UPDATE: OPSEU’s new Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Indigenous Racism modules are now available for download. These resources were developed as part of the new Member Education online resource series called “Taking Action on Racism”.
The Member Education Unit has put together a series of online sessions to raise awareness on the issue of racism. These materials are available to download. They include possible actions members can take at the local level to build a stronger, anti-racist and more inclusive union.
We are all aware of incidents involving racism in Canada and how racism affects Black people, Indigenous people and people of colour, in their lives, their communities, and their union.
OPSEU members will experience an introductory module dealing with terminologies and their definitions. The introductory module will raise awareness of systemic racism, and provide some basic tools to help members to generate and inspire action at the local level.
The Harvard Bias test will be a good starting point for those who are ready to challenge themselves and others they interact with.
The module “Running Inclusive Meetings”, is aimed at helping the full diversity of our members to feel a sense of belonging in local meetings, to find their voices and participate fully, without fear of retribution.
The “Building Inclusive Locals” and “Inclusive Local Elections” modules will explore ways to engage all members from initial involvement to taking on leadership roles and becoming mentors.