Community Connections with the DDSB
Compendium Development
This year the Durham District School Board (DDSB) was able to release two supporting documents to enhance our work in promoting Human Rights through anti-oppressive practices. The launch of the Anti-Oppression Strategy (October) and the Compendium of Action to Support 2SLGBTQIA+ Students, Staff and Families (December) signifies and outlines our commitments to take meaningful action.
DDSB works alongside many community partners who represent the diversity of our district, this includes but is not limited to our Affinity Networks and community support agencies and faith groups. Over the course of several months, the development teams met with and consulted many of our partners, reviewed DDSB school climate and census data to get a better understanding of the common needs.
As a result of these consultations, five specific and common areas of focus emerged and were formulated into our five Anti-Oppression Strategic Priorities. These priorities not only connect with our Multi-Year Strategic Plan, but have now become the framework, affirmed by our community, to address racism and discrimination of all forms.
Affinity Networks
The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is committed to fostering a diverse and equitable school system by embedding Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy (CRRP) into its curriculum, programs, and services. This approach ensures that the needs and experiences of all students are recognized and valued, creating an inclusive learning environment. Supporting this work are the DDSB's Affinity Networks, which operate independently to represent and celebrate the rich cultural diversity within the District. These networks play a vital role in promoting equity and inclusion across schools. To learn more about the Affinity Networks and their initiatives, visit the DDSB website or follow their social media platforms.
Human Rights and Anti-Black Racism
Advisory Committees
This year, the Durham District School Board (DDSB) launched two new Advisory Committees: the Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee and the Human Rights Advisory Committee. These committees bring community voices together to help shape policy recommendations to the Board of Trustees.
Through two open calls for interest, both committees include parents/guardians and community members with diverse experiences and perspectives. Their unique insights are crucial to support student learning and well-being, and to uphold our commitments to human rights and to addressing all forms of discrimination and racism.
Human Rights Belong Here Campaign
Launched in October, the Human Rights Belong Here campaign was an engagement and feedback opportunity for staff, students, and the DDSB community. We asked our community “what do ‘human rights’ and ‘belonging’ mean to you?” We received almost 200 thoughtful, insightful, and inspiring responses and displayed many of them in a digital takeover within the Education Centre on Human Rights Day. We will also be sharing responses and themes in a variety of communications and professional development opportunities throughout the coming year to highlight community voice and to emphasize the connections between human rights and belonging.