A good dose of anti-oppression training, SCM-style
by Geoffrey Dice
National Representative (elected co-chair of SCM)
December 12, 2008
Reflecting on the recent political drama being carried out by the politicians in the Canadian Parliament, Katherine (SCM Eastern Rep) and I were joking about if Parliament were to institute “group norms” similar to those guidelines that are used at SCM gatherings to create safe space for all participating. Much hilarity ensued:
“When you said this, Stephen, I felt hurt.”
“I think that some of the norms have been broken and we need to review them.”
“Mr. Speaker, I wanted to apologize to Parliament because I feel that I have been close to breaking group norms. I will try to use less oppressive language.”
Despite sending us into fits of laughter, the sad fact was that it was true: the Canadian Parliament could use a good dose of anti-oppression training, learning the appropriate use of respectful language, and… well, a good feminist overhaul and re-envisioning of the whole system, but I digress. It often seems filled with a bunch of rude and inconsiderate people who will bend and manipulate Parliamentary rules and procedures in order to place and keep themselves in positions of power.
Politicking. It leaves a horrid taste in my mouth.
Which is why I am so often inspired when I see those who are working for change — for real, positive and needed change — in Canada and around the world. Those who are willing to do politics “differently,” those who are willing to speak up in prophetic voices. As the Board of SCM Canada stated in its Pastoral Letter following the 40th Canadian General Election , “We are inspired by … [the vision of those who work for change for] a transformed social order that would demonstrate real care for all of God’s world and a more humanitarian and egalitarian society… We must be visionaries and dreamers, informed by and grounded in praxis, re-envisioning all aspects of the political sphere and public life.” This world is in such desperate need of a new generation of prophets who can rise up and speak out against the tides of injustice that seem to sweep around us.
I really hope that SCM can continue to be one of those prophetic voices, that we can be the visionaries and dreamers that we try to be. The new issue of All Things New is themed along these lines – Prophets vs. Profits – and, from what I understand, it has been mailed out to the masses. I am very excited to see the results of the hard work that our contributors, editors (Lana, Erica, Sheryl & Bre), and layout editor (Brigid), and staff have put into creating this issue.
I’m also excited as planning for the next National/General Conference and Queer Youth Gathering gets underway. Destination: Toronto, dates and venue still tentative, but hopefully over the next few weeks and months, we can push towards having a great conference that will draw new and strong prophetic voices into the movement.
In other news, one of the most exciting things to happen recently is the hiring of our new national coordinator, Emily Carr. I’m filled with eagerness to work with her, curiosity to see where she can offer guidance and support for the movement, and thrilled about the new energy she brings with her to the job.
