The Glassman Tools for Tolerance Program was one of the most incredible professional development programs I have attended. Throughout the training and upon completing the training, I truly felt like I had undergone a life changing experience…. This training has changed the lens through, which I see my job and expectations. I see the Cultural Proficiency model as a pre-cursor to our character development framework. I believe that in order to educate the whole person, it is imperative that teachers, administrators and support staff be cognizant of their values and history. Once each individual has had the opportunity to do so, only then can they “model” to others some of the character attributes our board has agreed upon…

A. Hannah, Safe and Caring Schools Coordinator,
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board

Students of Sawmill Creek Elementary school

The time I spend in LA really resonated with me.....helped connect the dots of my professional journey, validated the advocacy work that goes hand in hand with working with newcomers, helped me to learn about my own values and beliefs and biasis. The experience highlighted the need for me to be more attentive and open to the stories around me, encourage me to be more reflective of the culture within I work…

I feel truly blessed to have had this learning opportunity and to have had my senses open to the impact of racism today and throughout history.

N. Dunlop
Educational Consultant Ottawa Catholic School Board
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I left the two days energized and motivated to follow through with ideas and plans, both on a professional and personal level. The two days were highly emotional yet at the end I felt hopeful that change was possible.

E.Paquette
Chief Psychologist Ottawa Catholic School Board

The Glassman Tools for Tolerance Program was one of the most introspective courses I have ever been on. I was deeply touched and motivated to become an advocate for the rights of all, not just the marginalized sectors of society. This program provided me with an opportunity to uncover my own personal biases and work towards solutions that were meaningful.

Inspector M. Callaghan
Senior Advisor Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

April 24th, 2008

Dear Susan,

I was lucky enough to go to Los Angeles last May (left on Mother’s Day) on the Tools for Tolerance program. I am a teacher in the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) and able to attend as a member of the Social Justice task Force of our board. When I returned, I felt a little overwhelmed with all that I had learned and needed some time for it all to sink in. Since then, I find that I have been reflecting on it more and more. I find myself reaching out to the ideas that we were exposed to and have used much of it both at work in my life.

This year, I have started up a social justice committee for students at our school. The response has been tremendous. We have been steadily increasing our numbers so that we are well over 60 strong. That doesn’t include all the other kids who are enthusiastic participants in every campaign and event that we do. These are the most amazing kids I have ever had the privilege of working with in my entire career. They are a diverse group in gender, age, peer groups, race, religion….but they work like magic together. The impact on the school environment has been incredible. We have always been a great school but now….I don’t think I have enough adjectives in my vocabulary to express what this group has done.

I have heard that on occasion, you send students on Tools for Tolerance training. I can honestly say that I have students who are ready to change the world…they just need some opportunities, tools and people who believe in them. Is there a procedure to apply? Please let me know of any opportunities for my students Many thanks

Anita Watkins
South Secondary
London, Ontario
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“This experience made me aware of how to facilitate change, and which modes were more influential. Understanding interactive tools, versus, testimonials. There has been a great impact on me personally, and I share this with my colleagues.”

A.B. Chopra
Director for Leadership in Employment Equity Diversity and Rejuvenation
Alberta

“I liked the whole notion of going beyond “awareness” and entering “consciousness”. I am now making efforts to engage in training sessions that allow for that deep personal and spiritual reflection and awareness that sparks change. From this I have come to know that when you move the spirit, the mind will follow.”

L. Cardinal,
Co- Chair, Aboriginal Commission on Human Rights

“The Program has made me more aware that ones silence can truly speak for them… it is apparent that not speaking out against injustices can give the impression of approval.”

T. Ferrier,
Sergeant, York Region Police

“I can use the Tools for Tolerance… they are super building blocks for life.”

T. Foster,
Detective, Belleville Police

“Excited to meet together with like-minded people who have the same goal - building bonds together towards the same goal.”

Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board Student

“The connection between 911 and how things are close to home. - Interesting to visit the Holocaust Centre and then go see the site of 911”

Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board Student

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to attend the Tools for Tolerance - Command Staff course. I feel I have new tools to help me make my organization and community a better place.

