Socks, sandals, and solidarity

We sit at a heck of a time politically and socially. Political divisions run deep both here and abroad; we see pain and suffering locally and internationally. But we also see incredible strength and humanity at every turn. I am always excited by the start of a new school year; it holds so much optimism. Seeing young ones boarding a school bus for the first time, parents tearful and fearful as the child moves up the stairs, backpack larger than the child, always brings a smile to my face. Seeing post-secondary students return to my small town, socks and sandals on, hippy vibes everywhere, businesses flourishing with the influx of (limited but enthusiastic) spending power, I am reminded how important a vibrant community is to our well-being.

This issue of Education Forum focuses on the power of community organizing. We see stories of individual community identity building along­side research on the power of organizing and bargaining with the needs of the larger comm­unity in mind. This is not a unique app­roach to community building, and in fact as our articles demonstrate, the power of a regional group of diverse individuals to make change is significant and long-standing. From the history of Queer and HIV/AIDS activism in Ken Miller’s article “From crisis to change” to the story told in Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament (Kiiwetinoong) Sol Mamakwa’s “Sport is healing” that showcases the local power of sport, we see in these pages a picture of the ways unions and organized labour can and must work alongside our local partners to improve the lives of everyone. Sharlene Henry’s article “How I ended up on a rent strike” is a remarkable example of small-scale organizing for large-scale impact. Similarly, OSSTF/FEESO’s Regional Organizers highlight the deep reverberations of empowering community voices in “Improving publicly funded education through conversation.” In each article you will find a story of cause and effect, where the effect is always for the greater good.

Further reading through these pages show­cases the value of labour councils, local organ­izing, and bargaining for the common good. I hope as you explore this issue that you find a spark in your own thinking. Perhaps you consider adding your solidarity to a local issue that is a bit outside your usual area of expertise, or potentially you find your way to learn more about a community problem and see where you can help make things better. And while I don’t expect you to don your Birkenstocks and socks, if the idea happens to move you and helps ground you in activism, go for it!