The BCTF invites 12 members to participate in a BCTF Think Tank on Homophobia and Transphobia In BC Schools. The Think Tank will be held at the BCTF office in Vancouver on Monday February 3, 2025, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Why are we having this Think Tank?
The aims of this Think Tank are to:
- deepen the Federation's understanding of how homophobia and transphobia impact working conditions for 2SLGBTQ+ members;
- investigate the rise of anti-SOGI and anti-trans movements across the province; and
- gather teachers' perspectives on how the Federation can resist the impacts of these extreme right politics on public education.
What is a Think Tank?
The Think Tank Is a methodology that the BCTF has been using as a form of "activist research." Activist research is a “framework for conducting collaborative research that makes explicit challenges to power through transformative action[1]” (Jones, 2018, p. 27). In a Think Tank, a group of teachers are selected from across the province to provide their perspectives, experiences, and recommendations on a particular issue. These conversations are complimented by academic and/or community-based stakeholders whose short, focused presentations intend to deepen an understanding of the key issues related to the topic and prompt participant reflection on their own work and experiences. As part of the interactive research space, the day's conversations are interpreted in a visual mural, created by a trained graphic recorder who listens, synthesizes, and draws dialogue in real time, enabling participants to see patterns and collective wisdom emerging from group dialogue[2]. The resulting report focuses on collective discovery and learning through the Think Tank experience.
Who can apply?
This opportunity is open to members who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. All costs (including travel and release time) will be covered by the Federation.
How do I apply?
To apply please fill out this application form by December 6, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.