An update on SOGI 123

ARC Foundation, the organization that developed and has supported SOGI 123 over the past decade, is winding down its operations.

While this marks the end of ARC Foundation, it does not diminish the importance of SOGI 123 or the difference we have made together.

Since 2016, SOGI 123 has helped educators and school communities create safer, more inclusive learning environments for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Through resources, professional learning, partnerships and collaboration across the education system, we have worked together to build knowledge and capacity within school communities across Canada.

Independent research has also demonstrated the positive impact of this work. 

A 2024 UBC SARAVYC study drawing on 10 years of data from almost 100,000 B.C. students found that SOGI 123 reduced bullying and sexual-orientation discrimination among both LGBQ+ and heterosexual students. The longer SOGI 123 had been in place in a school, the greater its impact in reducing bullying and discrimination.

That impact extends beyond ARC Foundation itself.

It lives in the knowledge and resources we have developed together, the relationships built over the past decade, the educators better equipped to support the young people they serve, and the students who have experienced safer and more inclusive school communities.

As ARC Foundation winds down, the Board is exploring a transition of SOGI 123 to a values-aligned organization that could build on the program, resources and relationships developed. While there is no agreement in place today, the goal is to give SOGI 123 the opportunity for a meaningful next chapter.

Whatever comes next, we know SOGI 123 has already created a lasting legacy — one that is reflected in the lives of the youth and communities it has reached. 

Read ARC Foundation’s full statement below.

ARC Foundation announces wind-down after nearly two decades of advancing inclusive education