S/Sgt D. Spicer,
Divisional Commander / Central,
Halifax Regional Police

January 23, 2008

Dear Susan:

I am writing to thank you for all your support in arranging the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board's excursion to the Tools for Tolerance workshop in Los Angeles.

The experience renewed my conviction as a leader within our educational setting to improve the capacity within our schools in the area of cultural proficiency. As a system, we are developing policies centered around the values of acceptance and respect of others. Our new mission statement is "Educating for Success - Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship." We have developed a strategic plan which includes character development and diversity as goals. The Tools for Tolerance experience provided me with the opportunity to reflect upon who I am and how I can work within our board to not only improve the academic achievement of our students but also to make them better citizens.

I am most appreciative of the opportunity and hope to be able to send another group next year.

Sincerely


Walter Piovesan
Superintendent of Instruction
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Thanks so much for the opportunity to participate in TOOLS. It was an unbelievable experience for our team. Each part was extremely relevant to our social justice and inclusive focus. Also important was the administrative focus in helping our school and district place our efforts in an overall context and being able to work collaboratively with other schools and districts in the future.

S. Bradbury,
Social Studies Teacher & Humanities Club Coordinator

Thanks you again for accommodating my colleagues and me. I was so impressed with the opportunity the conference poses to nurture social justice, community outreach, activism to make a positive impact on the future. It was a wonderful experience. M. Cosentino, Superintendent, York Catholic District School Board

Very, very good. Problem is that there is so much to learn and so little time. Anonymous, York Region District School Board

The presentation by our five teachers was extremely well received. There is a buzz at our Board. I am implementing some of what I learned not only here at Conestoga but also within Rotary for the leadership in our District. I so appreciate the opportunity! We are conducting couple of the exercises that Randy did with us at our "system leaders" meeting in May (the 10 of us that attended).
Thank you again!!

Kathi Smith,
Waterloo Region School Board
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I want to know that my involvement in Learning and teaching Holocaust education has been very rewarding both on a personal and professional level. In particular, I value the way in which the “Tools for Tolerance” training workshop framed Tolerance and Intolerance in terms of acceptance. My school, PWC, has expanded the ‘Asper Program’ to five other schools, involving over 60 students traveling from Newfoundland, Canada to Washington, DC, each May for 5 days. I will be teaching the program this year and find that my new learned understanding of the tenants of “Tools for Tolerance” have been an asset and valuable Tool. For that I thank you.

Vardy,
Assistant Principal,
Prince of Wales Collegiate High

20 December 2007

Susan Kendall
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center
902-5075 Yonge Street
Toronto, Ontario
M2N 6C6


Dear Susan Kendall:

The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center has been highly instrumental in providing opportunities to the Halton District School Board’s (HDSB) cultural proficiency corporate direction. Your organization has already had a measured impact on our movement towards a culturally proficient organization by reaching out to our staff and students. I would like to share with you some of the highlights of our experience with FSWC.

The Halton District School Board assembled a team of Trustee, Senior Executive staff and Principals. The team visited the Tools for Educators Institute in LA this past spring. Upon our return, the team was immediately able to incorporate Cultural Proficiency into our new strategic plan for the HDSB. Dr. Lindsey kindly accepted our invitation to workshop with our staff and community members who are key stakeholders in training and teaching. Our staff and community have embraced the importance of creating awareness around issues of discrimination and diversity in our community.

The will that was generated encouraged us to continue to move forward with this important work. We recently had a team visit the FSWC center in New York and have been able to make connections to support our curriculum development in this area. By utilizing FSWC resources and experiences, we are targeting our Civics teachers to integrate issues of discrimination and oppression. Connections are made between the Holocaust and contemporary issues of genocide around the world.

One of our Principals recently escorted a group of 40 secondary students to the FSWC institute in LA. This was the first group of students to receive exposure and training at the centre. These young men and women, who come from diverse backgrounds themselves, have returned with a vibrant passion to change the world and challenge injustice. The positive impact these young leaders will have on the future of our society will likely be immeasurable.

