YOUTH civic engagement toolkit 04 Introduction 08 imagination 18 investigation 42 REFLECTION 52 APPENDIX Welcome to the Think Big/ To spark the imagination, Information and ideas on It’s time to reflect on the Eager to learn more? This Start Small youth civic let’s talk about what some of the pressing topics kind of leader you want to toolkit drew inspiration and engagement toolkit! leadership actually is... that concern young women be and what you are able information from a number and girls. to do. of sources. Check them out!

And it’s time to recognize the powerful person you already are.

2 3 Many of us want to change the world, we just don’t What is “civic know where to begin... engagement?” Civic engagement means working to So we had this idea — show make a difference in our communities. young women they have the And it doesn’t require special connections or power — anyone power to tackle major issues with ideas and a plan can do it! Civic in simple ways. engagement is about promoting the quality of life in a community through both political and non- Think Big/Start Small is political processes. By combining our about celebrating what we, knowledge, skills, and motivation with introduction those of others, we can make our as engaged young women, communities better. are able to do, regardless of As the program unfolds, thousands of young where we are and what we women will take part in Think Big/Start Small may have. Even if it seems activities right across Canada — led by Y Act Up councils in 22 communities, led by you and like we have far to go. your friends in other places, led by anyone who wants to participate.

It’s about supporting each The first Day of Big Change will launch other as young women to on March 1st, 2013. This Canada-wide day of action is a chance for young women trust our voices, celebrate our everywhere to be heard. The date for this talents, and influence social event was chosen because it is one week Welcome to the Think Big/Start Small change. It’s about committing before March 8th, International Women’s youth civic engagement toolkit! Day (IWD), an annual commemoration that to making a difference. began in the early 1900s. Every year on IWD, thousands of events around the world are Think Big/Start Small is an exciting And it’s about understanding held to celebrate women’s achievements and new project within the Y Act Up inspire new ones. It’s a great example of Think civic engagement as Big/Start Small because all those diverse local program of YWCA Canada. activities connect women around the planet in a learned and fulfilling a powerful way. experience, which in Our own Day of Big Change includes rallies, turn helps all of us feel events, workshops, online features, and more connected to our all kinds of creative actions. The goal is to raise awareness about the power of young communities. women to address key issues and improve our communities.

4 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION 5 So, what’s Y Act Up? A civic engagement and leadership HOW is y act up Message from Paulette program for young women between the funded? ages of 16 and 29. Communities are created; With funding from Canadian Heritage In the fall of 2012, 22 participating (a federal government department) they don’t just happen. YWCA Member Associations across through its Youth Take Charge program. Canada established Y Act Up councils to YWCA Canada was started help young women develop leadership skills, build community, and share their by young women who experiences. If you’re in an area where • improve communication skills wanted to improve their one of these councils exists, be sure to get involved. But even if you’re not, • design initiatives and events around communities and has a there are so many ways to be a part of important issues things. This toolkit will help. long history of supporting • forge support teams young women and girls to Participants in Y Act Up have the opportunity to connect with peers in • mentor younger girls in YWCA become engaged, healthy, communities all over the country on programs a dynamic social networking website: empowered leaders. Y Act • foster appreciation of Canada’s thinkbigstartsmall.ca. It’s the place diversity Up is the perfect follow- to be for all kinds of resources, a up to the tremendous discussion forum to dialogue about • reaffirm connections to community key issues affecting our communities, • grow! explore! influence change! success of our national GirlSpace and Power of Being and to promote our activities and a Girl programs that support and enhance leadership achievements. We hope you will find this toolkit useful. Take advantage of all it has to offer, but There’s so much to gain! development for girls. feel free to make it your own — add to it, Through the Think Big/Start Small project edit things, create new sections. of the Y Act Up program, young women When young women stop and say “my community would Remember, this project is ALL ABOUT like you will: be so much better if…” we all benefit. It is the people who YOU, your community, your ideas. Lead “step up” who define what a community becomes. • build self-esteem and a unique voice the way! • recognize talents and develop I encourage you to take your rightful place, step up, get new ones involved, and create the community you want. • learn how to identify, address, and change problems Think Big. Start Small. • become aware of community issues facing us locally and across Canada Paulette Senior • develop advocacy, planning, and fundraising skills Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Canada

6 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION 7 When creating Think Big/Start Small, we asked young women from different communities across Canada what they believe are the characteristics of a great leader. They said:

• Active

• Altruistic

• Analytical

• Approachable While in high school in Cambridge, • Caring Ontario, Shazeen decided any child who wants to learn music should be • Confident able to. So she founded the youth-led IMAGINATION and youth-run MusicBox Children’s • Encouraging Charity in 2002. • Engaged Ten years later, over 120 children are • Fair-minded enrolled in MusicBox across Toronto • Generous while 50 volunteers mentor, teach, and take care of curriculum and operations. • Helpful MusicBox partners with the Toronto • Honest District School Board and other local groups to help connect the program to • Humble the people who need it most. WE ARE LEADERS. • Independent MusicBox’s success can be attributed You may have heard the expression “If • Persistent to the core beliefs Shazeen infuses in • Politically aware others: that music can make children you can believe it, you can achieve it.” feel strong when they otherwise don’t, • Resourceful and that music should be accessible to everyone, regardless of means. Well, how about “If you can imagine it, • Strong

you can become it”? • Supportive treating others. And each of us is capable of For all of us, that’s the best place to • Trustworthy and Trusting becoming a leader. begin our journeys as leaders. • Welcoming Some people believe leaders are made, not • Willing to share power born. Others believe some of us possess an innate leadership quality. Either way, leaders To spark the imagination, let’s talk are usually inspired by someone or something about what leadership actually is… Leadership is less about “up” (gaining that calls them to do more, to be more. Has access to the top) and more about “deep that ever happened to you? That calling stirs down.” It’s a way of being, seeing, and us for a reason — we need to hear it.

8 IMAGINATION IMAGINATION 9 The inspiration (or calling) to lead can come Leadership in action: SEEING OURSELVES AS LEADERS Why is young women’s leadership from many sources: • leading by example so important? • an injustice we witnessed or • encouraging/motivating others With so many unattainable images out there heard about of what it means to be appealing, beautiful, Young women’s leadership is essential to • mentoring/teaching • personal experience with an issue or popular, it can be hard for some girls and social change, now and for the future. Our young women to feel positive about being • showing respect belief in our own voices, opinions, and • someone we respect who encourages exactly who we are. power can lead to meaningful participation us to take action Leadership can’t be forced — people have in decision-making. to decide if they want to follow. We gain Building self-confidence is something that • concern about the future of our planet respect as leaders when we respect the happens over a lifetime. Feeling good about Being a young leader can be engagement • our desire for a better world people we work with. who we are and who we’re becoming should in activist actions or it can be an everyday start early. Many factors affect our overall thing. It can mean working within the sense of self-worth and happiness. We have systems and structures already built for us to focus on the powerful effects that come or creating new ones. One of the young from having self-esteem. women consulted for Y Act Up said: So what is self-esteem? It’s how we value “We are all agents of change ourselves; how content we are with who because even if it’s just educating we are. It’s confidence in our abilities and someone on an issue they didn’t comfort in our bodies. It’s pride in our intellect, ideas, and beliefs. It’s how we see know before through conversation, ourselves as compared to others and how we’re always influencing others in we connect to those around us. one form or another.”

Having low self-esteem can mean we fail At first, a younger Mira was reluctant to Commission on the Status of Women to recognize our achievements, never mind become politically active (because her gathering in New York. At the local level, feel good about them. It can make us feel mother was, and she wanted to rebel) but Mira ran for School Trustee in Yellowknife isolated or disconnected from others. And it an innate sense of justice compelled Mira in 2009 … and won. can make us want to conform to stereotypes to become an inspiring activist in her own that might not lead to healthy choices. right. She now inspires countless other A young single mother to two W hat’s privilege? young women with her commitment to children, Mira currently volunteers Building up our self-esteem is an important We can do better anti-oppression ending marginalization. with Alternatives North, a social justice step in our development as leaders. Why? work when we recognize the different coalition, and co-chairs the steering Because the better we feel about ourselves, power structures in action everywhere. Passionate about matters ranging from committee of FAFIA (Feminist Alliance the more we can take decisive action on For example, major power differences food security to affordable housing, Mira for International Action). our ideas, influence others, make positive is an advocate with Yellowknife’s Centre contributions to our communities, and between white people and people of colour give advantages to white people for Northern Families. Each and every day, Mira’s message to young women? “Keep ultimately, change the world. that many can take for granted — that’s Mira comes face to face with the pressing your chin up and know that no one can white privilege. Meanwhile, people issues that drive her activism. She also represent you or your demographic who are wealthy have different levels pursued the study of them in university. better than you! Change the world, and of power than poor people — that’s keep pushing!” Mira’s feminist activism led her to economic privilege. And so on. become a delegate at a United Nations

