SBA Programming and Events
- UofT New Learning Portal Drop-In Testing Session – Feedback needed
- Computer Lab and Study room Closure – November 16th
- Around the Kitchen Table; An Evening of Community Cooking
- Crafternoon
Community Events and Resources
- Gender 101 & Accountability for Allies workshop – Today!
- NoDAPL Solidarity Info
- Academic Toolbox Renewal: Building UofT’s Next Generation of the Learning
- Representations of Anishinaabewaki: Art and Anishinaabemowin
- Performance in Protest: Art in Solidarity with the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
- BLM-TO Presents: Love is the Cure
- Disability Rights Focus Group
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities – Alliance of Equality of Blind Canadians
SBA Programming and Events
Feedback Needed: UofT’s New Learning Portal Drop-in Testing Session
U of T’s current Learning Portal hasn’t changed much in the last decade. Feedback from the University community is that the web interface for the Portal is clunky and out of date, and it doesn’t flow the way people would like. It’s also hard for instructors to incorporate new tools into their teaching.
The University is calling on the student community to help test three new systems that could serve as the engine for it’s new Learning Portal. In order to ensure that this system works with adaptive technologies that are used by students, the Academic Toolbox Renewal Group and Students for Barrier-free Access are co-hosting a drop-in testing session at the SBA Accessible Computer Lab. Please join us and share your feedback online, or in person with the SBA Centre Coordinators.
Date: Wednesday November 16th, 2016
Time: 11:30am-2:30pm
(this is an open drop-in so please come by anytime during this period that works for you)
Location: SBA Centre, 215 Huron Street, Suite 924 on the 9th floor
Wheelchair accessible. Accessible, single-user, gender-neutral washroom located on the same floor.
Please note that the SBA Centre is a scent-free space.
Students are encouraged to register (for testing site access) ahead of time at: http://teaching.utoronto.ca/ctsi-events/lme-online-testing/, or we anticipate doing this at the event.
If you are unable to attend the session, there are other ways to provide feedback. For more information about the University of Toronto’s Academic Toolbox Initiative please visit: http://toolboxrenewal.utoronto.ca/
For more information about the drop-in session please contact Nadia at sba.advocacycoordinator@gmail.com
After this testing session, students are encouraged to attend a Student Panel discussion about the three systems – Wednesday, November 16, 15:00 to 17:00, Rotman LL1025. This event is part of Portal Week, November 14 – 18. See http://toolboxrenewal.utoronto.ca/lmeweek/.
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Computer Lab and Study Room Closure
Please note that the computer lab and the study room will be closed for general member use from 11:30am to 2:30pm on November 16th as we are hosting the learning portal drop in session described in the item above. Members are free to use both spaces after 2:30pm.
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Around the Kitchen Table; An Evening of Community Cooking
Join Students for Barrier-free Access and the Centre for Women and Trans People for a fun, participatory evening of community cooking. We’ll cook and share a delicious meal, and help clean up together. You don’t have to have any experience with cooking to join us and everyone can join in with food preparation in whichever way they are comfortable. The recipes are affordable and easy to make, and we will be cooking vegan and gluten-free dishes.
Date: Monday November 21st, 2016
Time: 5pm-8pm
Location: Centre for Women and Trans People, North Borden Building, 563 Spadina Avenue, Room 100, Accessible Entrance off of Bancroft Avenue
This is an anti-racist, anti-ableist, queer and trans positive and family friendly space.
The Centre for Women and Trans People is an accessible venue. Accessible, single-user, all gender washroom located on the same floor as the event space. Please note that this will be a scent-free space.
***If you have any food allergies, including nut, coconut, and soy allergies, please let us know by 8pm on Monday November 14th so that we can plan accordingly. Contact Nadia at sba.advocacycoordinator@gmail.com with information about allergies, access needs, or any other questions/concerns.***
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Crafternoon
Join us for another craft session at SBA next Thursday November 24th from 4:30-6:30pm! We will be making cards for all occasions. Want to try using embossing powders? We’ll have the supplies at hand!
Location: 215 Huron Street, Suite 924
If you arrive after 5:30, please call 416 967 7322 and someone will pop down and let you in. Gender neutral washrooms on the same floor and please note that this is a scent-free space.
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Community Events and Resources
Gender 101 & Accountability For Allies Workshop – Today!
