“AMONG THE THINGS MEMBERS CAN DO TO HELP ADVANCE THE NEEDS AND PRIORITIES OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS TO HAVE OPEN AND HONEST CONVERSATIONS WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES AND NEIGHBOURS ABOUT THE ISSUES THAT AFFECT BOTH EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS.”
information about workshops, collective bargaining news, local events and commit- tee updates. If you haven’t already, check if your local has a newsletter and sign up for it. Tese, along with the ETFO provincial e- newsletter, are great ways to find out about events and opportunities in your union at both the local and provincial level. Social media is also a great resource. Our
local has a closed Facebook group where the same types of news and events are shared. Beyond sharing information, members can ask questions or seek advice from colleagues. Sometimes the group is an outlet to bring up concerns at work sites, and this helps mem- bers see they are not alone in the issues they are facing at school. Although it is virtual, the group fosters a great sense of commu- nity. It also allows us to promote events like our AGM or local office open houses where members can gather in-person. As a local, we have worked hard to be both representative of our community and to
36 ETFO VOICE | WINTER 2024
make sure that there is a diversity of voices at our decision-making tables. We have fa- cilitated focus groups for members who self- identify as racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, and/or members living with a disability. We also work to connect with new mem-
bers. Our local hosts annual 4th Block So- cials, where members are invited to gather for food, drinks and conversation. It’s a way for members to meet the released officers and executive members in a relaxed set- ting. ETFO locals are doing things like this across the province. If you are not connected to your local but want to be more active and find out more information, I encourage you to connect and get involved.
BUILDING BROADER RELATIONSHIPS
Being active in ETFO has opened many doors for me. I have been able to participate in programs like Union School, collective bargaining conferences and parliamentarian
training. I am thankful to have participated in Women’s Programs like And Still We Rise, Sisters in the Struggle and Women in Action. I have learned so much through programs such as these, and I feel confident bringing this knowledge back to my local to share with others. You can find all the programs that are available to you through your local and through the provincial office at
etfo.ca. I keep in touch with colleagues I’ve met
through these programs who have now be- come friends. We keep each other posted on life events and things going on in our lo- cals. We look forward to seeing each other at events throughout the year – especially An- nual Meeting in August. We have meaning- ful connections to one another thanks to our work in our union. One of the greatest giſts of being a union member is the sense of com- munity and connection. As we connect with one another, through
meetings, programs and events, we build re- lationships. Your local will have opportuni-
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