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1 | Page We recently lost one of Canada’s great poet laureates in Gord Downie. As the lead singer of the ‘Tragically Hip’ Gord Downie and his band mates were able to cultivate Canadian identity, belonging, awareness, and connection through music. Along with a catchy beat, the lyrics of many a song told the STORY OF AN UNHEARD VOICE that was not often reflected in society. Take a look and listen to songs such as ‘Courage’, ‘Wheat Kings’, ‘Bobcaygeon’, ‘Montreal’ and ‘Born in the Water’ to learn more about these Canadian stories, told by passionate storytellers, who matched story to harmony and melody and brought them to millions. As Gord dealt with his diagnosis of brain cancer, he matched passion to purpose and returned to the national stage to tell another story. This story was that of Chanie Wenjack, a 12 year old Ojibway boy who died over 50 years ago as he tried to run away from his residential school in Ontario. In true Gord Downie fashion, telling this story is paving the way to greater understanding of the histories and stories of real people who lived through and survived residential schools across Canada. Chanie Wenjack did not survive, and Gord was compelled to tell his story. The result was the book ‘Secret Path’ and a concert broadcast nationally. The broadcast began like this: ‘If Canada wants to really be a country, then it needs to include everybody… and it needs to take care of everybody.” -Gord Downie Never underestimate the impact and power one voice can have towards action or activism. Gord knew this power and it inspired him to move forward, to make a difference. It also inspired him to shine a light on the unheard voices in society. Others are shining a light too. Recently a number of women and men in Hollywood have come forward to share their voices, and to demand that they are heard. This is the voice of powerless women and men who have faced sexual harassment or assault by powerful media and entertainment moguls who utilized their power to acquire what they wanted. Having the POWER OF CONTROL over another can suffocate a voice into silence. This includes domestic violence, unequal/unjust economic societal structures, and crimes of hate due to race, gender, or sexual orientation. We will take a look at some of these points of power in the pages ahead. As we grow in understanding of what it takes to build and strengthen inclusive communities, we must also learn to recognize that PRIVILEGE is a voice that often is heard over the underprivileged. What is privilege and what impact does it have on unheard voices? Looking at our own mindset, biases or assumptions is another step that we can take to grow together towards inclusivity for all. We will also take a look at privilege on the pages ahead. Who are the Unheard Voices in your community? Who are the quiet ones, the unspoken ones, the dented spirits, the damaged goods, or the broken hearts that cross your path every day? Who are the shy ones, the ones who don’t look you in the eye, the ones who cower when they don’t behave the way society thinks they should? Who are the ones who are left of center, or are off the beaten path, or who walk the path alone? At least they may feel alone. But they are not alone. It takes courage to stand up…to find your own voice and to express your voice in a way that matters. Not in a divisive way…division only creates more barriers and quite truthfully it shuts down communication. Finding your voice to educate, advocate or unite for equality is powerful. Or you can find your voice and passion for something that you believe in – inclusivity for all, fairness, social justice, and the dignity of the human person. Stand up…and stand together. Remove the Inclusive communities WELCOME – ACCEPTANCE – SAFETY AND CARING – SUPPORT – ANTI-DISCRIMINATION INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE AND ACTIONS “Rooted in Jesus… walking together with hearts to love and hands to serve.” Courage Edmonton Catholic Schools Issue No. 16 | November 2017

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Page 1: Inclusive communities · role of identity in social relationships, both on a micro (individual) and macro (communal) level. Perhaps you are a teacher, youth group facilitator, student

1 | P a g e

We recently lost one of Canada’s great poet laureates in Gord Downie. As the lead singer of the ‘Tragically Hip’ Gord Downie and his band mates were able to cultivate Canadian identity, belonging, awareness, and connection through music. Along with a catchy

beat, the lyrics of many a song told the STORY OF AN UNHEARD VOICE that was not often reflected in society. Take a look and listen to songs such as ‘Courage’, ‘Wheat Kings’, ‘Bobcaygeon’, ‘Montreal’ and ‘Born in the Water’ to learn more about these Canadian stories, told by passionate storytellers, who matched story to harmony and melody and brought them to millions. As Gord dealt with his diagnosis of brain cancer, he matched passion to purpose and returned to the national stage to tell another story. This story was that of Chanie Wenjack, a 12 year old Ojibway boy who died over 50 years ago as he tried to run away from his residential school in Ontario. In true Gord Downie fashion, telling this story is paving the way to greater understanding of the histories and stories of real people who lived through and survived residential schools across Canada. Chanie Wenjack did not survive, and Gord was compelled to tell his story. The result was the book ‘Secret Path’ and a concert broadcast nationally. The broadcast began like this:

‘If Canada wants to really be a country, then it needs to include everybody… and it needs to take care of everybody.” -Gord Downie

Never underestimate the impact and power one voice can have towards action or activism. Gord knew this power and it inspired him to move forward, to make a difference. It also inspired him to shine a light on the unheard voices in society. Others are shining a light too. Recently a number of women and men in Hollywood have come forward to share their voices, and to demand that they are heard. This is the voice of powerless women and men who have faced sexual harassment or assault by powerful media and entertainment moguls who utilized their power to acquire what they wanted. Having the POWER OF CONTROL over another can suffocate a voice into silence. This includes domestic violence, unequal/unjust economic societal structures, and crimes of hate due to race, gender, or sexual orientation. We will take a look at some of these points of power in the pages ahead.

As we grow in understanding of what it takes to build and strengthen inclusive communities, we must also learn to recognize that PRIVILEGE is a voice that often is heard over the underprivileged. What is privilege and what impact does it have on unheard voices? Looking at our own mindset, biases or assumptions is another step that we can take to grow together towards inclusivity for all. We will also take a look at privilege on the pages ahead.

Who are the Unheard Voices in your community?

Who are the quiet ones, the unspoken ones, the dented spirits, the damaged goods, or the broken hearts that cross your path every day? Who are the shy ones, the ones who don’t look you in the eye, the ones who cower when they don’t behave the way society thinks they should? Who are the ones who are left of center, or are off the beaten path, or who walk the path alone? At least they may feel alone. But they are not alone. It takes courage to stand up…to find your own voice and to express your voice in a way that matters. Not in a divisive way…division only creates more barriers and quite truthfully it shuts down communication. Finding your voice to educate, advocate or unite for equality is powerful. Or you can find your voice and passion for something that you believe in – inclusivity for all, fairness, social justice, and the dignity of the human person. Stand up…and stand together. Remove the

Inclusive communities WELCOME – ACCEPTANCE – SAFETY AND CARING – SUPPORT – ANTI-DISCRIMINATION INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE AND ACTIONS

“Rooted in Jesus… walking together with hearts to love and hands to serve.”

Courage

Edmonton Catholic Schools Issue No. 16 | November 2017

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STIGMA that being ‘other’ sometimes has (mental health; sexuality and gender; race and culture; being an immigrant; poverty). Work together to remove the stigma that is a barrier in your community.

Do you know what it does to a community when STIGMA is removed, and the Unheard Voices are heard? Validation…Existence…Release of pain…Freedom…and UNITY. You can make a difference. You can provide a space for everyone to be heard and to feel part of a thriving community.

Sometimes it takes courage to be vulnerable, to be strong enough to reveal one’s true self. It also takes trust that what is revealed will be protected and honored. Cultivating that relationship of trust is essential when offering up spaces of vulnerability – to youth, to staff, and to each other. When you have cultivated this sacred space in your working and learning environments, you are on your way to a stronger community. Gord Downie knew that it takes more than words. It takes action…moving from seeing the ‘stranger’ in front of you towards embracing the ‘human’ in front of you.

TRUST- VULNERABILITY- COMMUNITY

The Stranger Lyrics from ‘The Secret Path’

I am a stranger. You can’t see me. I am a stranger. Do you know what I mean? I navigate the mud. I walk above the path. Jumping to the right, then I jump to the left. On a secret path, the one that nobody knows. I’m moving fast on a path that nobody knows. What I’m feeling is anyone’s guess—what is in my head, and what’s in my chest. I’m not going to stop, please let me catch my breath.