10 IMAGINATION IMAGINATION 11 For further inspiration, contemplate this FOSTERING SELF-ADVOCACY Whole communities might self-advocate for excerpt from the “Empowering Young Women their unique interests, needs, or citizenship. to Lead Change Manual” by the World YWCA: Advocacy of this kind has resulted in many Building our self-esteem and sense of self- important societal changes. “As young women, we are change worth is one thing. Expecting respect from agents and our leadership can bring others is another. That’s where self-advocacy Self-advocacy is a valuable tool for people vitality, creativity and courage for comes in. committed to making change such as young women like us. Be sure to look into self- social change. The idea behind self-advocacy is that no one advocacy resources in this toolkit’s Appendix We have the power to inspire and can be a better advocate for you than yourself. and beyond. mobilize others for positive action. To self-advocate is to speak (up) for ourselves, We can encourage the questioning defend ourselves, make our own decisions, and LEADING WITH AN of systems and beliefs that limit lives insist on being respected. ANTI-OPPRESSION APPROACH and choices. With courage, we can While in high school in Holland Self-advocacy is about attaching value to our It may not always be obvious, but oppression Landing, Ontario, Yvonne discovered confront even the injustices that self-worth and having the confidence to ask still exists in our society. It lives in our that for years, staff shortages were have been in place long before our to be treated accordingly. If we are fighting language and behaviour. It’s perpetuated in leading caretakers at her school lives began. for the equality and dignity of others, we have our systems and institutions. It is rooted in to dump recycling bins into the to demand it for ourselves — emotionally, our complex and converging histories. garbage. She responded by starting By our leadership, young women politically, financially, even physically. ensure that social change will not stop the Denison Environmental Club We need to work together and as To be effective self-advocates within (D.E.C.), one of the first student-run when the generation before us is no individuals to combat all forms of institutions and society, it’s helpful for us recycling programs in the area. In more, but only when peace, justice, oppression — racism, sexism, homophobia, to know our rights and responsibilities, be just three years, D.E.C. was recycling health, human dignity and care for ableism, ageism, and more. Engaging in this informed about systems and processes, twice a week with remarkable results. kind of work is called anti-oppression. the environment has been achieved question everything, and gather support. Yvonne went on to lead D.E.C. coast to everywhere, and for everyone. coast, expanding their environmental On an interpersonal level, we can self- network and knowledge while By supporting each other, we advocate by leaving relationships that make Defining our terms spreading messages of youth ensure that our leadership remains us feel disrespected or abused, asking for fair Some of the terminology associated with leadership and sustainability. Yvonne strong in the face of unfair gender compensation and healthy work environments, anti-oppression may be new to some of has spoken to thousands of people and age biases, and maximize our and caring for our minds, bodies, and spirits in us. For example, “ableism” refers to the from all walks of life, mobilizing others power to change. order to always be giving our best selves. favouring of able-bodied people as the to take positive action. norm, and “ageism” is bias or oppression Like any other skill, we can develop and As we continue to develop and against a person or group based on age. improve our self-advocacy over time. define our leadership, the advice To get you thinking about persisting Can you think of other “isms” that relate and example of older, more No matter what, the key to self-advocacy is oppression in society, here are five to oppressive attitudes and behaviours? experienced women are invaluable. persistence. Other characteristics of effective principles of anti-oppression: self-advocacy include assertiveness, fairness, By working together, women of No matter the form of oppression, we all have • Power + Privilege = Oppression all ages can help each other grow, inquisitiveness, and passion! a role to play: we can either perpetuate it or work to end to it for good. But we’re not • Only when we understand how maximize our strengths and fulfill Self-advocacy on a movement level might refer always aware of these phenomena in action, oppression affects each one of us can our potential as change makers.” to the action taken to empower and speak or how to interpret them. we identify how power and privilege out on behalf of groups facing discrimination play out broadly such as women, people of colour, people with disabilities, queer/trans folks, and others.

12 IMAGINATION IMAGINATION 13 • We are all susceptible to behaving • give people the benefit of the doubt, • Recognize and count your own privilege — • Respect — even celebrate — different oppressively and need to continuously not make assumptions we are “living off the benefits” of an styles of leadership, communication, think about it oppressive system unless and until we and interaction • keep space open for anti-oppression change it • Developing anti-oppression practice conversations anywhere, anytime • When we’re in groups, keep in mind that is life-long work, requiring a life-long • Try not to feel guilty or think of yourself we all have valuable skills to share, and • respect different styles of leadership commitment to changing attitudes as a bad person because you are a that we should all be recognized and and communication and behaviours product of a society that is still racist, supported equally for our contributions • be conscious of how much space I take sexist, homophobic, ableist, ageist, and • We need to learn how to listen without up or how much I speak (i.e. does my so on feeling hurt or offended, and to energy, presence, or volume dominate communicate respectfully • Remember that from a position of in such a way that others might feel privilege, such as white, heterosexual, or intimidated or silenced?) able-bodied, you can’t see oppression Identifying oppression • be conscious of how my language may as clearly as the oppressed group can perpetuate oppression Describe an instance of an oppressive • If you witness oppression in play, name attitude or action you’ve seen lately, • listen, listen, listen and challenge it perhaps at school or in a public setting like a shopping centre. While you may • avoid generalizing feelings, thoughts, or • Avoid knowing “what they want” or not exactly have recognized it as a form behaviours to a whole group “what’s good for them” — don’t take When she was five years old, of oppression at the time, naming it as leadership in someone else’s struggle, Hannah saw a man eating out • not push people to do things just such now will help you be able to identify take direction of a garbage can on a frozen winter because of their race and/or gender and challenge oppression more often in • Don’t expect every member of an day in Winnipeg. Filled with sadness, the future. • promote anti-oppression in everything I oppressed group to agree Hannah wondered, “If everyone do, in and outside of activist spaces shared what they had, could that cure A helpful way to develop anti-oppression • Commit to life-long learning about homelessness?” Ever since, she has practice is this personal checklist: • set anti-oppression goals and oppression — share, ask, read, listen devoted herself to the issues of hunger continually evaluate whether or not I am I will always try to … and homelessness. At eight, Hannah meeting them • Support the process of unlearning founded The Ladybug Foundation Inc., oppression with people within your own • interrupt the behaviour when witnessing a registered charity that raises money • not feel guilty, only motivated demographic group or experiencing racism, sexism, for projects across Canada providing homophobia, or any form of oppression Oppression can multiply and intersect. You • Constantly do your own self-work shelter, food, and safety for people (when I feel safe to do so); and address may hold privilege in one area of your life experiencing homelessness. Hannah In our work together on Think Big/Start it on the spot or later, either one-on-one but experience oppression in another. has spoken to more than 175 schools, Small, we can feel good about supporting or with a few friends organizations, and events about her People in oppressed groups do not want anti-oppression practice by following even belief that everyone deserves a roof • consider ways to address behaviour saviours, so seek leadership from those with these four important steps: that encourage change and dialogue, lived experience. If living with privilege, you over their head and enough food to not debate can commit to being an ally to others. What • Promote messages and thinking that are eat as basic human rights. Hannah also does this mean? anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-homophobic, developed makeChange: The Ladybug • treat it as a gift when someone offers anti-transphobic, anti-ableist, anti-ageist Foundation Education Program, a criticism of oppressive behaviour rather There’s no single way to be an ally, but here in everything we do K-12 resource for use in schools across than challenging or invalidating her or are some things to think about … Canada to empower young people to his experience • Create opportunities for conversations get involved and “make change” in • Listen, listen, listen on discrimination and oppression, and their world. for people to develop communication skills about these issues 14 IMAGINATION IMAGINATION 15 Remember, these are incredibly complex Storytelling. For an issue to resonate, issues that warrant a lifetime of exploration. people have to understand it in personal We don’t have to be experts to start a ways. So sharing stories of how the issue journey with anti-oppression in mind — just you’re addressing affects real people is a a commitment to challenge ourselves to be powerful tool. honest, open, and accountable. The rest will Attracting. Catchy design and compelling come in time. language are important for drawing support. (If you want to explore anti-oppression If something appeals to you, it will to more, check out some of the resources other people, too! And if you can come up listed in the Appendix.) with creative ways to communicate with people with different abilities (deaf, visually RALLYING OTHERS impaired, etc.), even better! Networking. Become familiar with the There is a lot we can accomplish as people and organizations in your area who individuals working for change. But we may be working on either the issue you all know there is strength in numbers, so are tackling or similar ones. Let them know imagine how much more impact we can about your action or campaign, seek advice, have as a collective force! and see about recruiting others through their communities. Rallying people behind a cause is once again about inspiration. Publicizing. It’s absolutely not the case that “if you build it, they will come.” To rally One of the keys to strong leadership is the others behind your cause, you have to take ability to encourage and motivate others. it to them. Use plain old word-of-mouth tactics to get your message out there, both Amanda co-founded Growing So what are some ways of recruiting others Opportunities International (GO!) in to join us in what we’re trying to achieve? on and offline, remembering always to make it easy and clear for people to get involved. 2008 with a fellow Canadian youth. Pitching: Clearly state the problem and solution you are advocating. Online and/ Brainstorming. Once you have even one Based in Winnipeg, GO! works with people or in paper handouts, all you need is a person with you, get together to come up in developing countries to bring ideas for brief description of your campaign or idea with innovative ways to bring others on sustainable projects to life. With a focus along with easy and clear ways for people board. Be creative. Be bold. on rural communities, GO! programs help to get involved. After graduating from the University local youth grow, develop, and become of Winnipeg, Amanda learned about successful adults who can continue creating Informing: Make the case for collective East African culture first-hand through positive change. action with statistics (“Did you know that volunteer experiences in Tanzania and one in four women will experience violence Rwanda with the groups Right To Play, Amanda is an outspoken advocate in her lifetime?”) and/or by referencing Voluntary Service Overseas, Youth for social justice and sustainable current affairs (“The suicide of a 16-year-old Challenge International, and Friends of development, having presented to last month in Fort Smith reminds us that the Rwandan Rugby. hundreds of Canadian students about teen suicide rate in the Northwest Territories Africa’s inaccurate negative image and is 65% higher than Canada’s”). Inspired by the positive impact young the need to get involved to make a people can have on their communities, difference.