DATE: November 14th, 2016
TIME: 5:30-8:30pm
LOCATION: 200 King St. E, rm.352E
For Questions/Accommodations: lgbtq@sagbc.ca
Registration required: lgbtq@sagbc.ca
Description:
Overview of the wide constellation of transgender and trans spectrum identities. This introductory level workshop covers, basic terminology, identity and performance, an understanding of the impact of violence and systemic barriers, and a look at the harms and hurt of stereotypes. Participants will also learn about pronouns and be introduced to the idea of gender self-determination. Words like accountability and allyship will be broken down using concepts like transphobia and transmisogyny to begin discussing how cisgender people can be in solidarity with the trans community.
This is a beginner workshop and therefore we do not expect participants to be knowledgeable on these topics. This workshop is a learning opportunity and place where folks can ask questions and seek answers in a closed and facilitated setting that does not put trans and non-binary people in unsafe or uncomfortable positions. We encourage you to bring your questions.
More: http://bit.ly/Gender101_2016
Facilitator Bios:
Eddie
I am a white queer and trans creative maker, community artist and educator. I obtained my undergraduate degree in Fine Art from OCADU, followed by a diploma from the Assaulted Women and Children’s Counselling and Advocacy program at George Brown College. I have been working in the community arts sector for almost a decade, predominantly as an educator, program and events coordinator, and support worker. The goal of my work is to create and foster spaces that combine equity (anti racism/anti oppression) practices with creativity. I work primarily with marginalized youth and the LGBTQQ2SIA spectrum community, but not solely. In the past I have worked with community arts spaces such as Sketch Working Arts and Gallery 44. Previous Women & Trans Students Support Staff at the Community Action Centre.
Tamar
Tamar is a QTPOC activist with a background working with youth and marginalized groups of people. They are a Psychology graduate from the University of Guelph as well as graduate of George Brown’s Assaulted Women and Children’s Counselling and Advocacy program. Their work has covered counselling and support at youth shelters, recreational planning and development with people with intellectual disabilities, outreach and event planning with queer youth organizations, sexual health and education with Planned Parenthood, and social justice campaign support on campus.
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NoDAPL Solidarity Info
1) support the camps by donating funds or requested supplies to the Camp of the Sacred Stones and the Red Warrior Camp:
https://fundrazr.com/d19fAf?ref=sh_25rPQa
https://nodaplsolidarity.org/support-the-camps/
2) join the camps on the ground at Standing Rock by coordinating your presence and support with those leading and facilitating the efforts:
https://nodaplsolidarity.org/come-to-standing-rock/
3) organize solidarity direct actions (irl or online) aimed at
highlighting the institutions that support the dakota access pipeline:
https://nodaplsolidarity.org/targets/primary-targets/
https://nodaplsolidarity.org/secondary-targets/
https://nodaplsolidarity.org/nonviolent-direct-action-reso…/
4) sign the petition demanding that the white house stop the construction of the DAPL:
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/…/stop-construction-dakota…
5) if you are in the U.S. call/email/fax your local governmental representatives to express your concerns with the DAPL, to express your NoDAPL Solidarity, and to inquire about their actions in response to the state facilitated crisis.
https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
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Academic Toolbox Renewal: Building UofT’s Next Generation of the Learning
Date: November 14 – 18, 2016
We are currently testing three new systems that can serve as the “engine” for our new Learning Portal. Come learn more about the choices, and even take a test drive. Faculty, Students and Staff– Your Opinion Matters!
