Richmond/ Fraser Valley – If there is one subject, next to rainbow crosswalks, that can stir up debate in the Valley, it’s SOGI 123.
New sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) funding will help expand the October Provincial SOGI Education Summit In Richmond.
The focus is on increasing the participation of youth, parents and Indigenous partners.
The new funding of $350,000 will be used in part to enhance the SOGI Education Summit, presented by the ministry and the ARC Foundation, which has been a lead partner in the creation of the SOGI 123 curriculum resource. Held for the last two years, the summit brings together representatives of school districts and independent schools that are participating in the B.C. SOGI Educator Network. The event provides an opportunity for SOGI leads to learn about new approaches and resources, share successes and challenges, and provide input to help inform provincial initiatives.
At this year’s summit, being held in Richmond in October, student voices and Indigenous perspectives will be integrated with the priority focus areas identified by the new Provincial K-12 SOGI Collaborative. With increased participation from youth, parents and Indigenous partners, this year’s summit will help to identify issues and opportunities that can inform priority actions for student voice and Indigenous SOGI supports for the next couple of years.
