We’ve made it to the end of 2020 and what a difficult year it has been! In the midst of a once-in-a-century global pandemic, we have all had to learn new ways to live, work and interact with each other.
Like so many of us, OJEN was challenged to solve problems we had never anticipated; from how to deliver our existing in-person programs remotely, to how to respond to the changing legal landscape with meaningful new programs. At our Annual General Meeting (AGM), held by Zoom last month, we reported on the success of projects that were not even on our radar at the beginning of the year. We also pointed to the interruption of programs we had planned to advance. Check out this short video to see some of our program highlights.
Everyone at OJEN extends our sincere thanks to the many volunteers, partners, funders and friends who continued to support our justice education initiatives even while dealing with their own challenges! With your help we accomplished much more than we thought possible!
We were delighted to celebrate three exceptional individuals who promote justice education in Ontario at a special presentation at our online AGM. Read about the recipients of the 2020 OJEN Chief Justices’ Award, Hux- Kiteley Exemplary Justice Educator Award and Tate Herbert Memorial Post Secondary Award here:
2020 OJEN AGM and Awards Presentation
Nearly all of OJEN’s programming occurs in collaboration with our education and community partnerships. Over the past year we consulted with our partners to learn about their needs and adapt and design justice education initiatives that responded to their circumstances.
Responding to requests from community partners, OJEN provided training sessions for frontline youth workers and new workshops for youth. Read about some of our responsive community-based programs here:
Know Where You Stand: Emergency Orders, Police Engagement and COVID-19 (Webinar)
Frontline Worker Training Series – Support through the Justice System Training
Navigating Police Encounters Online Workshop
Teachers have had a particularly challenging year, teaching remotely, in-person and sometimes a little of both. Read about some of the innovative ways OJEN’s educator support department has supported teachers here:
New: Resources for Remote Teaching and Learning
Province-Wide Twitter Moot Lights Up the Twittersphere
2020 Summer Law Institute Webinar Series
We are grateful for new funding this year to develop and expand justice education activities to Francophone students as well as vulnerable and racialized youth in the Ottawa area.
Ministry of Canadian Heritage funding advances OJEN’s Francophone programming
Navigating Police Encounters in Ottawa
For more stories about OJEN’s projects and activities check out our blog! New stories are posted regularly, so check it often!
As we leave 2020 behind us and look forward to better days to come, we wish all of our friends peace and good health over the holiday season and a safe, happy New Year!