By Erica (she/her) Rogers Announcements • Education • General Information • Internal Union Matters • News 0 Comments

May Pro-D Day – SOGI for Cupe

Please join us in this SOGI session for CUPE members. During our session, we will be covering what SOGI inclusive learning environments look like, sound like and feel like. We will also be joined by student leaders from Burnett and Cambie, who will share their experiences of schooling with adults who hear and accept them as LGBTQ2S+ youths. Our session together will:

  • explore our own intersectionality and how that plays a role in the way we interact with students and colleagues
  • do a self assessment for what we are already doing and what we can do to contribute to inclusive learning environments
  • discuss why it’s important to practise gender neutral language with students and colleagues​
  • ​answer some questions about how young SOGI can go
  • include some resources for further professional development in SOGI ​

Facilitators for this session are Loreen Thomson, CUPE; Ellen Hsu, RTA; and Destiny Lang, Student Leader – Burnett

May 21st 9-11am – Registration is open now on the portal!

By Terri Inouye Education • News 0 Comments

Professional Development Day Suggestions

Dear CUPE 716 Members
The last common Professional Development Day for 2020/21 school year is May 21st. We want all members in all departments to have the same opportunities for professional development. Please send your ideas or suggestions to Ian Hillman via email Ihillmancupe716@gmail.com.
In Solidarity,
CUPE716 Executive

By Terri Inouye Education • General Information • News 0 Comments

Support Staff SSEC Survey

CUPE, other support staff unions, and BCPSEA are jointly launching this survey with a view to soliciting input to help define priorities for, and interest in, support staff training and upgrading. This survey will help inform the work of the Support Staff Education Committee (SSEC), which was struck as per item 6 of the Provincial Framework Agreement.
We anticipate that the survey will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SGLYD3F
Please complete the survey by February 8, 2021.
If you have any questions, please contact your local president.

By Terri Inouye Education • General Information • News 0 Comments

CUPE BC UPDATES ANNOUNCEMENTS | UPCOMING EVENTS

Dear members,

We hope January is treating you well so far, and wish you all a healthy, happy and fulfilling 2021. Please read on to learn more about upcoming events, learning resources, and community engagement opportunities in the coming weeks. Anyone interested in the BC Fed courses must first apply to the union through Stacey Robinson

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CUPE BC 2021 Virtual Convention | May 19-21 **Save the Date**
Please save the date for CUPE BC’s 57th Annual Convention, which will be held virtually (online) over three days from May 19 – May 21st. Further information will be included in the Convention Call, which will be sent out to all locals and District Councils in the near future.

Convention Dates: May 19-21, 2021 (3 days)
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00pm (daily) PST
**Resolution Cutoff Date**: March 22, 2021 at 12:00pm PST

CRA News Release | Home Office Expenses for Employees
The Canada Revenue Agency has simplified the rules to help make Canadians working from home eligible for a tax deduction. Under the new rules, employees having worked from home more than 50% of the time over a period of a least four consecutive weeks in 2020 due to COVID-19 are eligible to claim the home office expenses deduction for 2020. Please read the CRA news release here and visit the CRA website for more information.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Diversity and Inclusion Webinar | From Bystander to Allyship | Jan 13
Alden Habacon, who led CUPE BC’s first Fall 2020 webinar on Inclusion for Unions, is offering a free webinar on allyship and ways to meaningfully address non-inclusive language and behaviour in the community and the workplace. For a full workshop description, please click the registration link below.

Date: January 13, 2021
Time: 9:00-11:00am PST
Registration: click here
Cost: Free

Stratagem Black History Month Events | Black Queer Futures | Jan 23-Feb 28
Stratagem: Black Queer Futures is a series of virtual talks and workshops by Black activists dedicated to exploring the nuances of Black queer identity, resistance and movement building. Spread out over Black History Month, a wide range of workshops are being offered to provide participants with an intersectional experience of Black LBGTQ2S+ lived realities and histories. For more information, please see below and/or contact the organizers at info@cicelyblainconsulting.com.

Dates: Various offerings starting Jan 23, ending Feb 28
Workshop Schedule: Click here
Registrations: Click here **NOTE: Black Community Access tickets ($25) and 50-100% scholarships are available for anyone in need.
Anyone interested in the BC Fed courses must first apply to the union through Stacey Robinson
BCFED Health & Safety Centre | Professional Development Programs
The BCFED Health & Safety Centre will be offering a range of professional development programs over the coming months, including those listed below. Detailed course descriptions can be found on BCFED Health & Safety Centre course calendar (click here). For more information, please contact the BCFED OH&S Centre by phone (1-888-223-5669) or via email (ohsadmin@bcfed.ca).

OH&S Committee Part 1
Various Dates (Jan/Feb 2021)
1 day session | 8:30am-4:30pm
Delivery: Online
Registration: Click here for list of options Mental Health First Aid
Various Dates (March/April 2021)
2 day session | 8:30am-4:30pm
Delivery: In Person (Burnaby)
Registration: Click here for list of options

Should you have any questions regarding this update, please email info@cupe.bc.ca for additional information.

By Terri Inouye Education • News 0 Comments

Are you interested in becoming a k̓ʷəməyɬəm volunteer?

As part of our district work towards the goals of our SD38 Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement, we would encourage all schools to have a volunteer k̓ʷəməyɬəm (meaning raise a child in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓) on staff.

This focuses on Goal #1 of our Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement, which reads Richmond’s students with Aboriginal ancestry will work toward a strong sense of belonging through pride in their cultural heritage. Students will be honoured for their stories, celebrated for their individual strengths, and supported throughout their learning journey.

The role is intended to increase a sense of belonging at school for students through connections to the greater school community. This role is voluntary, and is meant to complement the work of the Aboriginal Success team. The role is not curricular, or cultural in nature, and is focused on the relationships that students have in and with the school. While the role will depend on context, and is evolving, k̓ʷəməyɬəm will be a friendly face in the halls, and a person who provides encouragement or a safe space if necessary. The role can be filled by a teacher, support staff, or administrator.

If you have questions, suggestions or concerns, please contact Leanne McColl, District Aboriginal Education Teacher Consultant.

By Erica (she/her) Rogers Announcements • Education • News 0 Comments

CUPE Local 716 2020 Scholarships – Applications Now Closed

CUPE Local 716 2020 Scholarship Applications now being accepted.  This year we have a total of four (4) – $500 scholarships available for the children of CUPE 716 members.

Application Deadline has been extended to September 30, 2020. Applications are now closed for the 2019/2020 school year.

Please find the Scholarship Application Form and Instructions here:

CUPE Local 716 Scholarship Application 2020

Scholarship App Instructions 2020