Your continued support through the education system on the promotion of tolerance is greatly appreciated. I hope those who support your organization appreciate and recognize the contribution you are making for a better society. As we, at the Halton District School Board, continue our journey of enlightening our students, staff and community citizens, I look forward to sharing our progress and continued partnership towards an inclusive and respectful society.

Please share our extension of thanks to your Board and others in your organizational community.

Sincerely,

Yaw Obeng
Superintendent of Education, Halton District School Board
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I feel that I have had the opportunity to participate in both an affirming and challenging experience. As you might well guess having participated in learning that touched my heart and head can not help but have a lasting impact. I look forward to working from an individual and team level to assist educators to be the change.

S. Parris,
Multicultural Education Consultant Education,
Student Services,
Halifax, NS

The Museum was a powerful experience for me and the high calibre speakers and facilitators added an important dimension to the programme. Please pass on my thanks to all who were involved.
Two members of our Tools team and I ran a workshop on Tolerance for 40 CIS member school teachers at our curriculum conference at the beginning of this month. It was quite well received.

G. Briggs,
Executive Director,
Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario

Absolutely amazing experience in L.A. "Tools…Program extremely inspirational. Very challenging, thought-provoking and emotional. Has a way of becoming part of all that we are, and all that we could be.

K. Samuelson,
Global Education Coordinator,
Easter School District of Newfoundland & Labrador

The "tools" we picked up came in handy just this morning when I presented a lecture on ethics and the "Changing roles in policing” to a recruit class, heavily borrowing from material we were exposed to on the course. It is something we hope to continue with into the future.

Sgt. M. Maloney,
Ottawa Police Service,
Tactical and Explosive Units

It was very enlightening and I believe there will be several ideas that we in the OPP can utilize within our organization to promote and better understand diversity.

D. Ross,
Ontario Provincial Police,
Detective Staff Sgt.,
Anti-rackets

I just wanted to say thank you for that overwhelming experience. I was taken aback by the sheer size and amount of information on display at the museum.

P. Chiang,
York Regional Police,
Diversity & Cultural Resources Bureau

The course on tolerance, as well as other courses seems to indicate that we at the SPVM must consolidate education with awareness campaigns. I can only reiterate my deep gratitude and my support for your organization.

J. Paquin,
Inspector,
Service de Police de Montreal,
Head of the Strategic Community Actions Unit

SPEAK UP!
Teaching Tolerance

Tolerance is both an interesting and a provocative term when it is relates to bigotry and prejudice. While attending a “Tools for Tolerance “ workshop, sponsored by the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Holocaust Museum, recently in Los Angeles at the Simon Wiesenthal Holocaust Museum, it was a matter of serious debate and thought provoking discussion amongst the forty attendees from across Canada.

What is tolerance? The dictionary defines it as “indulgence or forebearance in judging…” Judging? Who of us by rights has the right to judge another, regardless of circumstance, race, gender preference, body weight, hair colour, etc. UNESCO offers a more acceptable definition:
“Tolerance is respect, acceptance, and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human.” Personally, this is a far more acceptable and embracing concept of where we as teachers and parents should be guiding and supporting our children, and of course, leading by example, and continually questioning our own ways of thinking, speaking, and acting.

In third term, I teach two literary classics, Of Mice and Men (grade 7) and To Kill a Mockingbird (Grade 8) that allow us the opportunity to speak about and discuss the history of not only racial intolerance, but also the way women, mentally and physically disabled individuals were treated in the 30’s, and the historical background to these unacceptable actions that were ingrained in our society. While it is certainly paramount to overtly imbed these types of works into our curriculum order to give us avenues for discussion, it is also important as to how we react and respond to real life situations that are critical to the healthy growth of our children. We need to model and tacitly condone tolerance and respect.

