The BCTF Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Office (ARAOO) will host an anti-racism symposium titled, Joy as Collective Action, in Vancouver, BC, on November 14–16, 2024, at the downtown Coast Coal Harbour Hotel.

This event came about from members’ requests during the BCTF hosted dialogue sessions for the systemic review of racism. Members emphasized the desire to connect, network, and learn together in a symposium-like environment, and for the BCTF to provide more opportunities for racialized members and allies to be in community with one another.

At the symposium, delegates can look forward to conversations that centre voice, agency, and action, while engaging with each other through dynamic speakers, workshops, networking opportunities, and creative activities. The goal is to generate an environment for delegates to expand into the spaciousness of anti-oppressive work, walk away with a sense of community, and be equipped with tools to address anti-racism, including self-resourcing.

The symposium will offer opportunities for delegates to connect on topics related to anti-racist practices and pedagogy, health and wellness, identity and belonging, and political action. Through a range of diverse workshops, speakers, and entertainment, attendees will choose with whom and how they would like to learn and engage.

Participation
There is space for approximately 120 members to attend. Priority will be given to Aboriginal or Indigenous, Black, and other racialized members and will consider the intersectional identities of members. Consideration will also be given to members who have been involved in anti-racism and anti-oppression work across the Federation. New members and members new to union activities are strongly encouraged to put their name forward.

Delegates will be selected by the Full-Time Table Officers with the support of ARAOO staff. Due to the timing of the event in November, and to comply with procedures related to travel bookings, applications will be open for one month from mid-May to mid-June 2024. The final selection process will be prepared during the summer, and selected delegates will be informed by mid-September at the latest. This is to ensure attendees have as much time as possible to confirm hotel rooms and make travel arrangements.

Tentative agenda
ARAOO will host Joy as Collective Action from November 14–16, 2024, at the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel in downtown Vancouver (1180 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC). The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, and end by mid-day on Saturday, November 16. For planning purposes, the tentative agenda is as follows:

Delegates should be aware that this conference has a very full agenda, including two evening sessions or events. All meals are provided and are part of the conference agenda, so there will be very little “down time” over the course of the symposium.

Expenses
All expenses will be covered, including travel, food, accommodations, and childcare.

For more information on expense and reimbursement information for BCTF members, please click here.

For the detailed guide on reimbursement for driving, please click here.

Travel and leaves of absence (LOAs)
LOAs will be provided for delegates to travel to and attend the event. Accommodation will be provided at the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel. Please do not contact the hotel to make reservations. BCTF staff will arrange accommodations based on the information delegates provide when they register through the BCTF website. Travel costs will be covered by the BCTF according to BCTF policies. Specific details on these items will be provided directly to delegates.

Childcare
On-site childcare will be provided, upon request. When you register, please ensure that you indicate your on-site childcare requirements, including the ages of the children needing care. We will use the data collected through the registration process to arrange childcare, so it is important that this information is provided at the time of registration.

Alternately, delegates can opt to arrange childcare in their home community. BCTF Procedure 10.I.28—4. states:

A maximum claim of $240 per 24-hour day will be paid for outside daycare services. Where care is required for less than a full day, the amount paid will be based on the number of hours of daycare at $18 an hour. The BCTF will only reimburse members for dependant costs that would not otherwise be incurred by the member.

If the provider is a relative, the dependant allowance may be considered a taxable benefit.

Deducting taxes owed and reporting to Canada Revenue Agency may be required. For definition of “dependant,” please see Members’ Guide, Procedure 10.I.28.

How to submit an expression of interest
To submit your expression of interest for this opportunity, please click here to complete the form. Please submit your interest to attend no later than Friday, June 14, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact antiracism@bctf.ca.