As a program facilitator, it’s important to describe who you are and your role at the beginning of every activity or event. This will help you to:
- clarify what you will be talking about,
- let people know that some topics might be personal to them and that they may want to talk to someone about how they are feeling during or after the activity,
- explain that you are there to support them but you are not an expert, and
- direct students to people they can talk to, such as a teacher, trusted adult, elder, counsellor, or organization. Refer to the section called “Support in Your Community” for more information on whom to contact in your community.
Protecting personal information
It is very, very important to always protect people’s private information. If you collect names, email addresses, phone numbers, or any other personal information, make sure you keep them somewhere safe at all times. Talk to a teacher or another adult ally about how to protect personal information.
Consent-to-use-image form
If you plan to record or take a picture of someone, you need to get their permission first. Some people don’t want their picture showing up on social media sites or on television or in the newspaper, so it’s really important to ask them first and get their consent. This includes posting people’s pictures/videos to social media, including (but not limited to) Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
A consent-to-use-image form is used when photographs, videos, or other recordings of people will be made/taken at an event or any time media is present. By signing a consent-to-use-image form, people give you permission to take and publish pictures or recordings of them.
Check with a teacher or the school principal to find out what forms your school and school board use.
Internet etiquette
Several activities in this guide encourage you to go online to research, communicate, and share your stories. And while we all know that the Internet is a great tool and resource, it’s important to stay safe and be respectful while online.
Think before you post. Remember: Anything you put online, stays online. Once something is online, it’s very hard to control where it goes and how it’s used. Check with a teacher, another member of school staff, or a trusted friend or adult ally if you’re not sure whether you should post something.
Be kind. As the old saying goes, treat others the way you wish to be treated. This is as true online as it is in person. So, whether you’re posting new content or commenting, remember that the person on the other end has feelings too.
Be safe. Always report suspected inappropriate content or behaviour. Just as we ask that you be kind to others online, you deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. If you’re not sure what to do in a particular situation, check with a teacher or other adult ally for guidance.
Accessibility
Everyone has the right to participate. When using activities from this guide or coming up with your own activities, it’s important to think about how you will provide an inclusive environment in which:
- everyone thrives, regardless of ability, culture, gender, interest, learning style, or experience;
- everyone feels included and appreciated;
- all participants feel valued, affirmed, and respected for who they are and what they bring to the group;
- there are positive expectations for participation and achievement; and
- all participants can succeed in completing the activity.
