Rainbow Schools host Embrace Diversity: Free to Be Me Conference on April 27th

Rainbow District School Board will host a symposium aimed at creating and enhancing school-based supports for students in Grades 9 to 12 who are two-spirited, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and intersex (2SLGBTQI+) as well as students with friends and family members in these communities. Since its inception in 2009, Embrace Diversity: Free to Be Me has expanded to include poverty, race, culture and disabilities.

The conference will take place on Thursday, April 27, 2023 from 9:30 am to 1 pm at Cambrian College.

Throughout the event, students will enjoy workshops that touch on many important topics, including “All About Anxiety” with Registered Social Workers Katy Rogerson and Daniela Hunter; “Dealing Directly with Language” with Principal Cori Pitre; “Bullying and Social Media Safety” with Constable Kathryn Howard of the Greater Sudbury Police Service; “Safe Spaces” with Sara Runions of Réseau ACCESS Network; and “Growth Mindset” with Karen Adamic and Kim Constantineau-Nadeau of Public Health Sudbury & Districts.

Students will also have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers Andy Renaud and Aspen Groom.

Andy Renaud will speak with students about his life-long journey of finding himself through community, sobriety and a rewarding career. Despite facing hardships, Andy Renaud hopes his story will elevate voices and create positive change.

Aspen Groom, a 2SLGBTQI+ sexual health educator with Réseau ACCESS Network, is excited to share their story, discuss oppression, and foster hope towards a brighter future for all.

School leaders, Athletic Council members, Student Council members, and Gay Straight Alliances from Rainbow secondary schools will participate in the sessions.

Rainbow District School Board praised the organizing committee for its efforts, including Patrick Hopkin, Cori Pitre, Kristina Rivard Gobbo, Sandy MacEwan, Vanessa Caddel and Kim Yagnych.

Agenda

9:30 am to 10 am Arrival
10 am to 10:45 am Welcome and Icebreaker: Safe Space Sticker
10:45 am to 11:30 pm Workshop 1
11:30 am to 12:15 pm Lunch
12:15 pm to 1 pm Workshop 2
1 pm Departure

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217