16 IMAGINATION IMAGINATION 17 Did you know? In Canada:

• Nearly four out of ten (39%) women report experiencing sexual assault sometime during their lives.

• In just one year, 427,000 women reported they had been sexually assaulted.

• On any given day, over 3,000 women … End violence (along with their 2,500 children) are staying in an emergency shelter to INVESTIGATION against women escape domestic violence. • At least one and as many as two women (VAW) are murdered each week by a current or former partner.

• Two-thirds of all women victims of sexual assault are under the age of 24; young women are killed at nearly three times the rate of all victims of domestic As long as there is violence homicide. against women, women’s • Nearly four out of five victims of family- This section is intended to provide equality will not be fully related sexual assaults (79%) are girls. you with information and ideas on achieved. • Over half (55%) of physical assaults some of the pressing topics that of children by family members are against girls. concern young women and girls. But Women experience violence • Women with disabilities and Aboriginal it’s just an introduction to the issues. in many different ways — women are particularly vulnerable. On subjects that particularly interest it can be physical or Nearly 60% of women with disabilities will experience violence in their lifetime, you, take the initiative to do more sexual abuse, emotional and Aboriginal women are three times research on your own — surf the or verbal abuse, spiritual more likely to report being the victim of a violent crime. Internet, visit a library, talk to folks abuse, criminal harassment, • Violence against women costs who might be working on the issue. stalking, or even being Canada over $4 billion each year There’s a world of resources out there controlled financially (this is (social services, criminal justice, lost employment days, health care, etc.). that we hope you’ll want to pursue! called economic abuse.)

18 INVESTIGATION INVESTIGATION 19 more well-paying jobs, they’d have more to attend nursing school that semester. employment options. If there were more Harassment can be Forensics experts did not examine the house missing and murdered services (and better-funded ones) to help for evidence of a possible abduction. And The Native Women’s Association of abused women and their children, they’d many things, and it’s neither the Québec nor reserve police would Canada (NWAC) has documented have added help. If the criminal justice NEVER okay coordinate searches, so Maisy’s mother, over 600 disappearances and murders system did a better job of addressing VAW, Laurie, did. The Aboriginal community of Aboriginal women — a figure women would feel more confident about When it comes to sexual harassment helped spread the word and recruited representing roughly 10% of the women reporting and prosecuting abuse. or sexual bullying, the line isn’t always volunteers to look for the girls. They put up homicides in Canada (Aboriginal clear between what’s unacceptable and their own missing posters and billboards What’s more, our entire educational system, women make up only 3% of the what’s just horsing around. around the area. But without the help of from curricula to policies, can do so much women population). Canada’s failure authorities, there is little more the Odjick and more to empower children from an early The terms sexual harassment and sexual to decisively address the alarming rate Alexander families can do. age so they can experience and understand bullying both refer to unwelcome or of missing and murdered Aboriginal equality, and demandNOV DEC it in society and unwanted sexual comments, attention, women has even provoked an inquiry by 25 6 personal relationships. We can always do or physical contact. And the person the United Nations. Exercise: Your Story better at helping children grow up with being targeted pretty much always Have you ever experienced harassment, values of mutual respect, non-violence, and knows when something is uncool. sexual assault, or violence? Has violence Roots and Solutions anti-oppression. Someone continually and obviously touched a woman you care about? There are lots of inequities in our society, This might all seem pretty big. But leering at a girl’s breasts, for example, Whether or not you share your personal and violence against women (VAW) is a remember, we can always start small. is not okay. Someone patting a story with others, contemplating your own reflection of some of them. We have to girl’s bottom on the bus is not okay. experience with violence against women challenge the systems that contribute to Someone posting offensive remarks is an important step to becoming more VAW if we’re going to succeed in ending it. THE YWCA ROSE CAMPAIGN on Facebook about a girl’s sexual engaged with the effort to ensure every For example, we have to challenge and get orientation is not okay. woman can live free from violence. Each year, YWCA Canada leads the rid of stereotypes, empower young women Rose Campaign to remind communities and girls, and make sure our institutions Unlike other bullying, sexual bullying that Canada is not yet a safe country for Three Things You Can Do and systems are set up so that equality is a focuses on things like a person’s women. It kicks off on November 25, the given. We have to support one another as appearance, body parts, or sexual Chat it up. Having conversations with friends, International Day for the Elimination of young women, listen to each others’ stories. orientation. It includes spreading gossip family, colleagues — even the media — Violence Against Women, and runs to The idea of equality needs to be better or rumours of a sexual nature. Girls and about VAW is a great way to “start small.” December 6, the date 14 young women understood and desired by everyone — men boys tend to do it equally. It’s all about increasing public awareness on were murdered at Montréal’s École and boys, women and girls — and that has the issue. Every single attitude or behaviour Polytechnique in 1989. to do with how we are socialized from a you influence is a valuable step toward a Herstory society that does not tolerate VAW, and has very young age. The annual Rose Campaign sees YWCA the policies to back it up. Member Associations across Canada Men and boys should be part of the On September 6, 2008, Maisy Odjick and inspiring and engaging people to re- collective response to VAW. There are her friend Shannon Alexander went missing Join something. Many organizations commit to taking action on violence lots of initiatives underway to help them from Kitigan Zibi, an Algonquin First Nations and campaigns that are working to end against women and girls until our streets, understand how they can and do address reserve in Québec, not far from Ottawa. violence against women, provide services campuses, and homes are safe. this issue. Sixteen-year-old Maisy was last seen at a for survivors of violence, and advocate for dance. Her purse, phone, clothing, and other women’s equality can use your valuable This campaign coincides with the global We need to fix the things that make many personal items were left behind, and the help. Offer it. initiative known as 16 Days of Activism women feel trapped in abusive relationships. house door was locked. The police decided against Gender Violence, sponsored by If there were more affordable housing, to treat Maisy and Shannon as runaways — Get lobbying. Some of the structural the United Nations. they’d have more places to go. If there were even though Shannon was scheduled solutions listed above are the responsibilities

20 INVESTIGATION INVESTIGATION 21 of provincial or territorial governments, real difference toward ending it. Get clear Lots of women’s groups, while others have to do with the federal commitments and follow up regularly to government. Something you can do on check on her or his progress. And if an including YWCA Canada, your own or with others is contact both answer doesn’t sound good enough, don’t believe there should be your provincial or territorial political feel shy to press the issue — that’s what representative and your Member of our elected officials are there for (find out economic equality between Parliament — ask them point-blank what, exactly who your elected reps are online, men and women. As long as specifically, they are doing to reduce VAW. or ask around)! A fun follow-up would be Remind them that the problem of VAW to invite her or him to talk to your class or there isn’t, women’s equality persists and ask how they can make a workplace about ending VAW. will not be fully achieved.

Did you know? … Ensure women’s In Canada:

• Women are over-represented among economic equality the poorest people — seniors, women leading lone-parent families, women with disabilities, and Aboriginal women experience the worst of it.