The idea of cultural proficiency was another term that was the impetus for soul-searching discussion and reflection. What is cultural proficiency and do we ever achieve it. According to Randall Lindsey, our workshop leader, it is never achieved. It is a work in progress; a process that we should work towards. Lisa Delpit encapsulates her idea of the moral imperative when she says, “…listening…requires not only our eyes and ears, but open hearts and minds. We do not really see through our eyes or hear with our ears but through our beliefs…”

Our beliefs are formed at a young age. We, obviously, are not born with prejudices, but learn them from parents, teachers, friends, in effect, through social interactions. We were asked to look at a continuum and see where we fit in. Are we a part of and as educators do we teach or condone through speech or actions cultural destructiveness, cultural incapacity, cultural blindness, cultural precompetence, or cultural competence. Do we strive towards and help our students strive towards cultural proficiency. In other words, from one end of the continuum, do we limit or ignore the opportunity to demonstrate and teach the value of diversity, or provide all students with a program of how to learn how to learn-develop academic ability, intellective competence, and advocacy for social issues in our curricula and through everyday interaction.

The outcome of these powerful two days has certainly led me to reflect on how important the interaction with our children is, and has made me more aware of how and what I teach. It has reinforced that teaching the above mentioned texts is important so that our children understand the history of denigration and its context, and thus, understand the injustices of our world, while encouraging growth of their social consciences and consciousness.

School wide, as a parent, you would be interested to know that the very principles that are espoused in this program are actively at work day by day, and also, through special programs at Montcrest. Standing for Character intentionally cultivates the development of respect, responsibility, compassion, integrity, and courage in the members of our community so they may foster a conscious, lifelong commitment to themselves, other people, and Earth. This endeavour requires both school and parental commitment and is critical in both curricular and co curricular programs of our school. Peacemakers have been an integral aspect of our school for many years. It is, perhaps, a precursor of programs such as Peer Supporters and the Healthy Relationship programs that have been a vital part of the tapestry of our school. The Healthy Relationship Program, which starts in grade 4, encourages an understanding of friendships, understanding the importance of open relationships versus the detriment of closed friendships, and how to deal with bullying and other difficult social situations. It promotes harmony and well-being. A coaching workshop has also been made available to staff.

Our board of directors and a number of faculty members have been meeting in order to develop a strategy to promote and build diversity in our school environment. We should be a natural magnet to incorporate cultural and ethnic diversity in our school due to the very ethos of our school where differences in learning are not only understood but welcomed.

Also, as a direct consequence of these two days, we have applied aspects of what I have learned in the training some of eight grade 7 and 8 students for the Peer Supporters Program. In May, we will be incorporating what we had the privilege to learn in a workshop “Adventures in Learning” for teachers in the independent school system. Here, our goal, as was the goal of the workshop we attended, will be to assist teachers to assess the impact and influence of race, culture, ethnicity, faith, language, sexual orientation, socioeconomics, and class on their educational practices, as well as, to present the five basic Cultural Proficiency tools: assessing cultural, valuing diversity, managing the dynamics of difference, adapting to diversity, and institutionalizing cultural values. These are the essential elements that provide the standards for individual behaviour and organizational practices. We hope to have the same impact on our colleagues as our workshop leaders and the tours through the museum had on the four us that were chosen to attend this workshop as representatives of the Conference of Independent Schools.

“It is not enough to have a dream, unless you are wiling to pursue it.
It’s not enough to know what’s right, unless you’re strong enough to do it.
It’s not enough to learn the truth, unless you also learn to live it.
It’s not enough to reach for love, unless you care enough to give it.
People who are resolved to find a way for themselves will always find opportunities enough, and if they do not find them, they will make them.”
Samuel Smiles

E. Augustyn,
Teacher,
Montcrest School Leadership for Inclusive Schools,
Feb ‘07
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I now read, hear, and speak with the recognition and awareness I have gained from my Tools for Tolerance experience. This has been a positive profound change. One that I previously underetestimated…

H. Geoffroy,
Constable Training Branch,
South Simcoe Police

It was an uplifting and moving experience for me. It certainly was a worthwhile endeavour and I encourage you to continue this program with law enforcement professionals.

D. Walsh,
Deputy Chief of Police,
Timmins Police Service

This was a great success and I will recommend it to my colleagues. Thanks.

Deputy Chief B. Harder,
Belleville Police Service

The museum was astounding and the seminars very informative. We look forward to collaborating with you and the other Canadian teams in the fight against racism and discrimination.

C.M. D'souza,
Equity and Diversity Officer,
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board

An outstanding experience. What a SUPERB museum!

