Anti-Oppressive framework

Engagement within an anti-oppression framework

When working in a diverse city like Toronto, it is essential to address the complex dynamics that differences in race, class and sexual orientation, among other factors, bring to youth engagement initiatives. Today, almost 50 per cent of the city's population was born outside of Canada, and more than 40 per cent identify as "racialized." Anti-oppression education provides young people with the tools to unpack the systemic factors that affect their lives. It challenges them to explore other ways of being and learning.

If youth engagement has a vision of building a safe, healthy society where all youth have a voice then anti-oppression work is a prerequisite. Access, equity and social justice in communities are also end products of anti-oppression work. Youth engagement in an anti-oppression framework creates a context within programs and organizations to continually recognize and challenge attitudes, behaviour and practices that create barriers to the meaningful participation and empowerment of youth. (Source: http://www.toronto.ca/involveyouth/chapter5.htm )

• What does it mean to work from an anti-oppression framework?
• Putting principles into practice
• Common challenges in anti-oppression training
• Staff support
• Ensuring that spaces are safe for all
• Case study