• Single mothers have a median net worth of about $17,000, while single dads have about $80,000 (net worth is the At 26, Jessica Danforth has spent more and she is the North American co-chair In simple terms, economic total value of possessions such as a car, than half her life working to mobilize for the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus equality is about a level furniture, real estate, savings, stocks, individuals, families, and communities at the United Nations Permanent Forum RRSPs, etc.). to reclaim their ancestral rights to self- on Indigenous Issues. playing field where everyone • In 2008, women working full-time for determination in terms of their own has the same access to the the full year earned 71% of what men bodies and spaces. She is a strong believer in the power of earned, on average (university-educated youth voice and agency, and you can same wealth. Some people women only earned 68% of what their She is the founder and Executive Director see her writing on sites like Racialicious, think that this already exists male counterparts did that year). of the Native Youth Sexual Health or watch her monologues about Network (nativeyouthsexualhealth.com), activism and justice on TV Ontario. in Canada (we’ve all heard • Unemployment continues to be a the first and only organization of its kind the saying “If you work hard serious problem for women, with by and for Indigenous youth working on She is the editor of two books; Sex Ed Aboriginal women and women with sexual and reproductive health, rights, and Youth: Colonization, Communities enough, you can achieve disabilities twice as likely to be and justice throughout the United States of Color, and Sexuality and Feminism anything”). But that’s simply unemployed as other women. and Canada. For Real: Deconstructing the Academic Industrial Complex of Feminism. She not true. Poor people aren’t • Seven out of ten part-time workers and Jessica is an internationally known is also currently writing sexual health poor because they want 66% of minimum wage earners are women. activist, advocate, and leader. She is articles for Indian Country Today. to be. And not all wealthy • The wage gap between women and the Youth Coordinator for the National men has been stuck at 70–72% since Indigenous Youth Council on HIV/AIDS, people got what they have the 1970s, and is often wider for women through hard work. who are older, Aboriginal, or of colour. 22 INVESTIGATION INVESTIGATION 23 Roots and Solutions (Labour unionization is when co-workers Exercise: Your Story I ndividual versus organize into a group to speak as a united Women’s economic inequality stems from body to their employer about various Have you or your family ever struggled several key factors. systemic aspects of their work — wages, hours, to make ends meet? Had a hard time benefits, workplace health and safety, Sometimes, an idea or attitude is so paying for tuition fees? Experienced First of all, women shoulder most of equality, and other work-related issues.) society’s unpaid work (housework, dominant in a society, it’s practically employment that was unstable or low- childcare, meal preparation, eldercare, etc.), unconscious. When enough people Government policies must take women into paying? Have you struggled to care for leaving less time for paid employment. This see something as “just the way it account better. YWCA Canada has called your family due to a lack of benefits or comes from a lack of institutional support is,” a number of societal systems are for the federal government to make better pension? Whether or not you share your (government, agencies) and often, a lack of impacted. Think of it as a vicious cycle: investments in the kinds of policies that will personal story with others, contemplating individual (partner, family) support. widespread attitudes about something support women’s economic security. your own experiences with this issue lead to inequitable systems which, in is an important step toward becoming The work women do for no pay is turn, serve to reinforce the attitudes that Herstory more engaged with the effort to ensure consistently undervalued by society. This created them. economic equality. undervaluing has become a systemic Drawing on the experiences she had with problem that negatively impacts women in her mother, Sophia Gran-Ruaz decided that Three Things You Can Do far-reaching ways. Women’s economic inequality will only care packages would be a great way to worsen until problems like these are show women and children in shelters, who Get involved. There are many groups Too many women are forced to take part- addressed: are often overlooked and judged, that their working to create economic equality in time, seasonal, contract, or temporary jobs communities care for them. She founded Canada. Check out who’s doing what in at low pay, long hours, no security, with few • pay discrimination (the 2004 federal Snug as a Bug, Kids Helping Kids when your community to raise the minimum (if any) opportunities for advancement, and Pay Equity Task Force made some she was just 11 to compile and distribute wage, advocate for pay equity, push for no health benefits or pension. The issues are great recommendations which care packages containing everything from affordable child care, and to support compounded for migrant women, women government has yet to enact) toiletries to school supplies to toys, solicited women in poverty. They need you. of colour, or women without immigration • low wages and/or long hours (many from businesses and individual donors. status. Pass it on. Discuss the matter of economic people believe the minimum wage In its first year, “Snug” created 500 care equality in your classes, at the family dinner Most poor women in Canada are working, should be standardized across Canada — packages for two Toronto shelters; the next table, at your extra-curricular activities, but can’t earn enough to lift themselves out it currently varies between provinces/ year, 1,000 packages for three. In January at your workplace, even at your place of of poverty. territories — and that it should be 2010, a whopping 3,300 packages were worship. The more people who know about increased to the point where all full-time delivered to thirteen shelters across the and understand the problem, the more Lately, there has been a lot of talk in the workers can live above the poverty line) Greater Toronto Area. All told, “Snug” has likely they are to contribute to solutions. news about the market and the economy. positively impacted thousands of women When governments make decisions about • lack of affordable access to services like and children. Shortly after winning the Top Volunteer. While we address “big” how to tax us and how to spend our tax child care and elder care Teen Philanthropist Award in 2010, Sophia issues like economic equality, there dollars, they are usually guided by the • too few women-friendly policies in the appeared on a cover spread in Vervegirl are a thousand “small” ways to make a state of the economy. Because women workplace, pregnancy sensitivity Magazine that generated emails from difference close to home. Think about earn less than men (on average), we are hundreds of young women across Canada contributing some time to a local food under-represented in terms of what’s called More unionization would also help the who were inspired to Think Big/Start Small. bank, homeless shelter, or maybe an after- “market income.” That means we don’t situation — did you know that women in She also received a YWCA Young Woman of school program for students in low-income reap as many benefits when governments unions earn an average of eight dollars Distinction Award in 2011. neighbourhoods. Not only is it rewarding implement tax breaks, and we are more more per hour? Governments need to to support community in this way, it gives negatively affected when governments cut make it easier for people to join unions, you a valuable up-close look at inequality spending to various programs. especially women. in real-life terms.

24 INVESTIGATION INVESTIGATION 25 everywhere have become increasingly concerned about environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, water quality, biodiversity, resource development, endangered species, and waste … Protect the management, to name a few. environment From green space to green power and recycling to resource protection, young people across Canada are As a queer Spanish migrant artist living Llueven Queers has become an art blog tackling environmental in Canada, Coco believes that art is for Spanish-speaking queer activism. issues in exciting, powerful not a tool for social change but social Many of us recognize how change itself. Interested in community history, Coco Riot ways. So can you. is now working on Los Fantasmas, a 16m important and precious the A very simple but effective medium, mural that raises questions about who writes Earth is. But maybe not how drawing allows Coco to explore the history and where silenced stories go. Did you know? relationship between art and community fragile it is or how limited its • One-quarter of the planet’s wild activism. Coco’s work has been displayed in resources really are. forests, 24% of its wetlands, and 20% of museums, galleries, and festivals in the its fresh water are in Canada, and One of their (Coco prefers the pronoun New York, Barcelona, Seoul, Buenos they’re all under threat from both poor “they”) most well-known projects, Aires, Toronto, Berlin, Oakland, and Too many human decisions protection by us and climate change. Genderpoo, is an installation composed in many friends’ living rooms. They and behaviours have put of more than 80 different bathroom are frequently invited to present their • Climate change has made Canada’s signs that visualize the struggles, work at universities, conferences, and the health of our planet in Arctic one of the fastest-warming regions on Earth — shrinking (melting) communities, and experiences that community spaces, and to contribute to serious jeopardy. Lots of are silenced by our oppressive social publications and journals. of both the Arctic tundra and Arctic systems. Coco is also the author of the experts are sounding the sea ice puts a huge array of species at risk, including walruses, seals, and first queer graphic novel in Spanish, Coco is presently the studio coordinator alarm about the damage Llueven Queers. Coco has toured of social graphic design studio The polar bears. internationally with Llueven Queers, Public (Toronto) and the in-house that’s been done and how organizing discussion and art spaces cartoonist at Shameless Magazine. urgently we need to address around Spanish-speaking queer politics. it. As a result, people