S. Weinberg,
Ontario Public School Boards’ Association,
Policy and Professional Development

In Canada, it is all too easy these days for us to be cynical and a little self-righteous about the ' states…perhaps a little smug...especially in these times of war, uncertainty and fear.... Yet we come here as your guests, and we are just so grateful that we could experience this program, the museum, this remarkable, vital place of remembrance and opportunity. It speaks eloquently to the freedoms and principles that remain truly at the heart of this amazing country.

The museum itself is a technological and historical marvel. No words can truly capture our emotions as we saw the images here, so sharply and eloquently represented by the Museum of Tolerance. Our hearts break... but there is hope, and a promise.

As long as the museum stands, we will remember and honour those who died. We cannot bring them back, but perhaps we can promise to be their voices now and in the future, and to speak out for them in pursuit of peace, in the demand for tolerance, and for the promise that this may never happen again. If we can learn and change ourselves, we can change another... and others, and so, by changing others, we can change the children who will one day change the world.

That is our promise ... to speak for those who cannot speak… to make the covenant to speak out for those whose spirits are so respectfully honoured and dignified in your museum.... now, by the past, and for the future. so we thank you … not just for bringing us here, but for doing this wonderful and important work.

M. Smith,
Superintendent of Schools,
Toronto District School Board
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I want you to know how deeply affected I've been since my participation in the Tools for Tolerance conference. I have shared the information with numerous educators who already have great influence on our students and who will make a difference with the resources I have given them from the conference. I can't thank you enough for allowing me this opportunity to share this experience with other educators and partners in this crucial effort.

C. Williams,
Principal, Marc Garneau C.I.,
Toronto District School Board

Each educator needs to participate in this program or one just like it. We all need to stand and deliver.

J. Eldridge,
Coordinator/Instructor,
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education

It was the best conference/learning experience I can remember. I hope to take these learnings with my team and implement them at my school. Y. Gilinsky,
Principal,
York Region District School Board

As you know, we loved and learned so much in LA with you that we are moving forward with our new perspectives and sharing them across the TDSB. Not only are we having a two day workshop for our whole Senior Team with Randall (we are bringing him up here in the end of Oct) on Cultural Proficiency but he is also providing a workshop for all 1100 of our Principals too!!!
We are so excited!!! Just wanted to tell you that we are moving forward with our plans to make a difference---thanks to you.

K. Grose,
System Superintendent,
Toronto District School Board

Without a doubt this was one of the most powerful and moving experiences I have had in regard to antiracist education, diversity and equity. It is one that I desperately want my educations leaders to experience so that they can broaden and deepen their personal and professional journeys on equity and social justice.

T. Ludski,
Superintendent of Education,
TDSB

Excellent, Realistic, Emotional, Shocking!!

W. Englebrecht,
Student,
Milton District High School

You spoiled us. The speakers, workshops, artifacts, tours and respect you have shown out group is empowering and absolutely overwhelming. Thank you so much for investing in our future.

J.Francis,
Student,
Milton District High School

Once in a lifetime experience that has greatly matured and changed my beliefs/goals in life. I consider myself very lucky to have been a part of this new program.

M. Clark,
Student,
Milton District High School

Amazing! I am speechless of how effective this program was and I promise to do my best to end tolerance.

Anonymous,
Student,
Milton District High School

A powerful, wonderful, compelling and moving program. It is wonderful. If there is any fault, it is that not enough people know/participate. Spread the word!

B. Banaschewski,
Student,
Milton District High School

This was the most life-changing experience I have ever experienced and I believe everyone should have the opportunity to learn the importance of tolerance.

S. Loeprich,
Student,
Milton District High School

Wonderful! Eye opening and inspired passion like I’ve never felt before.

C. Royle,
Student,
Milton High School

I’m absolutely amazing and inspired that something like this, a program so life-changing, interactive and informatively insightful exists in our world.

P. Tang,
Student,
Milton District High School

Amazing program, one of the best educational experiences of my lifetime. I will use the tools I gained from the program for the rest of my life.

B. Abraham,
Student,
Milton District High School

It was a profound experience and one that I will think about for a long time.

B.Planche Ed.D,
Superintendent of Education,
York Region District School Board

Thank you for an interesting, informative and educational trip.

