In brainstorming a story for Auntie Kara - we were fortunate to have a lot of options of things to write about. We all know that she is very active in the school system - no matter the school she is currently teaching in. She organizes amazing school trips, she spearheaded the Free The Children Project to build a school, she continues to collect sample soaps from hotels (and encourages us to do the same) to donate to the Womens Center - and more recently to the high school.
One of the areas where Auntie Kara has a passion is Social Justice.
The BCTF is proud of its history as a social justice union. This means that as an organization of professionals, they accept and act on their broad responsibility to be involved in the social development of the communities and the province they live in, and they do this in the interests of the children they teach. Something to know is that while the BCTF encourages the sort of participation that you're about to read about - it's not a job requirement. The time and energy that Auntie Kara has dedicated to Social Justice - was her own.
Social Justice initiatives focus on poverty, child and youth issues, race relations, gender equity, homophobia and heterosexism, bullying, environmental issues, globalization, and violence prevention.
I reached out to Auntie Kara and asked her to tell me about her experiences with Social Justice in Golden.
She was the social justice rep for 13 years and now, in her 14th year - she is on the Social Justice Committee (just not in charge of as many initiatives). Some of the initiatives she had worked on previously included two youth camps that both I and Katie were involved in, a virtues project which concluded with a beautiful wall hanging quilt in her school and TONS of teaching around being a virtuous person and the fundraising project for a school in Africa (through Free The Children).
One of the areas where Auntie Kara has a passion is Social Justice.
The BCTF is proud of its history as a social justice union. This means that as an organization of professionals, they accept and act on their broad responsibility to be involved in the social development of the communities and the province they live in, and they do this in the interests of the children they teach. Something to know is that while the BCTF encourages the sort of participation that you're about to read about - it's not a job requirement. The time and energy that Auntie Kara has dedicated to Social Justice - was her own.
Social Justice initiatives focus on poverty, child and youth issues, race relations, gender equity, homophobia and heterosexism, bullying, environmental issues, globalization, and violence prevention.
I reached out to Auntie Kara and asked her to tell me about her experiences with Social Justice in Golden.
She was the social justice rep for 13 years and now, in her 14th year - she is on the Social Justice Committee (just not in charge of as many initiatives). Some of the initiatives she had worked on previously included two youth camps that both I and Katie were involved in, a virtues project which concluded with a beautiful wall hanging quilt in her school and TONS of teaching around being a virtuous person and the fundraising project for a school in Africa (through Free The Children).
There are also smaller, ongoing initiatives that she has been involved in. These include promoting literacy through books for babies and books in waiting rooms - paid for by the Golden Teacher's Association and starting food baskets for hungry kids.
I asked Auntie Kara what she gained from her time in Social Justice....
What have I learned/gained from my years in SJ - the world is full of suffering and sadness and at times it feels like an overwhelming and insurmountable task for anyone to take on. There is no end to the work and needs. And as defeating as all that seems - the power of healing is within each of us. we can make a difference and the most powerful and effective differences have come from individuals who care and who act on their caring.
It does my heart good to do good. I like and respect myself more. I am a very fortunate person - I chose well when I chose to belong to this family - they have given me so much love, guidance, support and joy and in return, it is my responsibility to spread it to others. As I have always tried to teach my students and my children - in this life time, when you encounter others, you have a choice - you may choose to make someone's day better, or you may choose to make someone's day worse - but be assured that you will impact them and the choice is yours - the choice you make speaks loudly of who you are.
Thank you Auntie Kara - for all of your choices. You have impacted your community, your schools and your family and we all know who you are: a kind hearted, beautiful woman - an educator. You teach not only to your students but to all that you meet and in all that you do. We hear your message - and hopefully that shows through all of the choices you see your family and friends making.
No comments:
Post a Comment