26 INVESTIGATION INVESTIGATION 27 • The tar sands (large deposits of heavy Roots and Solutions We are exploiting the Earth by rapidly Canada has some environmental laws, but crude oil) in Alberta could destroy over using up both renewable and non- they are weak and not very enforceable. We 149,000 square kilometres of Boreal Most experts agree that our industrialized renewable resources. And the by-products need to persuade governments to invest in forest — an area the size of Florida — culture is to blame for current environmental of our production processes (often toxic) renewable energy and green technology. and they are expected to emit more than crises. Certain values behind modern and consumer lifestyles are not only Governments should reward programs 141 million tons of greenhouse gases society shape the behaviour that damages increasing, they are increasingly damaging that strive to protect the environment and (GHG) by the year 2020 (that’s more our natural environment: consumption, to the environment. No ecosystem on the stop supporting initiatives that pollute (like than double what all the cars and trucks consumerism, and capitalism (our economic planet is free from the consequences of the oil extraction in Alberta that creates in Canada produce). system), to name a few. human activity — that’s how pervasive our those tar sands), worsen climate change, or impact is. threaten precious ecosystems. • Canada is one of the world’s worst emitters of GHG, ranked 15th out of 17 member countries of the Organization for Economic Development and Co- operation (OECD) on GHG emissions per capita. THE stomp out smoke initiative • In 2009, the Conference Board of Canada ranked Canada 15th out of The Stomp Out Smoke (S.O.S.) initiative was born in 2005 when Ontario’s YWCA St. A young feminist from Edmonton, 17 wealthy industrialized nations on Thomas-Elgin was approached by Youth Action Alliance because of its long history of Joanne knew from childhood that she environmental performance. engaging youth in positive ways. wanted to cultivate leadership and • Around the world, it’s poor people (a social activism among young people. In partnership with Elgin St. Thomas Public Health, S.O.S. began with a few people majority of whom are people of colour) In 2006, at the age of 14, she launched wanting to increase awareness about tobacco products, encourage youth to be smoke- who are most negatively affected by the Ophelia’s Voice, a project to help girls’ free, and influence policy changes around the use and placement of tobacco products. degradation of our planet. For one thing, learning, empowerment, and self- More and more youth became involved with S.O.S., gaining valuable leadership, they often live in areas where companies confidence through art. organizing, teamwork, and advocacy skills, as well as learning how to run effective export hazardous, polluting waste meetings. cheaply, such as developing countries. While she was an undergraduate student in Toronto, Joanne founded a • Around the world, women and girls are It wasn’t long before a core group of young women peer leaders decided to focus on network of young non-profit leaders to making parks and recreation facilities tobacco-free. among those most negatively affected discuss and strategize on everything by the degradation of our planet, often from policy advocacy to non-profit Michelle Olivier (then 16) and Taylor Longfield (then 17) spearheaded the My Park, resideing in areas where compaines funding. My Game, My Air campaign. They researched, consulted, recruited support, wrote to exploit land or dump toxins. Poverty decision-makers, booked delegations, and developed presentations. Along with fellow and lack of access to education and As of 2012, Joanne serves on the S.O.S. members Hayley Gustin (17), Rylie Hunt (16), Carrie McEown (17), and Shelby resources make it difficult to challenge governing boards of the Toronto Champion (14), as well as many volunteers, My Park, My Game, My Air created and used such complex issues. Women’s City Alliance and Frontline visual aids and social media to drum up public support. Partners with Youth Network. She was named one of Alberta’s 50 What did the campaign achieve? Most Influential People, awarded a In October 2009, St. Thomas City Council implemented a Tobacco-Free Parks bylaw YWCA Edmonton Young Woman of which prohibits the use of tobacco within 30 metres of a playground, splash pad, or Distinction Award, and recognized sports field. Not only was this a monumental success for S.O.S., it deeply impacted each among Global TV Edmonton’s Women of the peer leaders and volunteers as proof that a desire to make change and collective of Vision in 2009. efforts can lead to victory.

28 INVESTIGATION INVESTIGATION 29 is far less accountable for doing its part hanging over the downtown of a city. of concern over an environmental issue to help the planet’s environment crisis. Even if you’ve only seen environmental along with an appeal for her or him to We need to push the federal government crises on the news (like the oil that take legislative action on it is a great way to sign back onto this agreement that gushed into the Gulf of Mexico for to “start small” on your journey to save millions of people around the world three months in 2010 when an oil well the planet. strongly endorse. exploded), contemplating your own experiences with how the environment Herstory gets treated is an important step to becoming more engaged with the In 2010, YWCA Muskoka (Ontario) As President of Regroupement effort to protect it. teamed up with FemmeToxic as part féministe du Nouveau-Brunswick of a regional project called Women (RFNB), an organization that advocates Three Things You Can Do and the Environment. They hosted on behalf of the province’s francophone lively conversations about health, the Act online. Many pro-environment women, Estelle tackles a wide range of environment, and cosmetics with the initiatives offer ways for people to take women’s issues: “The government has participants of the Girlz Unplugged action on the Internet. From TheBigWild. a responsibility to ensure human rights summer program. org to EnvironmentalDefence.ca, are respected for all.” Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society In 2005, a few students at Western FemmeToxic was formed in 2009 in to Canadian Wildlife Federation, there are Originally from Tracadie-Sheila, University wondered why eye-opening Montréal by young women who were countless campaigns to choose from that Estelle was active in student politics courses about sexism, racism, and seriously concerned about the amount of could really use your engagement and at the University of Moncton when she gender studies weren’t available to toxins in personal care products. They set support. Think about the environmental became one of the lead organizers of them in high school, or why women’s out to advocate for stronger regulations issues you are most passionate about, the 2008 young feminist gathering perspectives were not represented in for the cosmetics industry and change then get clicking. Toujours rebelles (which sparked an the ways in which Health Canada (a secondary school curricula. ongoing movement). Prior to being federal government department) labels Make good in your neighbourhood. elected president of RFNB, Estelle and monitors cosmetics and personal Check out what’s going on in your area After some planning and discussions spearheaded the development of its care products. Another major goal for to help support the environment. There with other community members, the Young Feminist Caucus as well as a FemmeToxic is to empower women and might be a community clean-up crew, a core group of five students began project on the representation of women girls to know more about the health impacts campaign to persuade your municipal distributing a one-page photocopied in Acadian media. She was also active of toxins in our products, and to raise council to implement composting, or flyer/information sheet that called in New Brunswick’s component of the awareness regarding safer alternatives. an educational program to get kids for an introductory gender studies World March of Women in 2010. interested in wildlife protection and course in the Ontario secondary If you’re curious, the project blog is still helping endangered species. See if school system. “We have a ways to go before achieving up at FemmeToxic.com, along with tons of a nearby Indigenous community is true equality and I strongly believe we great resources! engaged in resistance to environmenal Today, the Miss G Project is a well- can get there by organizing collectively.” degradation, then follow their lead. respected grassroots organization of Exercise: Your Story The actions you most want to take may young feminists working to combat already be in play. And if not, start all forms of gendered oppression in In December 2011, the Canadian Have you ever witnessed first-hand something! and through education. And they government pulled out of the Kyoto any threat or destruction to our are celebrating a victory, as they are Protocol, a global international agreement environment? Maybe you found Write to power. Most provincial or currently working toward a gender that sets targets for countries to reduce garbage littered in a park, or saw territorial governments have a Minister studies curricula in Ontario! Check them the greenhouse gas emissions that cause trees cut down to make way for a of the Environment. This position exists out online at themissgproject.org! climate change. By doing this, Canada new housing development, or smog at the federal level, too. Your expression

30 INVESTIGATION INVESTIGATION 31 system and its functions and • Throughout the world, a pregnant Herstory teenager is up to five times more likely processes. It is also about to die as a result of the pregnancy than When Toronto police constable Michael being able to have a safe and a pregnant woman aged 18 to 25. Sanguinetti said, “[w]omen should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to satisfying sex life and the Roots and Solutions be victimized” during a January 2011 freedom to make informed presentation about crime prevention Sexuality is still considered taboo in Canada. at York University, Sonya Barnett and decisions about if, when, and Youth are particularly affected by the Heather Jarvis were fed up with two how often to reproduce. sensitivity of this issue. Often too shy major issues: first, the idea that how a to ask questions about sex, sexuality, or woman dresses is an invitation to sexual violence; and second, slut-shaming — Did you know? reproductive health, we can make poor decisions due to insufficient knowledge. the idea that if a woman is sexual, she should feel guilty or inferior (there can • The rate of sexually-transmitted And being too embarrassed to purchase … Fight for sexual be slut-shaming even if the term “slut” infections (STIs) for young people under condoms or dental dams — especially in isn’t used). So they created SlutWalk — 18 is nine times higher than the rate small towns where there’s no such thing and reproductive now a global movement with organized for all of Canada, yet only 9% of youth as anonymous shopping — can lead to activities in countries around the world. under 18 say they got tested — that’s unprotected sex. Small communities are Say Barnett and Jarvis: “Women are tired rights despite nearly half of them reporting also less likely to have sexual health centres of being oppressed, of being judged by they are sexually active. or clinics where young people can access unbiased information and support. our sexuality, and feeling unsafe as a • Although abortion is fully legal in result. Being in charge of our sexual lives Canada, only 17.8% of Canadian We need to promote the legitimacy of should not mean that we are opening As long as anyone’s sexual hospitals provide abortion services, women’s sexual and reproductive rights, ourselves to an expectation of violence, only six of the provinces/territories including the right to safe and accessible regardless if we participate in sex for and reproductive rights are have abortion clinics, not all abortions (geographically and economically) pleasure or work.” compromised, women’s are covered by government health abortion services. insurance, and some areas place Our educational systems, including equality will not be fully additional barriers in front of women Exercise: Your Story curricula, must be improved so young achieved. to access abortion (for example, people have access to clear and thorough Have you ever felt ashamed or unclear New Brunswick requires the written information regarding sexual and about sex or sexuality, or had trouble permission of two doctors). Sexual and reproductive reproductive health. getting information you need? Have you thought about whether or how to rights are an integral part of • Young people in Canada had less sexual knowledge in 2003 than counterparts Much more must be done to ensure address your reproductive health? Have our health and welfare. surveyed in 1989. everyone has access to proper sexual and you ever heard young women shaming reproductive health care, especially those one another for their sexual choices? • Rape and other forms of sexual violence who are the most vulnerable when it comes Contemplating your own experiences Sexual and reproductive are increasing, not decreasing, around to exercising their rights around sexual and with these issues is an important step health is about complete the world. reproductive health across Canada: those in to becoming more engaged with the rural areas, those living in the street, people • Of the 447,904 pregnancies in effort to promote women’s sexual and physical, mental, and social with disabilities, people living in poverty, Canada in 2003, 39% (174,682) reproductive rights. the LGBTQ community, Aboriginal people, well-being in matters were unintended. That year, 103,768 and new immigrants are among the most pregnancies were terminated via relating to the reproductive disadvantaged. therapeutic abortion.

