ReiDefine Consultancy is a group of dynamic consultants who were contracted by the York Region District School Board to liaise, engage, create and develop a framework to support the efforts of Dismantling Hate and Oppression within the school entities. ReiDefine will take a hands-on, collaborative approach as we engage faculty, students, executives and community to inform the process.

A letter of information and consent is a binding document that provides you with information on the action we are requesting from you. It gives you information on the task and has space for a signature which confirms that you have agreed to participate in our session(s).

The Four Pillars are the values and collaborative ways ReiDefine Consultancy aims to work with staff, students, and community.

They are:

● RESPECT – We hold respect for one another and respect for ourselves. We respect each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We respect our collective ability to bring about positive change.

● LISTEN – With respect as our foundation, we learn to listen with our ears, our heads, our hearts, and all of our senses.

● UNDERSTAND – From listening comes understanding. To understand is to go beyond listening, to process what we have heard and reflect on the new knowledge we receive. If we truly understand who others are and who we are, we can work together as equals, valuing differences and building upon similarities and common goals.

● COMMUNICATE – When people truly understand each other, then they can communicate clearly. With communication, we can create action plans and implement them using practical projects that make a positive difference. When we communicate, we also continue to reaffirm the respect and trust we have for each other, create healthy relationships with others, and help each other achieve our goals.

We commit to uphold these four standards when collecting, analyzing and reporting data and information to inform a process that practices inclusivity and equity across the York Region District School Board.

Fireside Chats, also known as “all-hands” meetings, where the team can hear news, discuss challenges, stay informed, and offer ideas. They can be virtual or in-person. They are a time to discuss important topics and engage and build relationships with people who are connected to the bodies and communities the research is exploring. In this case, the York Region District School Board.

The information collected will help to inform the creation of a Dismantling Hate and Oppression Framework. The framework will be a guide on how to effectively implement tools that will change the nature of the YRDSB to a more inclusive, diverse body and aims to cater to a variety of needs.

The benefits of you being involved is primarily, that your voice is heard and is taken into consideration and embedded into the action plan for the framework. Without those who directly live(d), work(ed), and involve(d) expertise, the plan doesn't reflect the voice of the YRDSB day to day community.

All personal information, including names, contact information, voiceovers and any other connecting data, will be removed and kept in a secure place. ID numbers will be assigned in replacement of personal names and information.

You are only required to participate in one session. Sessions will be completed in the forms of: interviews (1:1), focus groups and/or fireside chats. All sessions will be either in person, phone conversations and/or virtual conferencing (Zoom, WebEx, Teams etc.). Alternatively, you can decide to participate in our online survey which will be hosted on our website at www.reidefineconsultancy.com/yrdsb .

That online survey is on this webpage you are currently on.

July/August 2023. Updates on our progress will be made on our ReiDefine Consultancy website.

ReiDefine Consultancy is required by Public Health to keep all contact information on file to share in any unlikely event of an outbreak. It will be used primarily for tracing purposes. ReiDefine Consultancy also commits to following Public Health Safety measures as they are updated and available.