OSSTF/FEESO Organizing Institute March 22 – 23, 2024

OSSTF/FEESO is proud to unveil the first Organizing Institute scheduled for March 22-23, 2024.  This kick-off meeting and training is a central piece of the Strategic Action Plan as adopted at the Annual Meeting of the Provincial Assembly (AMPA) 2023.

Our work together at this gathering will be to build a common understanding of organizing at our worksites and in the communities, we call home. The Organizing for Better Schools, Stronger Communities Work Group has worked to develop organizing strategies and tactics that will assist in our efforts to protect public education in Ontario. Participants will embark on various training and strategy sessions designed to address regional needs.

Core issues that will be addressed in the Institute kick-off:

• Bolstering member engagement
• Building community coalition
• Strengthening or building alliances with parents, students, and community organizations in our regions
• Strategizing on school councils
• Intensifying our narratives to local media and communications

We are looking for District leaders to nominate one (1) representative to be the District lead to attend the Institute. In addition, spaces are open for active members-at-large, regardless of region or job classification, to apply to attend the Institute. They can be local worksite representatives, and/or active in local coalitions or community groups in their respective regions.

Registration, the application process, and other information about the Institute are available on the OSSTF/FEESO website. Be sure to properly identify yourself as the District/Bargaining Unit Lead or as an applicant.

District representatives and all other applicants will need to confirm with their District or Bargaining Unit president that they can secure release time, if required, to attend the Institute. The program will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 22, and conclude by 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 23.

Deadline to apply is February 22, 2024, by 4:00 p.m.

For more information about the OSSTF/FEESO Organizing Institute, please contact Munib.Sajjad@osstf.ca.