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REPORT TO THE 2015 ANNUAL MEETING ON 

ETFO’S EQUITY AND WOMEN’S PROGRAMS

Since 2013, ETFO staff has increased efforts to implement programs that meet the needs of its diverse 
member populations. The creation of an online networking site will support female members in 
designated groups to build systems of support, share experiences and get advice and guidance from 
those in leadership positions as well as one another. 

The networking site will be facilitated by members trained specifically for the role and moderated by 
ETFO staff. Planning for the site will occur in the summer of 2015. 

Engaging the Aboriginal Learner Partnership with Right To Play

Many members are overwhelmed by the challenges and barriers facing Aboriginal students, and lack 
the necessary skill sets for engaging Aboriginal children and families. Providing culturally responsive 
teaching strategies to our members will extend an inclusive learning environment sensitive to the 
particular needs of Aboriginal students. 

In collaboration with Right To Play (RTP), ETFO will review and summarize research on challenges 
faced by Aboriginal students. A compilation of RTP’s effective and engaging activities will be included 
in a new ETFO resource, which will be supported by an engaging professional learning/development 
workshop. The research component has begun, and the resource is expected to be developed and 
training scheduled in the fall of 2015.

LGBTQ Inclusive SchoolPlace Starts Here

The LGBTQ Inclusive SchoolPlace Starts Here video with accompanying resource guide is a ground-
breaking initiative that explores homophobia and transphobia in school communities and how to 
address these issues. The resources will be launched at the 2015 Fall Leadership. An LGBTQ Leaders’ Kit, 

including a variety of ETFO’s resources, will be made available to all local 
leaders. A regional video night tour is planned with locals in seven centres 
across Ontario. A community evening will be planned with ETFO locals, 
local labour councils and other community groups. This evening will:

• provide a community gathering that will be comfortable for ETFO LGBTQ members to attend 

whether they are out or not;

• offer opportunities for local media coverage of the initiative;

• raise awareness of the importance of creating a safe and welcoming environment in the 

school community for LGBTQ youth and educators; and

• allow ETFO members who participated in the focus groups and video to see and share the 

results of their contributions.

Members will receive training to facilitate the workshops for locals and members. Locals will be 
encouraged to approach school boards to partner in providing training to teachers, education 
professionals and administrators.

Human Rights Officer

The ETFO Human Rights Statement applies to all ETFO members and is read at the beginning of all 
ETFO provincial and local events. At local events, local members take on the role of Human Rights 
Officer and need support in this role. Information regarding the role of the Human Rights Officer will 
be put on the ETFO website in order to support members volunteering in this role within their locals.