This message is being shared on behalf of the Social Justice Week Committee, Faculty of Social and Community Services.
Durham College (DC) is hosting its sixth annual Social Justice Week, with virtual events taking place between January 20 and 24. Join us for five days of thought-provoking discussions with engaging speakers from diverse fields who will share both their expertise and lived experience.
This year’s theme, “How to Be an Accomplice for Social Justice,” invites you to go beyond allyship and take meaningful action. Through engaging workshops and discussions, we’ll explore what it takes to actively challenge systemic inequities and amplify marginalized voices. Join us to learn actionable strategies, build meaningful connections, and empower yourself to be a catalyst for positive change in your community and beyond. Everyone has a role to play—discover yours during Social Justice Week!
Sessions will take place from 12 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. from Monday, January 20 to Friday, January 24.
Register for the virtual sessions here: https://durhamcollege.ca/social-justice
Monday, January 20
How to be an ally for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals
Donny Potts is the Education Director for pflag Durham Region and has been with pflag Canada for over 15 years. He started with the local chapter in Durham Region and has since returned after ten years with the National Board. Donny has been a voice for those who need one, never backing down and always ready to go to bat for people. In this session, Donny will be discussing how to be an Ally for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and why it is important.
Tuesday, January 21
How to be an accomplice for racialized women in the workplace
Janine Knight-Grofe has 17+ years of experience in international education practice and research. She is currently Director, International Education at Durham College, responsible for a spectrum of internationalization initiatives, including developing and implementing programs and supports for international students. Janine spent 10 years at the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) where she led the team to design and build CBIE’s first credentialed education program, the International Students and Immigration Education Program (ISIEP) leading to the Regulated International Student Immigration Adviser (RISIA) national accreditation exam. Janine is a PhD candidate, Higher Education, at the University of Toronto, where her research centers on internationalization and equity, diversity and inclusion in Canadian colleges.
Allison Hector-Alexander is an equity and inclusion specialist with over 20 years experience of creating and leading policy, program development, education and training in anti-racism, anti-oppression, allyship and equity. Allison is the director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with the Regional Municipality of Durham where she has oversight for Accessibility, the Local Diversity and Immigration Program and Partnership, the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan and all Equity and Inclusion programs. Prior to this role, she was the director of the Office of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion at Durham College. Allison completed her Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree in Adult Education and Digital Technologies and a Master of Education degree with a focus on anti-oppressive practices, access, and equity in Higher Education.
Wednesday, January 22
How to be an ally for Indigenous people
Connie Spencer is Kanien:ke:ha:ka tanon Kiorhensha:ka (Mohawk & British) and a member of the Wahta Mohawk community. She provides support and community service navigation to self-identified First Nation, Metis, and Inuit members of the community who require assistance with mental health recovery. Connie is committed to providing holistic healing through promoting the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical well-being of Indigenous individuals and their families by fostering traditional values and beliefs that encourage healing and mental stability. She collaborates with colleagues and community services to build and promote respect, understanding, compassion and knowledge of First Nation, Metis and Inuit cultural perspectives. Connie is a Feather Carrier and a Master Spirit Builder, both of which have supported her own journey to re-connection.
Thursday, January 23
How to be an accomplice for homeless individuals
Tom Regehr identifies as “… an addict, formerly homeless, trauma suffering, plain speaking ham with ‘mental health issues’, social challenges and a will to make a difference”. For over 20 years Regehr has been working to help social workers, medical professionals, educators, planners and the general public understand what is going on in the minds and hearts of the suffering, the ‘marginalized’ and the critically disenfranchised. He does this mostly by listening to the homeless, addicted, suffering folks. He gathers common truths and shares them for others. He is an Adjunct Professor at McMaster University teaching occupational therapists about the role of cumulative trauma, loss and unresolved grief in addictions, homelessness etc. Known to be ‘raw, real and relevant’, he speaks from the heart.
Friday, January 24
How to Be an Accomplice for Justice: Stories That Shape Our World
This session is a thought-provoking panel featuring three acclaimed writers whose work spans continents and disciplines, united by their commitment to social justice and storytelling.
Ukrainian poet and cultural scholar Iryna Starovoyt brings a vision of hope amid conflict, asking her compatriots to imagine a brighter future. Investigative journalist Alvin Ntibinyane from Botswana, co-founder of the INK Centre and contributor to the Pulitzer-winning Panama Papers, shares insights into journalism’s vital role in exposing corruption and advocating for transparency. Canadian writer Jess Taylor, a Lambda Literary Award finalist, highlights the power of fiction to amplify marginalized voices and expand empathy.
Together, they will discuss how storytelling shapes our understanding of justice, resilience, and the kind of world we want to build.
We hope to see you there!
