If you have not heard or read about Unplugd 11, a visit to www.unplugd.ca will help put my story in context. The following are my thoughts, reflections, video story and Chapter one “The Change We Need” part of the Unplugd 11 online publication.

My Story goes like this:

Darren Kuropatwa, a member of the group in which I worked to Chapter 1, recently asked by email for some ideas to address the perception by some that unplugd was a “kumbaya”. My answer to Darren:

Never has a group of educators given as much emotional capital to support education in Canada as the participants of unplugd.ca
It took a significant piece of everyone personally and professional to step up and advocate for students in ways that are often not supported or outwardly discouraged in schools in Canada. Since Kumbaya means “come by here” it is a fitting invitation one that we need to extend to not just educators but people in general to see a vision for Canadian students in which a whole lot of things matter. As our words coalesce in the why blank matters publication, the document needs to be tabled at board meetings and council meetings and in the press with an open invitation for others to add their own why blank matters. The event was just the beginning of an ongoing conversation about what matters to Canadian students today.

This following video is my “after the event” reflection on what happened at unplugd11 mixed in with my video story that I did not get a chance to share at the Edge. My voice still is not working 100% (some say that is a good thing). I know I am talking quickly but I had to get the story out before the coughing took over.

On a really positive note “Why Families Matter” is the first story in our book. There couldn’t be a clearer message to Families that they are a priority and they have a significant role to play in the education of their children. My story was completed by this phenomenal action from a group of educators who I thought might not understand what I had to say.

The other Chapter One stories in video and podcast.
Videos by Shelley Wright, Andy Forgrave, Darren Kuropatwa and Chris Harbeck
Podcast by Jacyln Calder – Why Relationships Matter
Chapter One – The Change We Need”

Credits for the video photo back drop goes to Jeannine St. Amand.
Credits for the Doodle goes to Guilia Forsythe http://www.flickr.com/photos/gforsythe/6037994880/sizes/z/in/set-72157627260088801/