32 INVESTIGATION INVESTIGATION 33 Three Things You Can Do by settlers to control Break free. Why should there be any Indigenous populations) stigma surrounding sex and sexuality? If and slavery, for example, you can speak up and speak freely about it, others will be inspired to be courageous, still dictate many of our too. Start a discussion circle, a Facebook assumptions about people group, a learning club … any forum that will get people talking about one of the most and influence many of our important subjects we all have to deal with. institutions (government, Spread safety. Many campus-based education system, etc.). women’s centres across Canada make free condoms available to students. If Racism exists in three main forms: something like this isn’t available on your campus, it should be. Same with high … End racism Individual racism is the easiest to spot schools! It would be so worthwhile and because it’s about a person’s attitudes and constructive to make this happen. A good behaviours. place to start is a local women’s centre or Systemic racism has to do with the policies health clinic — maybe there’s a Planned and practices of institutions that take Parenthood office in your town, or a YWCA. A radical feminist activist advantage of peoples of certain races — it’s Tell someone there about your idea and warrior. A queer, often unconscious. plan, and ask for help in acquiring the free working-class woman of colour. A survivor of rape, materials. Then, either distribute them Race refers to a group Cultural racism comes from the value informally or, better yet, persuade your sexual assault, domestic violence. systems embedded in society that school to make it standard practice. A former sex-shop employee. A of people of common support discriminatory actions based counsellor. An emerging writer. on perceptions of racial difference and Make it mandatory. Lots of us don’t get ancestry, distinguished cultural superiority or inferiority. adequate education on sex or sexuality, These are the ways deb singh by characteristics such as even though some variation of it exists describes herself. Did you know? in most school curricula. Sometimes, it’s skin colour, eye shape, hair taught by teachers who are uncomfortable She combines her desire for a safe, texture, or facial or physical • Racial ethnicity and “blood purity” with the subject matter, untrained on it, sex-positive world with her desire to were used as justification by European or, even worse, who provide biased or explore her sexual self, through her features. settlers to wipe out entire Indigenous inaccurate facts such as those found in experiences of survivorship. populations all over the Americas. abstinence-only education. In some schools, Racism can be traced in • Half of all racially-motivated hate sexuality education is no longer taught in Her work at Toronto Rape Crisis crimes in Canada in 2006 were a specific class. If your school lacks this Centre/Multicultural Women history to when populations property-related offences, while 38% important learning, why not organize a Against Rape, her activism, and of people came up with were violent crimes. campaign to institute those classes into the her leadership as a facilitator and curriculum? You’d be doing a tremendous speaker are focused on empowering reaons — often illegitimate • At least seven organized white service for countless students today and communities. deb finds joy in turning — to control other supremacy groups across Canada have tomorrow who will be better equipped “pissed-off-ness” into support and operated brazenly in the past decade about sex and sexuality! love for herself and others. populations of people. or continue to. In 2009, a group of Colonialism (the attempt white supremacists in Vancouver

34 INVESTIGATION INVESTIGATION 35 poured kerosene over the sleeping body of a Filipino man and then set him on fire. Later, the police found THE colours of canada out that their organization had been Even though the Canadian government encouraged mass migration of Chinese workers assaulting Indigenous, Hispanic, and during the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush in 1858, in 1923 the Chinese Immigrations Act (also Black people all over Vancouver. referred to as the Chinese Exclusion Act) was passed to legally bar citizenship and voting rights to residents of Chinese origin. • Many people continue to believe the myth that people of color steal jobs In 1914, 376 Indian people were denied entry to Canada when the steamship Komagata from “more deserving” Canadians Maru landed ashore in Vancouver, BC. In a true collective effort by South Asians living in Vancouver, the passengers were able to fight for their residency and to get shelter • Because of racial discrimination, and food. people of colour in Canada are more likely to be unemployed and In Canada, the last segregated school (whites only, blacks only) closed down in Nova to have lower incomes. In 2001, the Scotia in 1983, while the last Indigenous residential school was not closed down until 1996. unemployment rate among visible She was crowned Miss White Rock minorities was nearly double the In August of 2010, the MV Sun Sea, a ship carrying more than 400 Tamil refugees in 2003 and Miss BC in 2004. And national average (12.6% vs. 6.7%). fleeing the Sri Lankan Civil War, landed on the shores of Victoria, BC. To this day, in 2007, she participated in the Miss many remain under detention, despite the United Nations’ policy against incarcerating India–Canada pageant. But no one refugee claimants (see Appendix). Roots and Solutions worried Sunpreet would veer from her Racism is rooted in history and lives dream of pursuing higher education In 2010, Maclean’s magazine published an article called “‘Too Asian’: Some frosh don’t through our systems today. The hatred, (she is currently completing the Doctor want to study at an Asian University,” quoting young white people choosing not to go to ignorance, and fear behind racism gets of Dental Medicine Program at the universities that had been characterized as having a large population of “Asian” students. passed through generations of familities, University of British Columbia) or This article was criticized for many reasons, mainly that it opened up a dangerous communities, and societies. Ending racism community service. conversation about non-white students “taking over” Canadian universities. means stopping that cycle. Sunpreet co-founded High School As individuals on a day-to-day basis, we 101, a peer mentorship program, and It’s important to do anti-racism work with Herstory need to call out racism when we encounter the Semiahmoo Mosaic Workshop cultural sensitivity and respect. That means it (when we feel safe to do so) and Society, a non-profit that brings being aware of cultural differences and In 2009, the Canadian Federation of Students advocate zero tolerance for it. together people of all ages and races similarities, and realizing that they have an (CFS) launched a national campaign called through city-beautifying art projects. effect on values, learning, and behaviour. Students United against Racism. Various CFS At a community level, we need to not be In recognition of her achievements, members pursued anti-racism activities that intimidated by hate groups that spew In general, more needs to be done to counter Sunpreet received a Surrey Top 25 were relevant to their particular campus or racism. We must constantly work to create racism — through public awareness and Under 25 Award. region. For example, the CFS-Ontario initiated communities that are so respectful and educational curricula, by challenging systems an official task force on campus racism equal, groups like that couldn’t even exist that continue to fuel racism, and by learning “By traveling across the province [as that held seventeen hearings on fourteen because there’s no one to recruit. more about its historical roots. BC Ambassador] to rural towns and campuses. The task force’s final report made Governments must proactively intercept Aboriginal reservations, I have seen recommendations for ending racism around racism through policy and legislation, the lack of resources for our youth. four major themes: individual and systemic while law enforcement should be more Our youth are our future, and we need racism in campus life, institutional racism vigilant in addressing hate crimes. to nurture and mend them to create a in hiring and curricula, institutional racism promising generation. I feel passionate in university policy and governance, and about encouraging youth to succeed.” systemic racism in broader society.

