Count Me Out Campaign
In response to their deep concern with the Sexual Orientation Strand of the Equity Policy, a church-based organization brought forth the ‘Count Me Out’ Campaign. We understand that for every student withdrawn from the HWDSB system and moved to an alternative education source that HWDSB will lose approximately $8,100 in funding. If 500 children were withdrawn that would equal an approximate $4,000,000 loss. In addition to home schooling, transfer to the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic Board may also be a viable no-cost alternative. We have spoken with some Catholic Board administrators and have been informed that there are some schools with vacancies. Other options of course include Christian & other private school alternatives although the cost can be prohibitive for many.
Count Me Out has produced a two-sided brochure which after printing, is to be folded and used for distribution to teachers and other concerned parents. This brochure, in addition to providing contact information for various schooling options also does an effective job in outlining the several concerns they have with the draft sexual orientation strand. Count Me Out has produced a third page which is a mail-in card that parents are to send to their trustee telling them that if the strand becomes policy the parents will be looking for better alternatives to educate their children in their culture and values.
In order to assist ‘Count Me Out’ with their distribution, we have posted their campaign on our website ( www.hamiltonfamilyaction.org ) where we encourage you to read about their campaign and download their brochure and mail-in card. Please act immediately and encourage others.