Tools for Change: An Educator's Resource Site

Author(s): Deborah Sinclair

Publisher: Status of Women Canada

Type of Resource: Resource kit for community agencies.

Target Grades: Community agents/facilitators, educators

Canadian Resource? Yes

Resource formally evaluated? N/A

What is the source, internet link, or article title for viewing the formal evaluation of this resource? (none supplied)

Subject Areas:N/A

(where noted: Consistently (C)   Often (O))

Exploring Social Relations of Violence, Oppression and Equality

Knowledge

• Knowledge about social structures of inequality, marginalization/exclusion, negative stereotypes, discrimination and violence
• Develop a gender analysis of social relations
• Recognize and understand oppression on the basis of gender and other forms of inequality (i.e., race, culture, socioeconomic status, education, geographic location, ability/disability, etc.)
• Recognize and make connections of varied forms of violence in different contexts (i.e., home, school, community, media, etc.
• Critical understanding of the concept of power by exploring relations of violence and relations of empowerment
• Knowledge about the social relations of equality, inclusion, acceptance and empowerment

Skills

• Explore multiple and different forms of violence/vulnerability and experiences of exclusion in their lives
• Explore gendered aspects of their social identities, relationships and experiences
• Explore personal experiences of vulnerability and privilege by understanding social inequality/oppressions.
• Engage in gaining a sense of social responsibility for addressing social oppressions/exclusions and for participating in achieving positive social change

Exploring Identity, Gender, and Diversity

Knowledge

• Knowledge to examine social identities relationships and experiences within the context of multiple social relationships and structure of inequality (vulnerability vs. privilege)
• Knowledge about how values and biases are (can be) used to exclude and cause harm to individuals and groups of individuals
• Knowledge to build an understanding of “differences” on the basis of gender, race socioeconomic status, ability/disability, sexual orientation, language, culture, education, et. In ways that enable students to move away from thinking in terms of “better than/worse than”

Skills

• Opportunity for students to develop an understanding and respect for the identities, experiences, and values of their classmates/peers
• Opportunity to explore differences on the basis of gender, race, ability/disability, socioeconomic status, culture, religion, sexual orientation with respect and interest
• Opportunity for students to express, learn from, and build multiple perspectives on social experiences and diversity

Developing Connections, Creative Thinking and Participation

Knowledge

• Strategies for personal and/or social change are offered to students for the promotion of healthy and equal relationships.
• Gain in knowledge about choices and actions that promote mutual empowerment and respect

Structure and Format:

• Research-based introduction
• Strategies to integrate lessons/activities into the educational curriculum
• Availability of support to implement the program/resource

Teaching/Learning Strategies:

Direct Instruction: whole class and small group

• Explicit Teaching

Teaching and Learning Activities/lessons Include:

• Use of graphic organizers (e.g. Venn diagrams, mind maps, tables)

The strength of this resource lies in that it is an important source of background information and theory on the topic of violence against women. It is designed for use as a source in the development of programs to assist victims of (woman) abuse. The resource uses a gender-based, anti-racist, and anti-oppression analysis to encourage individuals to identify and examine the social structures that lead to abuse. The resource critically examines social structures of power and oppression. It is consistently inclusive in its consideration and analysis of types of difference and their implications for individuals and it supports information provided with research.

This resource provides information and knowledge about promoting equal and healthy programming for victims of abuse, and, less so, how to identify and build healthy relationships.

This resource is primarily an information kit and does not provide opportunities to explore issues on a personal level.