I am a stranger. You can’t see me. I am a stranger. Do you know what I mean? That is not my Dad. My Dad is not a wild man. Doesn’t even drink. My Daddy’s not a wild man. On a secret path, the one that nobody knows. I’m moving fast on the path that nobody knows. I am a stranger. I am a stranger.

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The toolkit is located here: Diversity Toolkit- A Guide to Discussing Identity, Power, and Privilege

This toolkit can be used as a training resource for adults to build on their awareness and understanding of diversity, identity, power, and privilege. The kit offers a variety of ways that diversity and inclusion can be transferred into the classroom.

The toolkit reads: “This toolkit is meant for anyone who feels there is a lack of productive discourse around issues of diversity and the role of identity in social relationships, both on a micro (individual) and macro (communal) level. Perhaps you are a teacher, youth group facilitator, student affairs personnel or manage a team that works with an underserved population. Training of this kind can serve as the first of several workshops to provide historical context around the politics of identity and the dynamics of power and privilege, or to help build greater self-awareness.’

The kit includes:

• What is social justice? Setting the stage for discussion • Everyone has multiple identities • Communal agreements – creating agreements to ensure a common language and understanding is agreed upon by the

group • Icebreaker activity • Introduction – Identity • Systems of Power and Privilege. It includes the article ‘The Invisible Knapsack’, by Peggy MacIntosh. The article is included

here as the link does not appear to work on the website. • Gender and Sexuality – includes a glossary list of definitions from ‘The Office of Multicultural Affairs: Fostering Inclusive

Communities through Building Relationships’, Oregon. • Race and Ethnicity – includes a toolkit of activities to explore differences

Diversity Toolkit – A Guide to discussing identity, power, and privilege

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“When the generativity and responsiveness of our power is guided by loving concern for the well-being of all, we will have an ethical and sustainable world. Power directed by Heart. Heart infused with power. This is the key to right use

of power.”

- Cedar Barstow, Founder & Director, The Right Use of Power Institute

Abuse of Power is all over the news and media today. The entertainment and media industry seems to be dealing with new revelations daily on the abuse of power (emotional, physical, sexual) and the strength and courage men and women are finding to come forward to tell their truth, their story. These voices are being heard in society, and with the efforts of the community to listen we also see the efforts to remove the stigma and empower others to speak out.

Such news may trigger feelings that cause anxiety for youth who may have experienced assault or any kind of emotional or physical misuse of power over them. Providing a platform to talk about Healthy Relationships, and to identify what is healthy and what is not, is part of creating healthy, inclusive communities.

To supplement the junior and senior high school health and wellness curriculum and resources, consider some of these.

The Right Use of Power Institute. Founded by Cedar Barstow, its core concepts include being informed and present, being compassionate and aware, being connected and accountable, and being skilful and wise. This includes:

DIMENSION ONE: GUIDANCE (direction: east) Be Informed • Own your power and influence. • Understand your values and ethical guidelines • Know the dynamics of up-power and down-power roles.

FOCUS ON INFORMATION • reframing power as a good thing: the ability, to have an effect, and to have influence • differentiating role power and personal power • understanding the dynamics of up-power and down-power and using both positions to the highest and best • owning added responsibilities when in up-power roles using the 150% principle gaining insights about your personal power and its

impact on others

DIMENSION TWO: AWARENESS (direction: south) Be Compassionate • Engage your curiosity and history well. • Attend to self-care • Infuse your power with heart.

FOCUS ON SELF • discovering limiting beliefs resulting from your personal history with issues of authority and power • reframing and using feedback as an investment in relationship • working with disempowerment in Self and others • linking power as strength with power as heart, soul and wisdom • attending to multiple levels of self-care, self-awareness, and self-correcting

Developing Healthy Relationships – a Look at the right use of POwer

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DIMENSION THREE: ACCOUNTABILITY (direction: west) Be Connected • Track your impact and ask for feedback. • Stay in right relationship and use the 150% principle. • Resolve and repair.

