What would you speak up for?

They came first for the communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a communist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
They they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for ME and by that time no one was left to speak up!
-Pastor Martin Niemoller 1892-1984

I've often heard the old saying: If you don't stand up for something...you stand for nothing, at all! How fitting this is in regards to what we have been participating in. Embracing and speaking up for those who are oppressed is our calling. We can't sit back and remain silent!
What can we do locally to affect change globally?

"There is divine beauty in learning, just as there is human beauty in tolerance. To learn means to accept the postulate that life did not begin at my birth. Others have been here before me, and I walk in their footsteps." -Eli Weisel



This week, let's remember to give thanks for the people around us and for those who are no longer here, who have helped or continue to help define who we are! We are, after all, a product of life which has been here before us. To walk in the footsteps of those who walked before us and those who walk with us is an honour we should never forget.

Cheers to humanity for affording us the opportunity to LIVE...LOVE...LAUGH!

"To remain silent and indifferent is the greatest sin of all."— Elie Wiesel

Last week students and staff form the York Catholic District School Board visited the Museum of Tolerance in New York City, sponsored by the Simon Wiesenthal Center. The Center was founded in 1993 and challenges visitors to confront bigotry and racism, and to understand the Holocaust in both historic and contemporary contexts. The Museum has served over 4 million visitors with 350,000 visiting annually including 130,000 students. Over 1.5 million children and youth have participated in the Museum experience and its programs. Over 110,000 adults have been trained in the Museum’s customized, professional development programs which include Tools for Tolerance, Teaching Steps to Tolerance, Task Force Against Hate, National Institute Against HateCrimes, Tools for Tolerance for Teens and Bridging the Gap.
The experience offered students the opportunity to learn about, experience and discuss the effects of intolerance in the world and in their own backyards. This trip afforded them the chance to challenge their assumptions, question their existing beliefs, clarify any misconceptions, and most importantly...learn together the importance of keeping an open mind and respecting humanity, because no matter the year, country, race, religion or gender...all sixteen year olds are the same...they only wants to belong and be loved.Cheers to the 22 students and the staff of the York Catholic District School Board who actively participated in this experience and now continue this journey in their schools!