Announcements
Justice Education Society Announcement
The Law Courts Education Society of BC celebrated its 20th anniversary on May 28 and announced it has changed its name to the Justice Education Society.
Wally Oppal, former Attorney General of BC and a past president of the Society, joined Executive Director Rick Craig in unveiling the Society’s new name, logo and tagline: “Justice Through Knowledge.”
Craig also launched the Society’s new website www.JusticeEducation.ca. The Justice Education Society has created over 100 programs and resources while introducing over one million British Columbians to the province’s justice system.
Passing of Chief Judge Hugh Stansfield
It was with extreme sadness that the Justice Education Society learned that the Honourable Chief Judge Hugh Stansfield of the Provincial Court of BC passed away on May 7. The Chief Judge was a true champion of the Court. He believed passionately in public legal education and the need to educate the public about the law and their rights. He is, and will always be, deeply missed.
Past Events
Gang Wars: Justice in Our Times
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Justice Education Society partnered with the Vancouver Sun and Shaw to present Gang Wars: Justice in Our Times.
You can watch the forum videos, which featured four expert panelists discussing how our justice system and communities can better respond to BC’s gang problem. You can also read the solutions that the panelists think can help our justice system and communities better respond to BC’s gang problem.
Prior to the forum, the Vancouver Sun published a series of articles which provide excellent background information prior to watching the forum.
Art in the Court
On June 11, the Justice Education Society, in partnership with Robson Square Provincial Court and the Vancouver School Board (VSB), launched Art in the Court. Over 100 people attended the official unveiling of 36 art pieces created by senior-level secondary students that will reside in the Robson Square Provincial Court.
Art in the Court first came to Robson Square in May of 1995. Students submitted art pieces to improve the atmosphere of the courthouse and provide examples of the creative work that youth can do. This art, which was replaced in 2001 and 2005, has given thousands of youth and adults who attend the court enjoyment for over a decade. After discussion with the VSB, it was decided that these art works should be replaced with a permanent exhibit of high-caliber, professionally-framed pieces. The project will continue with five more annual installments.
Domestic Violence in the South Asian Community
On June 18, the Justice Education Society and the City of Surrey presented Domestic Violence in the South Asian Community.
Representatives from the Judiciary, Crown Counsel, RCMP, Probation and Social Services explored the South Asian community’s resources and challenges through social and cultural dialogue. The discussion was moderated by City of Surrey councillor Barinder Rasode. Audience members also asked the panel members questions and participated in the discussion.
We Can BC Events
The Justice Education Society recently participated in events organized by We Can BC.
On April 20, more than 100 people gathered to raise awareness about violence against women and participate in dialogue on community prevention strategies. Many celebrities took Change Maker pledges, including Bob Lenarduzzi, Daniel Igali and “the Manners Lady” Judy Vankevich. A panel, which included Rick Craig, executive director of the Justice Education Society, also spoke about the changes needed to end violence against women.
Also, last month the second annual Change Makers conference brought together dozens of committed individuals to learn practical skills that can be used to affect change in their communities. Participants attended workshops and browsed a community resource fair.
Project News
Justice Education Society Goes Web 2.0
Along with the launch of its new brand and new website, the Justice Education Society now post videos and information on leading social networking websites. Take the time to check out our YouTube channel, become our fan at Facebook and look for our Twitter “Tweets.”
Through these websites (plus Clicklaw and others), the Society is expanding its reach and providing greater access to its public legal education programs and resources.
Aboriginal Justice Knowledge Exchange
In early June, five Mayan delegates from Guatemala spent 10 days visiting Aboriginal communities throughout BC. The delegation was part of a knowledge exchange project that was developed by the Justice Education Society.
The project aims to increase awareness and understanding of indigenous justice practices in order to strengthen relationships between Aboriginal communities in Canada and Mayan communities in Guatemala. These practices are based on cultural beliefs, philosophies, traditions, and practices.
In February, a group of British Columbians visited Guatemala City and several smaller indigenous communities. At each stop the delegation met the local Mayan Authority to learn about Mayan justice issues and the ways in which the Guatemalan government is incorporating traditional Mayan values into its justice system.
Central America Justice System Strengthening
The Justice Education Society is leading a multi-country, criminal justice system strengthening program in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. This program addresses the need for justice systems to respond to serious violent crime in northern Central America.
The program will use a systemic approach by offering training to all justice system partners including police, prosecutors, judges and other technical experts involved in crime scene examination and investigation. Phases will include crime scene investigation techniques, major case management and investigation, as well as oral trial techniques training.
What Every New Renter Needs to Know
This video project, which will focus on renters’ rights and responsibilities, is in the final stages of development and will be available soon. Contact Marylou Leung (604-660-9874) for more information.
Children & Parents After Separation
Phase one of this project has come to a close and the second phase will begin soon. The goal of the project is to create a concurrent program for both children and parents that is offered as an alternative to our Parenting After Separation program. Program materials will be developed this fall and pilots will run from January 2010 to March 2011. Contact Marylou Leung (604-660-9874) for more information.
Law and Citizenship Curriculum
In 2007, a needs assessment for high school Social Studies curriculum found that students are not learning enough about civics or law.
As a result, the Law and Citizenship Project Committee unanimously endorsed a strategy to enhance the curriculum’s law and citizenship topics in grades 7-11. The strategy will teach students about their important role as citizens by helping them understand the structure and operation of their political and justice systems.
Resource packages will be developed this summer by teachers. We are also recruiting teachers to pilot the program. The pilots will start during Citizenship Week (October 10-17) and run through One World Week (October 18-25) into early November. Interested teachers can contact Anastasia Gaisenok (604-660-9874) for more information about the pilot.
Violence Against Women Materials
We Can BC is collecting resources on family violence and other areas related to violence against women. Selected information will be used to create legal tools that can be utilized by We Can BC coalition partners in their work. They will also be integrated with campaign activities and materials. Contact Anastasia Gaisenok (604-660-9874) if your organization would like to contribute any publications, online resources or information.
Staff News
Gurveen Atwal has joined the Justice Education Society as a South Asian Community Worker in our Court Information Program for Immigrants (CIPI). She will be based in the Society’s Lower Mainland South Fraser office.
Margarita Virata has been hired as the Parenting After Separation Program Administrator. Prior to her hiring, Margarita volunteered within the Society’s communications department.
Lali Pawa, our South Asian Community Worker with the CIPI program, has been appointed as the Regional Coordinator for Society’s Lower Mainland South Fraser region. Lali will also continue to be active with We Can BC.
Sandra Wilking has been appointed as Project Manager for the Society’s Public Legal Education and Information Collaborative Consortium project. The project, which involves 12 Lower Mainland organizations, will take place over the next two years
Also, the Society bids a fond farewell to Mai Wong, who has contributed greatly in numerous capacities for almost eight years. All staff members will miss Mai’s goodwill and attention to detail.