Social Justice: Educating for ACTion Conference
When we as educators have the opportunity to think deeply about our work, we can access a grand narrative of purpose that transcends fads and inspires thoughtful and diverse actions. This narrative offers both an invitation and a message of empowerment to students: that they can and will contribute meaningfully to their community and world. The theme of this conference offers one way of framing such a grand narrative—through the lens of social justice. We believe it to be a narrative of hope—for a democratic society that values equity, inclusion, peace, and sustainability.
In planning this conference, we were inspired by the many actions undertaken by Manitoba’s educators and students in pursuit of these ideals. Indeed, it is the everyday action in schools that illuminates and reveals a grand narrative that can guide the work we do with the children in our communities.
The following thematic strands, based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, attempt to bring some additional focus to the concept of educating for social justice.
- How do we ensure that our school communities and school systems are characterized by equality, peace, non-violence, and non-discrimination?
- How do we enhance teaching and learning so that students carry these values forward as citizens in our communities?
- How do we assist students in learning about who they are, what they aspire to, and what passions and talents will guide them?
- How do we help students to embrace the value of difference and to see the fulfillment of their own hopes and dreams in the successes of others?
- How do we ensure that students understand and think critically about topics such as opportunity, privilege, and their own contributions to their world?
- How do we provide authentic opportunities for students to explore these topics in relation to themselves, others, and their community?
- How do we prepare students to be stewards of the world’s diverse ecosystems, languages, and cultures?
- How do we model ways of living that are sustainable and respectful of a diverse and interconnected world?
We hope that these two days provide an opportunity for educators to share and recall the sense of purpose that inspires their work and motivates continued action toward social justice in our classrooms, schools, and communities.