36 INVESTIGATION INVESTIGATION 37 Exercise: Your Story when European culture and values were forced upon Have you experienced racism personally, or seen it happening to someone else? them, Aboriginal lands were Have you ever noticed that by the way dispossessed, populations it operates, an institution favours some people over others based on race? were wiped out, and foreign Contemplating your own experiences with modes of governance were racism is an important step to becoming more engaged with the effort to end it. imposed. The effects of all this trauma continue to harm Three Things You Can Do … Support the Indigenous people today. Ban it. Follow the lead of young people in Tara’s commitment to equality and abolishing human trafficking various communities who have taken the Underlying most of the problems faced grew from a childhood fascination initiative of declaring their school or campus by many Indigenous communities are a with the Underground Railroad rights of a “racism-free zone.” With a bit of awareness- profound loss of identity and generations of and the transatlantic slave trade. raising and persuasion of the decision-makers, demoralization caused by cultural genocide She pursued a degree in education Indigenous peoples you can absolutely achieve this. Knowing their (the systematic destruction of a culture). educational institution is a racism-free zone — from Trinity Western University in and understanding the reasons why — can go Langley, BC, seeing that expertise as However... a long way toward shaping positive, respectful a rehabilitation and prevention tool: In the face of widespread oppression, poverty, attitudes and behaviours in students. “Knowledge is power. Education provides resources for people to For our purposes, and violence, First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Pin it. They say a picture is worth a traffic-proof their lives, especially Aboriginal peoples across Canada continue to thousand words. So what about creating those living in poverty.” “Indigenous” includes First fight for their rights. They are challenging the a board on pinterest.com to celebrate all Nations, Métis, Inuit, and systems and attitudes that have perpetuated races in the spirit of equality? Think about Tara has been able to leverage her their oppression in order to realize their full the endless possibilities! Riveting images profile as Miss BC 2010, Miss Canada Aboriginal peoples. rights and achieve equality. of people of different colours, cultures, and 2011, and Miss World Canada 2012 to backgrounds — looking beautiful, playing, get the word out about abolishing Indigenous peoples were Did you know? collaborating, dancing, protesting — along human trafficking. As a sought-after • Unemployment among Indigenous with pinned quotations and messages about public speaker, she is constantly on the land now called people in Canada exceeds 80% in some unity and respect. Even a humble pin board inspiring others to learn more and Canada for centuries before communities. can have an impact on how people see and take action. think about race. European settlers arrived, • More than half of Inuit people in the “I’m not a beauty queen, I’m an North cannot afford decent food for Flash mob. Surprise shoppers in a food and they have long proud abolitionist. That is the heart of it their families. court or crowds in a downtown square with for me: social justice, human rights, histories that include an impromptu performance. Set it to music One in four Aboriginal children lives ending exploitation, speaking out for • with a powerful anti-racism message, or rich cultural and spiritual in poverty. the oppressed and the marginalized, write your own. Not only is this a creative and raising awareness of ending traditions. But a cycle of way to speak out against racism, you’d be • More than 100 First Nations modern-day slavery. This is just a stimulating public discourse on the issue, social, physical, and cultural communities have little or no access to platform and means to do it.” which is always beneficial. destruction was begun clean water.

38 INVESTIGATION INVESTIGATION 39 • Aboriginal youth graduate from high Herstory have taken up Shannen’s call for better we are able to respectfully work toward and school at half the rate of all Canadians. educational opportunities for First achieve equality between Indigenous peoples Frustrated by the shoddy state of many Nations children and youth. In fact, the and non-Indigenous people in Canada. • First Nations youth commit suicide at First Nations schools and concerned House of Commons unanimously passed five to eight times the general rate; for that the truth about Aboriginal history a motion in February 2012 inspired by Dig deeper. One of the most important Inuit youth, the rate is six times as high. was missing from curricula, Shannen Shannen’s Dream, committing the federal things we can do to be powerful allies to Indigenous peoples in their struggle • More than half of First Nations and Koostachin decided to take action. This government to boost financial support to is explore our own identity. Remember Inuit people are under 25 years of age. young teenager from Attawapiskat First bring First Nations schools on par with the “privilege” we talked about earlier? This is the fastest growing population Nation launched a campaign to get safe provincial standards elsewhere in Ontario. We need to recognize it in ourselves — in Canada. If poverty is not addressed and comfortable schools and culturally- The motion also affirms that First Nations however that takes shape — and really today, it will continue to negatively based education in Aboriginal communities. students on reserves have an equal right think about what it means in terms of impact First Nations and Inuit families Shannen advocated tirelessly on behalf to a quality education as other students. oppression. There are so many meaningful for generations to come. of First Nations education before dying tragically in 2010 at the age of 15. The ways we can reflect on the issues in order Roots and Solutions initiative now known as Shannen’s Dream Exercise: Your Story to feel empowered to speak out about them. Learn more about power structures, continues today — thousands of people If you are an Indigenous youth, what Centuries of colonization have left Indigenous how they function, and how they have personal experiences have you and peoples without the opportunity to enjoy influenced and continue to influence the your family had with the issues facing basic human rights. Indigenous peoples experiences of Indigenous people. Ask so many Aboriginal communities? And across Canada are among the most questions. Listen hard. Be open. What is the UNDRIP? if you’re not, what contact have you marginalized, impoverished, and frequently The United Nations Declaration on the had with the story and struggle of Keep up the pressure. 2012 marked victimized members of society, as they are Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) Indigenous peoples, either personally or the ninth year of Sisters in Spirit vigils everywhere else on the planet, too. is an international agreement covering through those you know? taking place in honour of the hundreds When the United Nations adopted an both the individual and collective rights of missing and murdered Aboriginal What are your thoughts about how international Declaration on the Rights of of Indigenous peoples around the women in Canada. Over the years, tens Canada came to be upon Indigenous Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in 2007, world. The declaration addresses issues of thousands of people in at least 84 land, or about the healing journey Canada initially voted against. But in 2010, the such as culture, identity, language, communities have attended vigils as of Indigenous communities towards Government of Canada revisited the matter, health, and education. Based on the part of the pan-Canadian movement to equality? Contemplating our own leading to a Statement of Support endorsing principles of equality, partnership, and end violence against Indigenous women experiences on these issues is an the UNDRIP on November 12, 2010. mutual respect, UNDRIP’s purpose is and girls. Led by the Native Women’s important step to becoming more to guide the countries of the world, Association of Canada (NWAC), the vigils engaged with Indigenous issues — both There is a long way to go before Indigenous the UN, and other international groups are just one means of keeping public and as youth within Aboriginal communities people are truly free from imposed cycles toward building fair and cooperative political attention on this urgent issue. If and as allies in the fight for their rights of oppression. But Indigenous communities relationships with Indigenous peoples. something like this isn’t already happening and equality. are making strides along their healing path. in your community, consider collaborating Countless Indigenous scholars, artists, activists, UNDRIP is not the only document of its with Indigenous groups in your area to and leaders are challenging systems and kind. There’s also the Universal Declaration Three Things You Can Do organize one, or another event around this attitudes. Meanwhile, more and more non- of Human Rights, the UN Convention Soak it up. If you are a part of an issue. Learn about the vigils at nwac.ca/ Aboriginals are becoming allies in that effort. on the Elimination of All Forms of Indigenous community, talk to elders in programs/sis-vigil Together, we can build a new society in which Discrimination against Women, the UN your community and family about the First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Aboriginal Convention on the Rights of the Child, histories, traditions, challenges, and future people are fully equal, enjoying their rights, and others. But what makes UNDRIP of Indigenous peoples. This unique aspect and a thriving part of a fairer society. special is that it was drafted with the direct of Canada’s past has the potential to be participation of the very people it’s about. a positive part of our shared future — if

40 INVESTIGATION INVESTIGATION 41 Everybody has talent. And we often value things we find difficult — which others That’s just a fact. might find easy. If something reflection comes easily to you, chances are One of the keys to being a strong leader you’re good at it, too. That’s a talent. and activist is recognizing your talent, then leveraging it. What do the things you’re good at You can probably come up with a few say about your skills? Make a list things you’re good at. If you need help like this about yourself: figuring some out, here are three cool I like presenting in class = Confidence! ideas: My drawings are pretty great = Artistry! 1. Think about the things you can do that make others say “I wish I could do I get A’s on my essays = Eloquence! that” or “I wish I were as good as you at that.” To get used to identifying those I’m a social media expert = Friendliness! as talents, stand in front of a mirror and I understand code = Tech savvy! say it out loud. For example: “Hi, my name is ______, and I can speak two It’s time to reflect on the kind of leader languages!” Notice how good that feels. you want to be and what you are able Say it again and again. to do. 2. Think about something people have repeatedly told you that you would be And it’s time to recognize the powerful good at, like “You would make a great teacher” or “You should have your own person you already are. talk show.” Consider what assets they must recognize in you to make them say that. Write those down.

3. Think about what’s easy for you. Most of us believe the things we’re good at are easy, so we tend to discount their value.

42 reflection reflection 43 Now, imagine how those skills could be put to effective use as a leader or in an activist initiative: Confidence — presenter, speaker

Public speaking

Addressing city council

Talking to random people on the street A vision board is a collage Example: Artistry — designer, marketer of images, words, and It’s one thing to say “I want to work to Designing logos any other visual prompts protect the environment.” A helpful and powerful step toward this goal is to create Creating posters that represent what is it a vision board featuring:

Producing signage we want to do, be, and • clippings of news articles that have accomplish in life. motivated you to act • photos of the endangered species you Vision boards began as a tool used by Eloquence — communicator, persuader care most about facilitators and life coaches to help people Crafting slogans and taglines clarify and focus on specific goals. The • actual scraps of stray plastic bags Wording petition statements idea is that a visual expression of our you’ve collected from the street goals can serve as a powerful reminder or park Drafting letters to the editor amidst busy days and distractions of what • pictures of the decision-makers you we want to achieve, and why. hope to influence As young leaders and activists, vision Friendliness — networker, recruiter • quotes from environmentalists boarding can be a great way to begin you admire Engaging supporters mapping our activist journey. • copies of weather forecasts that Over time, vision boards serve as Getting the word out clearly illustrate global warming inspiration. No matter what happens Fundraising during any given day, a vision board is a • notes to yourself! constant reminder of where we intend to The sky’s the limit with a vision board. You be. Because it appeals to both conscious don’t even have to finish it in one shot — Tech savvy — developer, programmer and subconscious levels, a vision board add to it over time, let it evolve as you do, can work wonders toward keeping our allow your experiences to shape who and Creating a website attention on our intentions, and ultimately, what you are becoming … Developing an interactive web campaign our activist journeys headed in the direction(s) we’ve chosen. Tip: Take a digital photo of your vision Organizing/running equipment at events board and share on thinkbigstartsmall.ca.

