3. About the organization... Formed in 1994 Not-for-profit organization to combat inter-racial tolerance and to confront the “us versus them” attitude which is prevalent in Canadian society Their mandate is to promote diversity and to combat all forms of discrimination that act as social and cultural barriers to individuals full participation in society They empower youth to become leaders for social change by implementing diversity education in schools and communities
4. Diversity education Since 2003, they delivered a series of diversity educational programming aimed at students in grades 4-12 Through their programs, young people have the opportunity to learn about themselves and others, by examining how stereotypes are created and perpetuated, and how the media and other external influences have an impact on they way we see ourselves, see others and subsequently, how we treat other people Their goal is to educate youths to become leaders for social change
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6. What do we do? We are Program Assistants who help the coordinators with their planning process Basically, we do the behind the scenes work We collect data, statistics and information as directed by the coordinators We search YouTube clips that help to better get a point across for students in the program We gather information and create graphs and charts that allow the facilitators to get a quick overview
7. Frankie Re-categorizing students’ programs Recruiting new students for joining DLCP Commenting students’ assignment Participating in a research about leadership
8. saleha Researched local organizations out there who help youths and their contact information Ice-breaker games for youths with disabilities Searched YouTube clips of youths in the GTA who have made a difference and become leaders of change Typed up students work Provide feedback on students work Attended LINKS Conference - Dec. 4/10 Take feedback sheets and organize the results into percentage and statistics
9. Stephanie Discuss ideas with the staff for program planning. Search for content to enhance the program (i.e. YouTube videos and other NGO’s House Keeping
13. It aimed to redefine leadership, create exciting initiatives, network with youth leaders, gain equity/inclusivity based knowledge and work on sustainability tools that will have a lasting impact on their schools and communities. It was part of the Ontario Ministry of Education Strategy because this year they challenged schools to redefine inclusiveness to incorporate all aspects of diversity and the schools are mandated to report back to the Ministry about equitable policies and practices that have been implemented for both staff and students, so this was a step towards this strategy because they provided tools to create an inclusive environment within the school.
14. What do people have to say? “Joining Harmony has made me more confident because it taught me that I matter.” Grade 8 Student, McCrimmon Middle School Peel District School Board “Before Harmony I thought I was a pretty good person. I didn’t think I was prejudiced towards others and I didn’t know stereotypes existed in me…I found that I had a bit of each of them in me.” Grade 12 Student, Anderson CVI Durham District School Board “The Harmony Movement doesn’t offer a magic pill that changes your school overnight; it does better than that – it gives students the skills and the passion to work toward long-term, sustainable change. It empowers students to see, name, and speak out against oppression in all its complex and interwoven forms.” James Campbell, Teacher, University of Toronto Schools
