Elect Kim Fry for ETT, Building Union Power

I think it is fair to say that the last month has been an emotional roller coaster for the entire world and there have been many challenges unique to teachers. In the U.S, teachers had to fight hard to get schools closed even when there were cases of Covid-19 in the schools. We are all learning how to adapt to emergency remote learning and finding balance between supporting our students and taking care of our own families, friends and communities. Many of us are worried about... the well being of our students, worried about the political and economic ramifications of this crisis and worried about the health of the people we love. One thing that has helped me through the last month has been balancing my responsibilities as a parent and teacher with engaging in online political spaces that are working on solidarity building and political action in the age of COVID-19. I have helped deliver food with CAFCAN with other teachers and donated to FoodShare Toronto (as have many many other education workers). I have been working with the incredible members of the Building Union Power to talk through how we can engage in community solidarity and political action to support community and build online spaces for teachers to connect to share challenges and strategize together. One of the wisest people I know is longtime feminist, activist, author, TV host and ETFO supporter Judy Rebick. Judy came to speak to us on the picket lines and she is a grounding force right now as well all look to adapt to this new situation, she is willing to offer her sage insights and thoughts. Paul Taylor, the Executive Director of Foodshare will also join in to talk about the need to support secure food systems and to address what we can do to help with food security at this challenging time. And ETT Vice President Yolanda B'Dacy will talk about what our Union has been doing and can do moving forward to build hope, connection and solidarity using online tools. If you would like to register, either DM me or email [email protected].

Please help spread the word about this Community Zoom Meeting for New Teachers being hosted by these rockstar teacher activists! Louisa Julius & Jonathan Giles are two incredible members of the Building Union Power caucus and they are also running to be on the ETT executive. They will make incredible Executive Officers and working with them has been such a pleasure. Please send this to any teachers in their first 5 years!

Teachers from Building Union Power have been volunteering with FoodShare Toronto and CAFCAN. I spent some time delivering food the last 2 weekends and I urge any teachers who can help to consider volunteering or donating to these incredible organizations. Get in touch with me if you would like to connect with other teachers involved in volunteering. And if you would like to hear from Paul Taylor, Executive Director of Foodshare about the importance of food security right now and the work they're doing to connect with TDSB families in need, register for the webinar I'm helping host Tuesday April 15th at 4pm.