Building Community
What would happen if we looked at this year from a different angle?
What would happen if we returned to collaborative spaces with an emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion?
What would happen if we took the necessary time to get to know each other, identifying connections and setting the foundation for a strong sense of belonging?
Together, let's take the necessary time needed to check in on and learn from each other, lifting each other up through meaningful connections and collective action.
Learn more about September's "High Holy Days" for Jewish People
The exact date of Rosh Hashanah varies every year, since it is based on the Hebrew Calendar, where it begins on the first day of the seventh month. A common greeting to mark this occasion of Rosh Hashanah is “Shanah Tovah”, which means “Good Year.”
Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement and is considered the holiest day in the Jewish faith.
It marks the culmination of the 10 Days of Awe, a period of introspection and repentance. The holiday is observed by fasting from sunset to sunset and a religious service at the synagogue.
International Week of Deaf People
"According to the World Health Organization, more than 5% of the world’s population has ‘disabling’ hearing loss, which requires rehabilitation, support and/or advocacy. Additionally, more than 1 billion young adults are at risk of permanent hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices. It is estimated that more than 700 million people – or 1/10 people – will have disabling hearing loss by 2050.
When unaddressed, hearing loss can impact individuals in various ways, including their communication and speech, cognition, education and employment opportunities, social isolation, and mental health.
Read more: Study: The impact of hearing loss on mental health
To support those with hearing loss around the world, you can take action into your own hands. Here are a few things you can do :
- Learn sign language
- Share stories from deaf creators
- Support deaf businesses
- Learn about d/Deaf culture
- Join a d/Deaf group (ie: Phonak hEARos)
- Advocate deaf accessibility at work and in your community
- Volunteer at non-profits, civil liberties groups, or schools for the Deaf
- Contact your representatives to support the rights of deaf people through legislation"
From: https://www.hearinglikeme.com/deaf-awareness-month-september-2021/
Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30th, 2021)
Purchasing Orange Shirt Day items from Indigenous-owned businesses where proceeds are going towards the Indigenous community, is a great way to show solidarity and support to Indigenous creators.
Please be aware that some corporations, organizations, and businesses are selling Orange Shirt Day items with no commitment or proceeds going to Indigenous communities or Residential School survivors.
Here is a list of some great places to purchase from:
- Kaluyahwai’s Design Shop: T-Shirts available in Mohawk, Oneida, and English (https://kaluyahawidesign.threadless.com). Proceeds go towards the Save the Evidence Campaign.
- The Whetung Ojibwa Centre: Orange shirts designed by artist and residential school survivor Freddy Taylor (https://www.whetung.com/collections/2021-new-items/products/every-child-matters-by-freddy-taylor). Proceeds go towards the Save the Evidence Campaign.
- Orange Shirt Day Official Suppliers: https://www.orangeshirtday.org/shirt-retailers.html.
Are you Interested in Learning More about Anti-Bias and Anti-Racism Leadership?
The Equity Literacy Institute virtual series, Becoming Antiracist returns in November
Cost starts at $50, which covers 4 75-minute sessions with amazing anti-bias and anti-racist educators and leaders. We offer certificates of completion for people needing CEUs, too.
http://equityliteracy4.eventbrite.com
\
Equity Matters: Equity and Anti-Racism Supports and Resources
As Limestone District School Board employees, we are all a part of this learning journey. If you have ideas about future equity topics or terminology, please contact Rae McDonald.