FOCUS ON RELATIONSHIP • shifting conflict from trauma to opportunity • practicing resolving difficulties and repairing relationships • learning strategies for working with bosses who misuse power • understanding and de-activating shame so that it doesn’t impair relationships • responding non-defensively when impact and intention don't match

DIMENSION FOUR: EMPOWERMENT (direction: north) Be Skillful • Think pro-actively. • Stay present and in the Power Zone. • Use your up and down-power leadership well

FOCUS ON WISDOM • responding constructively and pro-actively to power challenges • applying the socially intelligent model of power • knowing and using the four aspects of the power spiral • increasing effectiveness by expanding one’s range of comfort with the power parameters • exploring four leadership power styles

Visit the website for further details to learn how to gain this knowledge base to share with students.

Other resources….

Wheels of Power and Control and Equality

Power and Control Wheel for Teens

Equality Wheel

Gender Inclusive Equality Wheel

Power and Control Wheel for LGBT Relationships

Alberta’s Plan for Promoting Healthy Relationships and Preventing Bullying

Safe and Caring Schools – Welcome, Caring, Respectful and Safe Schools

Healthy Relationships Plus Program

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Use this Wellness Wheel to connect with the various aspects of ‘self’ and to learn how you can practice healthy ways to keep and maintain health and

balance in your life.

Reaching your potential- In search of balance and well-being

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Explore the topic of PRIVILEGE vs. PERSPECTIVE. Open up discussion by asking:

- What does privilege mean? - What does perspective mean? - How can looking at privilege shift your perspective on society, social justice, and how we relate to each other within communities?

Explore deeper meaning by watching these videos:

Video: Students Learn A Powerful Lesson About Privilege

Video: What is Privilege?

Video: What is Privilege?

Video: TED TALK Check Your Perspective, Not Your Privilege | Rachel West

Video: TED TALK Poverty vs. Privilege | Ashley Canas what are the 4 core principles that guide your life?

Classroom Circle Discussion Topics

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We are living in a time of political polarity, with communities torn apart by conflict and people feeling more isolated from each other than ever before. Wherever we stand with our beliefs, our values, our experiences, our pain, and our ideas of healthy communities, we need to learn how to enter discourse with each other in a civil way. Brene Brown offers insight on how to connect with what matters in our lives – experiences of courage, vulnerability, love, belonging, shame, and empathy.

As educators we cross paths with others who have differing opinions all of the time. Having the freedom and courage to speak your truth is empowering, and empowering youth to find their voice is part of the important work that we do. Brown helps the reader find the courage to get there. But what happens when the conversation becomes political or even confrontational? Brown provides the reader with tools for personal reflection as well as how to navigate conflict, whether the conflict is with others or within our own mind of conflicting thoughts. Here is a section that can garner insight to where this book leads:

’Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are inextricably connected by a power greater than us, and that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love in compassion.’ I kept reading the words ‘inextricably connected’ over and over. We have broken that link. And in the next chapter I’m going to show you how and why we broke it. The rest of the book is about fixing it—finding our way back to one another.

Right now we are neither recognizing nor celebrating our inextricable connection. We are divided from others in almost every area of our lives. We’re not showing up with one another in a way that acknowledges our connection. Cynicism and distrust have a stranglehold on our hearts. And rather than continuing to move toward a vision of shared power among people, we’re witnessing a backslide to a vision of power that is the key to the autocrat’s power over people.

Brown provides tools for bravery (Braving Skills) and conflict transformation and civility.

‘Civility is claiming and caring for one’s identity, needs, and beliefs without degrading someone else’s in the process….[civility] is about disagreeing without disrespect, seeking common ground as a starting point for dialogue about differences, listening past one’s preconceptions, and teaching others to do the same. Civility is the hard work of staying present even with those with whom we have deep-rooted and fierce disagreements. It is political in the sense that it is a necessary prerequisite for civic action. But it is political too, in a sense that it is about negotiating interpersonal power such that everyone’s voice is heard, and nobody’s is ignored.’

The last words come from students themselves. In the last chapter Brown shares her experiencing meeting with a group of Grade 8 students. She asked them to talk about the difference between fitting in and belonging. Here are a few of their thoughts:

- Belonging is being somewhere where you want to be, and they want you. Fitting in is being somewhere where you want to be, but they don’t care one way or the other.

