Thumbnail of handout 8

Use the supportive Action - discussion questions on handout # 8 to facilitate a problem-posing process about local supportive action for the Day of Mourning. In order to answer the questions, participants will need to investigate what, if anything, is going to take place. They will need to "dig" to identify who might have the information they want. They will also have to formulate the questions they want to ask. They may have to consult with various sources outside the class and, if they discover that nothing is happening in the workplace or community, they may be moved to consider options for taking action themselves. Thus, the discussion questions can serve as a catalyst for a process of action and reflection: describing, analyzing, strategizing and action. During this group process, the flipchart can be used to document possibilities and plans for action.

8. Health and safety - Action and Reflection

The Health and safety discussion questions on handout # 8 can be used to facilitate a discussion and problem-posing process about health and safety in the participants' workplace. Participants are to describe problems and these can be recorded on the flipchart. participants may have to consult various print and human resources to get information about health and safety regulations. They may critically reflect on these regulations and on the problems in the workplace. They may decide to invite a representative from the local union to talk about health and safety issues. Prior to the meeting, they may want to prepare their questions in writing. Again, the discussion questions serve as a catalyst for a process of action and reflection.

Planting the "seed"and watching it grow - Case study

As we said at the end of Section 1, curriculum material is to be understood as a seed to be planted. It comes to fullness only when planted in rich soil - the complex and particular lived experience of a group of workers in a specific time and place. Only then can it develop further and eventually bear fruit, a fruit that comes from the workers themselves and their active engagement.

Fight for the Living was used in many BEST programs throughout Ontario. It goes without saying that no two experiences with Fight for the Living will be the same. What follows is a description of one unique experience. It took place in a BEST program sponsored by UFCW local 459 at the H.). Heinz plant in Leamington, Ontario. It shows what emerged from the participants' engagement with the Day of Mourning theme, as sparked by activities in the Fight for the Living unit.