The DSBN’s third annual equity conference, Rise Up - Students Leading the Change, was another empowering event. Held on February 12, secondary students from across DSBN united to tackle issues of inequity and inspire action towards creating more inclusive school communities. With a diverse attendance of 240 students, 16 staff advisors and 24 support staff representing all 16 secondary schools, the conference provided an important opportunity for students to collaborate, share insights and cultivate practices of advocacy, healing and change-making. Students engaged in small group sessions led by experienced facilitators, exploring topics such as self-advocacy, social justice, Indigenous perspectives, 2SLGBTQ+ inclusivity, and the power of creative expression in addressing mental well-being.
At the heart of the conference was the empowerment of students to become catalysts for change within their schools and communities. The event not only provided a space for learning and self-reflection, it also facilitated networking and collaboration among students, reinforcing the idea that every individual has the agency to inspire and lead meaningful change. The conference's success lay in its ability to ignite passion, foster understanding, and create an environment where students feel recognized, respected, and equipped with the tools and inspiration needed to address inequities and champion inclusivity in their educational journey and beyond.