- Belonging is being accepted by you. Fitting in is being accepted for being like anyone else. - If I get to be me, I belong. If I have to be like you, I fit in.

Brown shared that the students also talked openly about the heartache of not feeling a sense of belonging at home. One student wrote: ‘Not belonging at school is really hard. But nothing compares to what it feels like when you don’t belong at home.’ When Brown asked the students what that meant, they used these examples:

- Not living up to your parents’ expectations - Not being as cool or popular as your parents want you to be - Not being good at the same things your parents were good at - Your parents being embarrassed because you don’t have enough friends or you’re not an athlete or a cheerleader - Your parents not liking who you are and what you like to do - When your parents don’t pay attention in your life

These examples can be reflected in any scenario that students face. Substitute the words (parents) with peers, teachers, coaches or friends and you have the essence of exclusion and belonging.

Our youth want to feel that whatever ‘parts of me’ causes you (the person opposite them in the moment) not to like them (gender, sexuality, skin color, faith, language, ability, behavior, etc.)…that you will see the whole person in front of you, the human being, and treat them with respect and care for their well-being. No matter the barrier, we all just want to feel good about who we are. Brown empowers the reader with tools to build up your own sense of self-worth and validation (personal growth) along with tools to invest in the unity of humanity (communal growth).

Book of the Month

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Who Are You? The Kid’s Guide to Gender Identity by brook Pessin-Whedbee.

(Summary: Amazon.ca) This brightly illustrated children's book provides a straightforward introduction to gender for anyone aged 5+. It presents clear and direct language for understanding and talking about how we experience gender: our bodies, our expression and our identity. An interactive three-layered wheel included in the book is a simple, yet powerful, tool to clearly demonstrate the difference between our body, how we express ourselves through our clothes and hobbies, and our gender identity. Ideal for use in the classroom or at home, a short page-by-page guide for adults at the back of the book further explains the key concepts and identifies useful discussion points.

This is a one-of-a-kind resource for understanding and celebrating the gender diversity that surrounds us.

Malala’s Magic Penci, by Malala Yousafzai.

(Summary: Amazon.ca) As a child in Pakistan, Malala made a wish for a magic pencil. She would use it to make everyone happy, to erase the smell of garbage from her city, to sleep an extra hour in the morning. But as she grew older, Malala saw that there were more important things to wish for. She saw a world that needed fixing. And even if she never found a magic pencil, Malala realized that she could still work hard every day to make her wishes come true.

This beautifully illustrated volume tells Malala's story for a younger audience and shows them the worldview that allowed Malala to hold on to hope even in the most difficult of times.

When We Were Alone, by David A. Robertson

(Summary: Amazon.ca) When a young girl helps tend to her grandmother’s garden, she begins to notice things that make her curious. Why does her grandmother have long, braided hair and beautifully colored clothing? Why does she speak another language and spend so much time with her family? As she asks her grandmother about these things, she is told about life in a residential school a long time ago, where all of these things were taken away. When We Were Alone is a story about a difficult time in history, and, ultimately, one of empowerment and strength.

Children’s Literature

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The Name Jar, by Yangsook Choi.

(Summary: Amazon.ca) Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what about when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will like her. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week. Her new classmates are fascinated by this no-name girl and decide to help out by filling a glass jar with names for her to pick from. But while Unhei practices being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, one of her classmates comes to her neighborhood and discovers her real name and its special meaning. On the day of her name choosing, the name jar has mysteriously disappeared. Encouraged by her new friends, Unhei chooses her own Korean name and helps everyone pronounce it—Yoon-Hey.

The Best Part of Me: Children Talk About Their Bodies in Pictures and Words, by Wendy Ewald

(Summary: Amazon.ca) An award-winning photographer asked several children "What is the best part of you?" and presents their answers in this sometimes funny, sometimes moving, deeply personal book that includes striking black-and-white photographs taken by the author. Ideal for teachers to use to discuss body image, self-esteem, and diversity with children.

Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family’s Journey

(Summary: Amazon.ca). This unique picture book was inspired by the stone artwork of Syrian artist Nizar Ali Badr, discovered by chance by Canadian children’s writer Margriet Ruurs. The author was immediately impressed by the strong narrative quality of Mr. Badr’s work, and, using many of Mr. Badr’s already-created pieces, she set out to create a story about the Syrian refugee crisis. Stepping Stones tells the story of Rama and her family, who are forced to flee their once-peaceful village to escape the ravages of the civil war raging ever closer to their home. With only what they can carry on their backs, Rama and her mother, father, grandfather and brother, Sami, set out to walk to freedom in Europe. Nizar Ali Badr’s stunning stone images illustrate the story. Orca Book Publishers is pleased to offer this book as a dual-language (English and Arabic) edition.

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Words, by Lora Rozler

(Summary: Amazon.ca) A lonely letter sets off on a journey to find meaning. As it encounters various letter combinations, it is confronted by two distinct paths and must make an important choice. Readers of all ages will be captivated by this simple, yet high concept, rich story that explores universal themes of discovery, relationships and the need to belong, with an underlying message about bullying. Both timeless and original, Words is an evocative tale about how letters become words and words create meaning - meaning which could ultimately build or destroy.

Love is All You Need by Andrews McMeel Publishing

(Summary: Amazon.ca) Isn't love a wonderful thing? There's exciting, tingly, invigorating love; warm and fuzzy, comforting love; all-consuming, distracting, butterflies-in-your-tummy love and a million other ways that it can manifest itself. This blissful book proudly celebrates love's glorious diversity. "It matters not who you love . . . or how you love, it matters only that you love."—John Lennon Every kind of love is glorious and deserves to be celebrated. This joyful little book takes pride in love's greatness.

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This segment will offer the lyrics to songs that may provide opportunity for readers to:

Provoke new insight on a topic Make personal connections to the words or story told

Gain inspiration through storytelling Practice your own storytelling skills through song – write your own song!

What About Us? By Pink

We are searchlights, we can see in the dark We are rockets, pointed up at the stars

We are billions of beautiful hearts And you sold us down the river too far

What about us?

What about all the times you said you had the answers? What about us?

What about all the broken happy ever-afters? What about us?

What about all the plans that ended in disaster? What about love? What about trust?

What about us?

We are problems that want to be solved We are children that need to be loved

We were willing. We came when you called You fooled us. Enough is enough

What about us?

What about all the times you said you had the answers? What about us?

What about all the broken happy ever-afters? Oh, what about us?

What about all the plans that ended in disaster? Oh, what about love? What about trust?

What about us? Oh, what about us?

What about all the plans that ended in disaster? What about love? What about trust?

What about us?

Sticks and stones, they may break these bones But then I'll be ready, are you ready?

It's the start of us, waking up come on Are you ready? I'll be ready

I don't want control. I want to let go Are you ready? I'll be ready

'Cause now it's time to let them know

Music and Lyrics

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We are ready, what about us?

What about us? What about all the times you said you had the answers?

So what about us? What about all the broken happy ever-afters?

Oh, what about us? What about all the plans that ended in disaster?

Oh, what about love? What about trust? What about us? What about us?

Invite youth to listen to the song and reflect/respond to lines that speak out to them. Or ask youth to reflect/respond to these prompts:

• How are we searchlights? How do we see in the dark? • How are we rockets, pointed up to the stars? • What are youth crying out for in this song/poem? • What is broken? • How are the youth expressing and finding their voice? What are they saying? • Respond to this line:

Sticks and stones, they may break these bones But then I'll be ready, are you ready? It's the start of us, waking up come on What are the stick and stones that you are facing in your life today? What does it mean to ‘wake up’?

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How can you bring articles, videos, topics into your classroom discussions on Diversity and Inclusion? Brainstorm with colleagues on ways to use Current Events to cultivate discussions on Inclusive Communities. Help youth navigate real life events that impact their lives and their well being by providing a platform to talk and learn together.

