RHN - Education Committee

Chair - Phyllis Waugh, phyllis.waugh@gmail.com

Education Representative (Steering Committee): Jackie Boyce

At present the Education Committee's work is focused on "Training for Change," a project of Rainbow Health Network’s Education Committee and Anti-Racism / Anti-Oppression initiative.

Phase 1 of the project resulted in "Training for Change: An Anti-Oppression Framework." See Resources on the home page to download it or order a copy.

In Phase 2, a workshop and facilitator's guide are being developed in  conjunction with an Advisory Committee, based on the framework.

The project is funded by the Access, Equity and Human Rights Community Partnership and Investment Program, Toronto.

Overall Project Goals:   
1)    To develop a Facilitators’ Guide that will address culturally competent practice and an integrated anti-oppression framework when working with LGBTQ communities.  The Guide will be designed for training health and social service sector workers and advocates. The project will build on and centralize information about existing resources.

2)    To develop ongoing relationships with LGBTQ organizations representing the diversity of these communities, through an outreach process. Input from these groups will form the basis for the educational materials. Networking with health and social service agencies will be part of the project. 

Project Coordinator: Deidre Walton

Deidre (D-Lishus) Walton is an activist and facilitator doing social justice and anti-oppression work, with a particular focus on anti-racism, women’s issues and the LGBTQ community. D-Lishus is also a performer who uses dubpoetical stylings to highlight the personal within the political, and give voice to experiences that underscore our common humanity. She combines these skills to deliver engaging, inclusive workshops that provide a safe space in which to explore ideas and express creativity. 

ABOUT THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE 

Rainbow Health Network (RHN) is working with people in healthcare and social services to raise awareness about the healthcare, support, and social service needs of LGBTT people. We face numerous barriers in accessing healthcare and social services, such as our experiences and fears of discrimination. The RHN Education Committee’s main areas of work are:

• Presenting Diversity Awareness workshops to healthcare and social service providers
• Promoting and distributing the Rainbow Health Educational Toolkit (see Resources.) 
• Meeting with LGBTT groups representing areas of cultural diversity to promote partnerships on anti-racism anti-oppression initiatives
• Promoting awareness of LGBTT issues within professional associations of healthcare and social service professions
• Offering an educational display table for conferences and other events 

You can join the Education Committee! Work with a dynamic group of volunteers to make a difference. We welcome your creativity, ideas and willingness to participate. New volunteers are needed. Drop in and find out about work in progress.

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