The BCTF’s systemic review of racism will begin with dialogue sessions with members. Beginning in February and concluding in April 2023, the Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Office (ARAOO) will host both in-person and virtual dialogue sessions to better gain an in-depth understanding of gaps, barriers, and opportunities to dismantle systemic racism, and reimagine ways to achieve racial justice.

Conversations at the dialogue sessions will be structured around five key themes:

• Impact of systemic racism on individuals and groups
• Barriers to participation and access to decision-making
• Anti-racism policy interventions
• Education and training on anti-racism and anti-oppression
• Processes for documenting experiences of racism

At this time, there will be eight full-day dialogues scheduled on select Fridays. There will be four dialogues held in-person and four virtual ones. To ensure space for conversation, each dialogue session will include 15 members.

Since the intent is to hear from all members that want to participate, there will not be a formal selection process. The need for the dialogues is meant to be member-driven and so depending on the level of interest, dialogue sessions may be added or removed; sessions may also change in length to accommodate more individuals; or, if there is a considerably high response, it may shift the overall approach (e.g., conference format or questionnaire first).

There will be dialogue sessions for all members, as well as sessions specifically for members who identify as Aboriginal or Indigenous, Black, and other people of colour. The information gathered will be used by staff to help organize and plan the dialogue sessions.

Share your expression of interest now!