Have you wondered how you can make change and learn about ETFO? Standing committees are a wonderful way to get involved and make a difference. In ETFO, there are over thirty standing committees to choose from – many of which have openings right now.
A standing committee is a space for educators to make their voices heard. Committees discuss so many different issues, from Indigenous Education to Library to Human Rights, you will be able to find your passion represented in an ETFO Standing Committee. The role of a standing committee is to:
- To develop policy recommendations for consideration by the Executive and Annual Meeting.
- To develop program recommendations for consideration by the Executive and the Annual Meeting.
- To provide the perspective of the member on Federation initiatives and programs.
- To provide advice on the content, delivery, and design of Federation programs.
- To advise the Executive on matters relating to the work of the committee.
- To liaise when appropriate with other ETFO standing committees.
- To provide advice on issues as requested by the Executive.
Your perspective and experience is valued in this space. Through advice and recommendations, you can help to shape the direction of our federation. Many of the resolutions put forward at the annual meeting each August come from the hard work of standing committee members who identify issues and ask the delegation for support. It’s a truly grassroots movement with member experience and engagement at the centre.
Working on a team of four to five individuals from across the province, you will have a chance to discuss with one another and a staff liaison to help guide you through the process. Most committees meet together in person twice per year. If selected to be part of a standing committee, you will serve a two year term before re-applying for a second term. After serving two consecutive terms, committee members take a minimum of one year break before applying to serve another term.
While there are a number of different options for standing committees from curriculum to awards there are also some that are identity-based. To be respectful of authentic lived experiences, these committees require applicants to self-identify. For example, the Indigenous Education committee requires members to identify as First Nations, Metis, Inuit, in order to provide advice on issues that pertain to Indigenous Education.
This year there are a number of vacancies on standing committees. If you are interested in getting more involved with ETFO and letting your voice be heard, simply log in to the ETFO secure site and find the link in the top left hand corner of the screen named Standing Committee 2025-2027 Vacancies and consider submitting your application by March 1st, 2025.