Current Events Thousands of Refugee Children are Stranded on Europe’s Doorstep |National Geographic Photography Young Women of Color Leading Social Activism | CBC News | 10-29-17 “The more you start to understand and learn, the more you want to do something. Education is very empowering. We’re being told that our voices matter, and we’re standing up to be heard.” From Street to Scholar: Jesse Thistle creates new definitions of Indigenous homelessness |CBC Radio Unreserved | 10-29-17 “The way the Canadians understood homelessness by the Canadian definition was about not having a house to live in. I realize that it was more about a dispossession form something called ‘all my relations’ which is an Indigenous worldview where everything is interrelated, interconnected. Indigenous homelessness is a dispossession from that web of relationships through colonial process such as residential schools, broken treaties, and the scrip process for the Metis.” Julia Lipscombe: How do we raise sweet, young boys to be kind, respectful men? | Edmonton Journal | 10-27-17 “When they were little, Jesse made up a saying for the boys to recite each night before bed. We’ve let it slide in the last year but we’re ready to revive it: ‘I’m kind. I like to share. I have a big heart. I treat people with care.” ‘Dire’ Problem of Indigenous Homeless Focus of National Conference in Winnipeg | CBC News | 10-24-17 Why Are Girls Dropping Out of Sports? | Global Edmonton | 10-24-17 A Journey From Male and Privileged to Profeminist and Activitist | Voice Mail | 10-12-17 Transgender Youth Health Study Reveals ‘Alarming’ Statistics on Mental Health | CBC News Edmonton | 10-11-17 First Nations Boy, 8, Cuts Long Hair After Bullying in Cold Lake, AB school CBC Indigenous | 10-11-17 “He told me he did not want his hair anymore. I cried. His hair is who we are, it’s a part of us, it’s his language, and it’s his pride.” Anishinaabe Teen Only Canadian Up for International Children’s Peace Prize | CBC News | 10-05-17 We Must Cherish the Treasure Within Us all | Shaz Khan | Goalcast | 05-11-17 How Vivek Shraya Turned Lived Racism into Poetry | CBC Books | 04-10-17 Dalai Lama: There is No Such Thing as a Muslim Terrorist | Independent | 09-19-16 When Their Parents Rejected Them Because They Were LGBT, She and Her Husband Took Them In | Upworthy | 06-12-15 “They thought, ‘what would Jesus do?’” Education Articles/Resources Bullying Prevention Lessons and Activities for Kids | Really Good Teachers | 09-08-17 A Guide to Gender: The Social Justice Advocates Handbook Maria’s Sunday Paper: The Power of Re-Evaluating Your Beliefs | Maria Shriver | 10-29-17 How Teachers Can See Students’ Identities as Learning Strengths | MindShift | 07-19-16 One in Ten Girls is Catcalled Before Her 11th Birthday. Here Are 6 Things Parents Can Do About It | Girl Scouts Safe Spaces: making Schools and Communities Welcoming to LGBT Youth Express Yourself: A Teen Girl’s Guide to Speaking Up and Being Who You Are | A Mighty Girl Stand Up for Yourself and Your Friends: De3aling with Bullies and Bossiness and Finding a Better Way | A Mighty Girl

Videos

Burger King PSA | Bullying Jr.

Goalcast | John Shipp: This is How 936 Marbles Can Change Someone’s Life

Current Events Discussion Topics

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Goalcast | Muniba Mazari: Why Am I Even Alive? Goalcast | Pink | Her Daughter Says ‘I’m the ugliest girl I know’ Goalcast | Jennifer Lopez: People Told Me to Quit Goalcast | Sandra Bullock: Doing What You Love is the Most Satisfying Part of Life Goalcast | Inky Johnson: Look Inside of You Goalcast | Pink | It’s All About Love Goalcast | Khalid Latif: Stand for Hope Goalcast | Shah Rukh Khan: I Was Extremely Ugly Uzo Aduba Never Liked Her Name Mr. Bean | Bord Realist Patrick Speaks | Learning How to Speak at Age of 15 Josh’s Music | What Do You Want the World to Know About You? Sisters and Soutlmates | “I stand up for her” College Kids React to Racism in America What You Can Learn From a Potato, Eggs, and Coffee | Adversity

Social Media

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