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ARTICLE

ETFO Protocol Concerning Members Self-Identification

December 2007

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1. Current practice

Self-identification for ETFO members is voluntary and confidential. Since 2000, all ETFO application and registration forms have invited members of designated groups to self-identify. Members of designated groups are those who are Aboriginal; persons with disabilities; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT); racial minority; women.

Members are also invited to self-identify on ETFO’s annual member  information  survey. Beginning in  2007, members who elect to self-identify on the survey will have two options:

  • to self-identify for statistical purposes only
  • to self identify for statistical purposes and outreach (including direct mail), so that they can be made aware of ETFO programs, including leadership programs, focus groups, writing groups, and standing committees.

 

2. Personal identity

Many people bear identities that have been imposed on them by society. These identities are often based on stereotypes and they may result in social marginalization.

Voluntary  self-identification  provides  individuals  with autonomy in defining their identities according to their own criteria. These criteria can include race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, personal history, culture and tradition, and social and political knowledge.

Since identities are multiple and shifting, the process of self-identification is never straightforward or clear-cut. The objective is not to categorize people, but to increase our collective knowledge of the identities of ETFO members in order to meet their needs better.

 

3. Why ETFO has chosen to collect self-identification  information only for particular designated groups

With one  exception (the  LGBT group)  ETFO’s designated groups are the same groups identified in Ontario’s Employment Equity Act (enacted in 1994 and repealed by the Harris government in  1995)  and  in  Canada’s Employment Equity Act (1986, still in effect). ETFO has added the LGBT group because  in  recent  years  it  has  been  identified  by  courts throughout Canada as a key equity-seeking group. These designated groups are identified in ETFO’s “Statement on Social Justice and Equity,” approved by the provincial executive in 2002.

 

4. Why ETFO is collecting this information

ETFO’s constitutional objectives and current priorities include commitments to social justice and to member involvement. Collecting and reporting self-identification statistics is one way  ETFO holds  itself  accountable  to  members  for  those commitments. Members’ self-identification information enables ETFO to reach out to members from equity-seeking groups, to alert them to relevant programs, and to seek their input and assistance in developing inclusive services and programs.

Self-identification helps to ensure that all of ETFO’s policies and practices are inclusive and reflective of our diverse membership and priorities.

ETFO’s priorities for 2007–08 are

  • to protect the collective bargaining rights of all members
  • to defend publicly funded public education
  • to serve the needs of the membership
  • to provide for the professional development of members
  • to promote social justice in the areas of antipoverty, nonviolence, and equity
  • to support international assistance and co-operation
  • to promote the care and protection of the environment
  • to actively engage members in the federation
  • to promote and protect the health and safety of members.

 

5. ETFO’s commitment to members’ privacy

ETFO  is  committed  to  respecting  members’  privacy  and protecting members’ personal information, and handles all personal information in accordance with Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.