remove barriers and reduce challenges to increase participation (provide child care at events, translate materials, make sure your venues are accessible).
• Go to ETFO’s
BuildingBetterSchools.ca for updated flyers and speaking points to share with other educators and parents.
• Create shifts for participation. Can speaking with parents outside the school, off-the-clock be a regular part of your staff team’s work?
• Follow up and thank participants and parents. Give updates on the next ask or event.n
Nigel Barriffe, Yolanda B’Dacy and Helen Victoros are Executive members of Elementary Teachers of Toronto.
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