G. Chang,
Superintendent of Education

It was indeed a gift to be part of this learning experience. I am excited to begin to unwrap the layers in both my personal and professional life.

D. Oude-Reimerink,
Principal,
Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board

I learned so much about the history and degradation of so many peoples of the world especially the Jewish people. I will never be the same. To read about the Holocaust and to discuss it during workshops is one thing, but to visit the Centre and see the images, to hear the discussions and explanations truly put the information at a more personal level.

N. Sparks,
RCH Program Advisor,
Halifax Regional School Board

Thought provoking and challenged me to be better

This was a wonderful opportunity. It is a gift! Thank you, thank you, thank you

The museum was exceptional- interactive and deeply moving as well as inspirational

Amazing! Not a Holocaust Museum but a true Museum of Hope

Fabulous presenters! Excellent discussion

I have never been to a conference that was as effectively delivered, engaging and interactive as this one. Extremely informative. A very emotional experience for me.

Can I come again?

Thought provoking – challenging

Overall an outstanding and rewarding experience. Some of the best professional development I have ever received

I always thought of my self as a very open, understanding and accepting person anyway but this course opened my eyes. I feel I have new tools to help me make my organization and community a better place.

S/Sgt Don Spicer,
Divisional Commander / Central,
Halifax Regional Police

We spend a lot of time teaching “hard techniques” but not enough time teaching soft techniques” like tolerance, building trust and communications and that is where the root of most public complaints and dissatisfactions lie. This training emphasizes some very important and necessary attitudes and skills for police leaders.

D. Jorgensen,
Kenora Police Service

Could have continued all night. Well done!

First rate experience for anyone. Anytime people can get together and speak openly and honestly about these issues can only be beneficial to everyone in the group.

Excellent explanation of racial profiling – very interactive.

I suspected the program would be more Shoah centre with shock value. I was pleased how that event was made relevant to current events and the work of our police agencies.

It is rare (for me) that a training program or classroom experience leaves me wanting more.

This program tended to make us examine ourselves and our own personal beliefs as well as practices in our agency. This is necessary. If we don’t understand our own feelings how can we lead others?

Your organization is a God-send - truly. When I think of all of the educators that you are sending through your program, and the wave of change that each one takes out to the world, you are providing such a force for good.

D. Zagar,
Teacher,
Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows School Board, B.C.

In my entire career, this would be one of the most moving, powerful and helpful courses I have ever attended. I. Jones, Principal, Halton District School Board

It gave us a chance to find common ground and foster understanding. Sharing of experiences proved you are not alone in the struggle.

Thank you for two wonderful days. I am excited to return to work and share the information, facilitate changes and improve our school.

Unbelievable impact that energizes us to pick up the torch and carry it forward

The survivor was an astonishing example of the power of the human spirit.

This is a superb learning experience. It forced me to dig deep into the deepest part of my personal and global culture to plan a different future.

This program has given me valuable insight into our own Police College training. As an Instructor of our diversity course (which is 4 days long), you have accomplished in 2 days what I could never have delivers. My thanks and best wishes to everyone and in all that you do. M. McLean, Saskatoon Police Service

This is a very valuable program. Thanks for your vision in recognizing the benefits in offering this training and your dedication in running the program.

This was more than just a workshop. The Museum of Tolerance is something that everyone should experience. The program challenged me emotionally J. Chambers, Vancouver Police

Thank you for your generosity and showing the world your commitment by your actions of enlightening us one at a time.

I had a wonderful time in LA. The museum was fantastic and I feel that everyone in our service should take this training. When I think I am having a bad day I remember Albert and realize how fortunate I am due to the sacrifices made by so many. I thank you and everyone at FSWC for allowing me to participate in such a worthwhile workshop. I plan on updating my lesson plans and spreading the word about respect for others. So many lives can be changed with such little effort; we have to start within ourselves. I will always remember that it is not necessary to know history but what is important is to learn from history.

R. MacTaggart,
Sudbury Ontario Police

If only society could learn what we did what a better place it would be to live.

D. Walton Constable,
Lethbridge Regional Police Service