WORKING TO SUPPORT STAFF
BY US, FOR US

DBEN was started as a space to provide a community for DDSB from the Black Diaspora. As many Black DDSB staff felt isolated and alone, DBEN provided much-needed collegial relationship building.

Many of the early works involved supporting staff in the following areas:

• Assisting new Black educators in getting a permanent job with the DDSB

• Leading workshops to support professional growth leading to positions of leadership - Chair in elementary level, department head in secondary, school vice principal or principal, Board business leadership position, or superintendent

• Afrocentric-infused curriculum activities

• Courageous conversation with colleagues

• How to deal with acts of racism that they may face

• Social events

• Attendance at the National Alliance of Black School Educators Conference (NABSE)

Today, DBEN continues to support staff by providing space for “community”. DBEN hosts an annual meet-and-greet and at least one other social event throughout the school year.​

In 2023, DBEN introduced a series of Wellness Events to support the well-being of all staff. Events have included workshops on well-being and resilience, vision-boarding activities, game nights, yoga, soca, socasize, etc.