44 reflection reflection 45 46 reflection reflection 47 There’s a large pothole in the road You’re at a meeting for a small e. People are too quick to compromise in front of your home. To address local project working to protest f. People complain about something and this issue, you: some budget cuts in your school don’t offer a path forward a. Coordinate a letter-writing campaign district. Someone says, “We need a among your neighbours few volunteers to help out with an Which of the following phrases would upcoming meeting!” Before you raise your friends and family mostly likely b. Call a few friends who know people on your hand, your internal dialogue use to describe you? city council to see who your best “in” sounds something like: is to getting that fixed a. Always knows just what to say, or how to a. “I could design some flyers and create express herself c. Contact the appropriate town or city What kind of changemaker a Facebook group to help get the word office to rectify the problem (and b. A true collaborator with a rich group of out.” are you? maybe sweeten the deal with some friends and colleagues homemade cookies) b. “This is great! I’ll call Eva and Jasmine as c. A real backbone of the family or soon as I get home.” Use this quiz to help you d. Look into the local government community budget allocations for road work and figure out your leadership c. “I could provide childcare for the meeting.” d. Deeply inquisitive and in constant pursuit safety personality — it’s a fun way d. “I can do some research into other of new and better information e. Make a street sign that warns people communities who’ve done this well.” e. Guided by an unwavering moral compass to think about the roles you about it and maybe even paint the are well-suited to play over pothole’s permiter in a bright colour e. “I hope we’ll discuss whether to organize f. A real problem-solver so it’s more noticeable a rally or a sit-in.” the course of your activist It’s Sunday afternoon. You are f. Fill it in yourself f. “Another meeting?! When are we going journey. Share your quiz to get started with some hands-on most likely: projects?” results with your friends, Which word do you most associate a. Leisurely wandering around a museum or with “making change”? doing some writing and pass it on! You are making an important group a. Envision decision. It might be about family b. Throwing a big party with friends you think ought to meet each other You never leave your b. Collaborate finances, a key work project, a house without: campaign strategy, or another critical c. Cooking a special dinner for your family c. Heal a Flyers or postcards to publicize an issue. You are most likely to feel and friends d. Explore frustrated with the process when: upcoming rally. d. Poring over the Sunday paper and doing b. Updating your Facebook profile first e. Fight a. You feel like people aren’t saying what some much-anticipated reading they actually mean c. Water and yummy snacks f. Create e. Attending a local screening, meeting, or b. The broader community isn’t consulted community event d. Interesting reading material and choices are made in a vacuum f. Tinkering around in your workshop or e. Pen and paper c. There isn’t an equal playing field garden

f. Your trusty Swiss army knife d. Decisions are made without all the needed information

48 reflection reflection 49 If you selected mostly d’s, you are an …

RESULTS INVESTIGATOR: Investigators like you play the crucial If you selected mostly a’s, you are a … role of exposing both the problems we face and the solutions. Here’s how: COMMUNICATOR: Communicators like you tell the stories and share information that build our power, • Reading, inquiring, and constantly learning. bringing us closer together and closer to a better • Researching facts, questions, issues, and future. Here’s how: stories thoroughly until the entire picture is clear. • Using your creativity and expression to share knowledge in compelling and accessible ways, • Asking the hard questions and exposing whether through art, film, storytelling, music, uncomfortable truths, even when it’s online, or infinite other ways. challenging. • Reminding people about all the ways we’re connected. If you selected mostly e’s, you are a …

• Spreading news, information, and ideas to other RESISTER: Resisters like you are on the front lines changemaker personalities. of changemaking! Resisters help by:

If you selected mostly b’s, you are a … • Standing up to the bullies and bad guys. • Practicing civil disobedience. : Networkers like you play a crucial role Kim Crosby is an inspiring example Kim once toured internationally with NETWORKER • Halting destructive projects with a wide range of in making change! Networker traits include: of how our personal experiences with her one-woman play, Hands in My tools, from lawsuits to injunctions to blockades. inequality can be transformed into Cunt, which garnered much praise. • A love and skill for making introductions and • Helping other changemakers find their own powerful tools for empowerment. making new friends and contacts. power to resist injustice. Being named one of Go Magazine’s • A knack for bringing all types of people and Born in Trinidad and now based in “100 Women We Love” in June 2012 is changemaker personalities together over If you selected mostly f’s, you are a … common ideas, goals, and actions. Toronto, Kim is a multidisciplinary only the most recent of a long list of artist, queer survivor, activist, accolades. Says Kim: • An outgoing, open-natured personality that’s BUILDER: Builders like you are aren’t waiting for the facilitator, and educator. constantly trying to strengthen and grow the solutions, they’re out there creating them. Here are community. just a few ways you might be doing that: “Freedom does not come at A core member of T-Dot Renaissance • Using engineering, design, or science to make the expense of another group (a collective of emerging artists of If you selected mostly c’s, you are a … stuff that doesn’t trash people or the planet. of people. We must fight for colour), Kim is also part of a black • Creating community gardens, time banks, each other; it’s either all of us NURTURER: Nurturers like you make change or other methods for sharing resources and queer ensemble called Les Blues possible by: or none of us.” strengthening community. that uses performance art toward decolonization. • Providing support, care, and just about every • Starting new businesses that foster healthy other kind of sustenance to changemakers and communities and a healthy planet. change efforts. She’s the founder of two cutting- • Having (and keeping!) a source of strength so And if you responded with a variety of selections, edge initiatives: The People Project, a large that it can be shared with others when you are a multi-faceted talent who will contribute movement of queer and trans people they need it. to changemaking in a variety of important ways. of colour seeking empowerment • Always being ready, able, and willing to help. Congratulations! through activism; and Brown Grrlz Project, based in New York.

50 reflection reflection 51 Advancing the Leadership of Women and Canadian Labour Congress “Power + Girls, YWCA Canada Privilege = Oppression” workshop (co- ywcacanada.ca/en/pages/advocacy/ developed with Pam Kapoor) priorities/leadership Canadian Labour Congress factsheets on Girls for a Change women’s equality girlsforachange.org Kidshealth.org Empowering Young Women to Lead kidshealth.org/teen/stress_coping_center/ Change, World YWCA stress_situations/harassment.html worldywca.org/Resources/YWCA- Publications/Empowering-Young-Women- United Nations Platform for Action to-Lead-Change Committee Manitoba, Gender Budget Project unpac.ca/gender/whatis.html Creative Visions Foundation creativevisions.org Canadian Women’s Foundation appendix canadianwomen.org/facts-about-poverty Do Something dosomething.org YWCA Canada Press Releases ywcacanada.ca/en/media/press/6 Dove Self-Esteem Activity Guide dove.ca/en/docs/pdf/ The Big Wild ActivityGuide4YouthLeaders_10-14yrs.pdf thebigwild.org

Millionaire Girls Movement Canadians for Choice millionairegirlsmovement.com/2011/12/the- canadiansforchoice.ca/rights.html role-of-self-advocacy-for-women Anti-Racism Resource Centre How to Self-Advocate — 10 Steps to Success anti-racism.ca ndalc.org/publications.htm Canadian Race Relations Foundation Tips and Tools for Self-Advocacy crr.ca/en/library-a-clearinghouse/ lawc.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/ publications-a-resources/31/221-facing- Tips-and-Tools-for-Self.pdf hate-in-canada Amnesty International Canada Eager to learn more? This toolkit drew Champions for Change talktotherep.ca/Images/PDF/RCY- amnesty.org/en/indigenous-peoples inspiration and information from a ChampionsforChange-web.pdf Native Women’s Association of Canada number of sources. Check them out! Canadian Research Institute for the nwac.ca/programs/sis-vigils Advancement of Women factsheets Public Service Alliance of Canada criaw-icref.ca/publications/factsheets psac-afpc.com/what/humanrights/ UN Women’s 16 Steps to End Violence june21factsheet1-e.shtml Against Women The Story of Stuff unwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/ storyofstuff.secure.force.com/ EN-16-Steps.pdf changemakers/quiz

52 reflection appendix 53 CREDITS

Creative: The Public (thepublicstudio.ca) Principal researcher and writer: Pam Kapoor Copy-editing and fact-checking: Jessica Hale Proofreading: Pam Kapoor and Meg Pirie

Special thanks Aldeli Alban Reyna, Ambar Aleman, Raine Liliefeldt, Danielle Pearson, Laura Tilley, YWCA Canada Program Workers and the Y Act Up focus group participants.

November, 2012.