About Us
New Directions Speakers’ School was founded in 2008 through an initiative of the Thunder Bay & District Injured Workers’ Support Group in collaboration with various community partners, including the Lakehead Social Planning Council and the Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic.
The school’s main purpose is to develop public speaking and leadership skills and to raise awareness of social justice issues. The school is open to anyone who is an injured worker, living in poverty or facing other economic challenges. The school attempts to address and overcome barriers to participation and promotes an atmosphere of peer support and mutual aid.
This free 14 week course runs twice a year teaching public speaking and leadership skills in an environment of peer support and within the context of education in social justice issues; guest speakers present on issues relating to disability, poverty and unemployment.
The training consists of exercises focusing on effective communication, public speaking and group facilitation combined with substantive lectures on social justice issues and other related topics presented by community trainers.
Speakers’ School also coordinates and facilitates monthly meetings of the alumni who wish to continue developing their skills and broadening their knowledge once they have graduated from the school.
Accomplishments
Since 2008 approximately 200 students have successfully completed the program. Graduates have spoken on a variety of relevant social justice issues including discrimination, living with HIV, the sex trade, financial hardships faced by widows, Aboriginal accomplishments, faith, poverty, and addiction.
Students have repeatedly reported that the program has increased their self esteem, self efficacy, and confidence. Many have gone on to volunteer and work in the City. The presentations given by guest speakers in the community have improved awareness of community services and programs available.
In July 2014, a report was prepared by Regina Belloso for the Board of Directors of New Directions Speakers’ School. The objective of the report was to highlight key findings from a research project on how the NDSS has helped some of its participants in overcoming isolation by giving them skills to help promote effective community engagement. The report, I Want to Find My Voice Again: The Experiences of Students Who Have Graduated From New Directions Speakers’ School can be accessed here.
Our Board of Directors
New Directions Speakers’ School is currently governed by a volunteer board. The members come from a diverse background, each bringing with them a unique perspective from the community.
Co-Chair
George
Drazenovich
Co-Chair
Beth
Ponka
Secretary
Ann
McGuire
Treasurer
Open
Position
Member
Martin
Rukavina
Member
Ted
Bobrowski
Member
Eugene
Lafrancois
Member
Tracey
MacKinnon
Member
Lissa
Beaulieu
Steve Mantis
Angie Lynch
Shane Esarik
Brian Walker
Anne Chuchmuch
Rayla Moonias
Rhona Stock
Greg Snider
Robin Faye
Claire Littleton
Rayla Moonias
Rhona Stock
Greg Snider
Robin Faye
Claire Littleton
Aaron Park
Susan Haavisto
Mary Veltri
Joan Williams
Leslie DeMuelles
Karli Brotchie
Previous Board of Directors
Ryan Sigurdson (Current)
Richard Togman
Robin Faye
Rhonda Stock
Karli Brotchie
Anne Chuchmuch
Brian Walker
Lori Walker
Deanna Ford