Portal Week Schedule:
Drop By Info Desk – Robarts Library 2nd Floor
November 14 – 18
10:00 – 15:00 (every day)
Vendor Q&A – drop by and talk directly with the suppliers:
November 15: 10:00 to 16:00
Downtown – Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation
Robarts Library Rooms: 4034, 4035 & 4048
November 16: 12:00 – 15:00
UTM – Rooms: DV3129, DV3138 & DV3210
November 17: 09:00 – 12:30
UTSC Rooms: AC219 & AC227, and SW403
November 18: 10:00 to 16:00
Downtown – Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation
Robarts Library Rooms: 4034, 4035 & 4048
STUDENT PANEL
Come hear what a panel of UofT students think:
November 16, 15:00 to 17:00, Rotman LL1025
Questions regarding Portal Week can be sent to: ati@utoronto.ca
Click here to give feedback on UofT’s academic toolbox renewal: http://toolboxrenewal.utoronto.ca/feedback-form/
The live testing period ends November 25th – sign up to test the systems here: http://toolboxrenewal.utoronto.ca/review-the-lme/
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Representations of Anishinaabewaki: Art and Anishinaabemowin
Representations of Anishinaabe Land: Art and the Anishinaabe Language
A panel discussion with Bonnie Devine, Lenore Keeshig, Andrew Hunter, Connor Pion, Wanda Nanibush
Date: November 18th, 2016 4 – 6pm, Room 179
Location: University College, University of Toronto with a reception following in Croft Chapter House
This session presents Anishinaabe perspectives on representations of land through visual art and Anishinaabemowin (the Anishinaabe language). Visual artist/educator/curator Bonnie Devine, poet/storyteller/educator Lenore Keeshig and curator/educator Andrew Hunter will each present examples of their work and its connection to understandings of land. Community worker/geography student Connor Pion and curator/writer Wanda Nanibush will then join in as respondents. This event intentionally centres Anishinaabe knowledge and experience while also offering a conversational framework to allow participants and audience members an opportunity for exchange and discussion.
Presented by The Intersection Series of the Department of Geography & Planning and the Canadian Studies Program at University College
For more information contact Gwen MacGregor at gwen.macgregor@mail.utoronto.ca
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Performance in Protest: Art in Solidarity with the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
Performance in Protest is an afternoon of performances and visual arts from Indigenous and non-Indigeous theatre creators, musicians, visual artists and storytellers at the Buddies In Bad Times Theatre Cabaret Space in solidarity with the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. The Chippewas of the Thames will be going to the Supreme Court of Canada on November 30th to fight for recognition of the legal right of Indigenous peoples to be consulted over energy projects going through their territory.
All proceeds from the event will go directly to the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation legal fund.
Featuring performances and artwork by:
Michael Greyeyes
Red Slam Collective
Terra Incognita Collective
Broadleaf Theatre
Akeesha Footman
Lisa Myers
More about the case:
Enbridge’s Line 9 is a forty year old pipeline built to transport light oil between Montreal and Sarnia. The pipeline passes through the traditional territory of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Northern Toronto and seventeen other Indigenous groups. Last December, the direction of the pipeline was reversed and now pumps heavier tar sands diluted bitumen. The pipeline reversal took place without the consent or adequate consultation of Indigenous nations, which is a constitutional duty of Enbridge and the National Energy Board.
A spill from Line 9, made all the more likely by the age of the pipeline and the heavier oil being transported, would impact innumerable people. It is estimated that there are approximately 9.1 million people within fifty kilometres of it. In order to fight Line 9 and the injustice of Enbridge’s failure to consult Indigenous peoples, the Chippewas will face over $500,000 in legal fees. They need your support.
Tickets available at http://buddiesinbadtimes.com/event/performance-in-protest-art-in-solidarity-with-chippewas-of-the-thames-first-nation/
Or first come first serve at the door. Tickets are on a sliding scale from $10-$100.
This event is co-hosted by Rising Tide Toronto, Terra Incognita Collective and Broadleaf Theatre.
Poster design by Ava Lightbody. If you can’t make it to the event but would like to contribute, you can make a donation to the Chippewas of the Thames legal fees here: https://chippewassolidarity.org/en/donate
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BLM-TO Presents: Love is the Cure
Family,
On Saturday December 3rd, join us for a LITUATION! Thats right, BLMTO is bringing the heat for you! We love you so much, we are throwing you a party. Time to unwind,recline, and catch the wickedest whine! Ah ah Ah!
We have curated a performance showcase of Toronto’s freshest artists in a dope array of artistic expressions from dance, singing, spoken word, ciphers, live painting, rap, theatre and story telling – a fire line-up to celebrate our Toronto artistic community that will turn into a 19plus party with 4 of Toronto’s hottest Dj’s spinning us into the night.
ARE YOU EXCITED! You know its only a #DressToImpress flex. Do you feel us?!
This event is about community! We are fundraising money to secure the Watah Theatre, which is a space that has nurtured the growth of hundreds of artists across race, gender, class and orientation under the artistic direction of world renowned black genius Dbi Young. For more info: http://www.thewatahtheatre.org/
Db’i has worked to develop the most powerful artists in Toronto that have profoundly impacted our community through their talent and contributions to our movement. We are honoring and celebrating the incrdible impact D’bi has on our different black communities, as we support the only infrastructure that Dbi has created within this city which develops black artists intentionally.
