To Our Partners...#blacklivesmatter

It can be difficult, during this time, to know how best to turn anger and fear into productive action. School leaders across the country are asking themselves difficult questions: How can I support our staff, students, and families through this trauma? How do I engage my students of color without inducing further trauma? How do I equip myself and other leaders with the context needed to understand these events? Where do I start? How do we heal, together?

There are no easy answers here, but we've shared some big ideas and some materials linked below that may support you in meeting the needs of your schools and communities. We're also available to discuss any of these options or anything additional as you navigate this work. Again, all of this support is free of charge. 
 

1) We can provide guidance on how to discuss racial violence with students of all ages. 

Teachers remaining silent can deepen trauma. Teachers addressing these issues without thoughtful preparation can also deepen trauma. Teachers with the right mindsets and language to engage students can begin the healing process and catalyze positive change. Here is a great place to start equipping teachers with some language they can use: Say Their Names - A Toolkit for Educators

2) We can provide guidance on how to convene conversations with your staff.

The strength of your ability to respond is directly tied to the strength of your community. The strength of your community will be tested as folks experience trauma related to racial violence, but convening healing conversations can keep you together as a beloved community fighting for progress.

3) Training around the historical context of racial violence, civil disobedience, and progress. 

Many people are talking more about the protests than about the racist systems that the protests are responding to.  Equipping yourself with further knowledge and context about racial violence in America empowers you to respond to these challenges, develop your team, and deepen your own consciousness. Whether you are a person of color who has directly experienced trauma related to your race or a white leader looking to grow as an ally, being a student of history and context can deepen your impact as a leader. Here a couple of quick reads to start: Violent protests are not the story. Police violence is. and The Double Standard of the American Riot.

Yours in Solidarity,

LiberatED