The Watah Theatre is in danger of closing due to consistent lack of funding which is reflection of the ways in which black art is consumed and funded in the Toronto arts community. As we are aiming towards to goal of fundraising 15k to secure the funds to keep the school running, we are advocating for the Toronto arts community to step up and support black artist in this city meaningfully. We are calling for systemic changes in funding and support for black artists to be able to continue to create without having to worry about being resourced. Funding for equipment, space, skill development is there, it is just not funded or funelled into our communities.
JOIN US FAMILY! This event will have multiple opportunties to fundraise money for the Watah Theatre! We have vendors, raffles & give aways, silent auctions and lots of exciting things to unveil – stay tuned! We got some dopeness cooking for you!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1631561183811015/
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BUY YOUR EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW HERE: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/love-is-the-cure-savewatah-tickets-29361310470
*The tickets will cover the cost of refreshments, child minding services, acess to performance showcase and party
Community Early Bird Ticket Price $15
Regular EarlyBird Ticket Price – $20
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ACCESSIBILITY & DETAILS OF EVENT:
8:30pm – Doors Open for Performance Showcase
9:00pm – 11:00pm – Performance Showcase includes refreshments, Child Friendly Space with child care & programming and a show to see Toronto’s hottest artists perform! This portion of the event will be a dry (no alcohol) zone. ASL & Gender Neutral washrooms available!
11:00pm – Doors open for Party
11:30-2:00am – 19plus party with 4 of Toronto Hottest Dj’s. Please note that this is going to be an adult party with the serving of alcohol. We will be checking for underage attendees. Coat check available!
**BIRTHDAY BOOTH SPECIAL**
Are you or somebody you love having a birthday coming up? We are here to celebrate and turn up for you! You can order a Birthday booth for you and your crew! We have a wonderful birthday special package prepared for you that comes with a BOTTLE SERVICE – birthday shoutout included! Email us at blacklivesmatterto@gmail.com headline: BirthdayBooth Dec 3
*SQUAD BOOTH*
If you just feel like stunting, hit us up and we can make that happen for you too . To order a Squad Booth that comes with a bottle service for you and your crew email us at blacklivesmatterto@gmail.com headline: SquadBooth Dec3
If you cant attend the event, and want to support this fundraiser, please donate to: https://www.gofundme.com/savewatah
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Disability Rights Movement Focus Group
My name is Sara-Jane Linton and I am a Master of Health Evaluation student working under the supervision of Dr. Ellen MacEachen with the School of Public Health and Health Systems at the University of Waterloo. I am working on a research project with the Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) called Regenerating the Disability Rights Movement. We are looking for students between the ages of 18 – 35 who self-identify as living with a disability and may be interested in participating in a focus group session sharing thoughts and recommendations on how the disability rights movement can attract and retain the active participation of younger individuals.
The focus group session is voluntary and will assess and explore barriers and possible solutions to overcome factors that inhibit or prevent younger individuals from joining and remaining active with the disability rights movement. Student participants in the focus group session will be asked to share their opinions and experiences in a discussion forum with several experienced members of the disability rights movement along with at maximum of 20 other students.
If you know of anyone who might be interested in participating or for further information on this research project please contact Sara-Jane Linton Master of Health Evaluation student with the University of Waterloo at: s2linton@uwaterloo.ca
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International Day of Persons with Disabilities – Alliance of Equality for Blind Canadians
You are cordially invited to come to this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities event in Toronto focused on employment. This is Goal 5 of United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals, on decent work and economic growth.
Elected representatives from all three levels of government are invited to come and speak on government employment initiatives, as well as persons with disabilities to share their employment success stories. Employment agencies are also invited to come and network with job seekers.
Date: Saturday, December 3, 2016
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
Venue: Metro Hall, 55 John St. Room 308 and 309.
Program:
2 – 2:10 Welcome
2:10 – 2:45 Government Speeches
2:45 – 3:15 Panel Presentation
2:15 – 2:45 Question and Answer Period
3:45 – 4:30 Networking with Employment Agencies
Refreshments, attendant care and ASL will be provided.
Please RSVP by October 28 at Voice Mail: 647-947-9022
Email: aebctoronto@gmail.com
Students for Barrier-Free Access 