| | | As an organization dedicated to developing and expanding academic, social, emotional, and physical supports and services to school-age children and youth across the Commonwealth, the safety and social and emotional wellness of the youth and families we serve in all communities are paramount. The recent tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery leave us again angry and grieving. These tragedies, and the too many others experienced over the past several years, further heighten our sense of awareness, commitment, and determination to do everything in our power to address and eliminate the racial and class inequities that plague us still. The Virginia Partnership for Out-of-School Time (VPOST) denounces senseless acts of racial violence against individuals and unnecessary destruction in American cities that threaten communities of color. We stand against racism, bigotry, gratuitous violence, and social injustice towards Black lives. As we move forward, we will make it a priority to promote proven strategies that encourage us all to challenge racial stereotypes and recognize, respond to and cope with racial bias when interacting with people of all racial, ethnic, and cultural groups. Our support for children, families, faculty, and staff is steadfast, inclusive, and strong. | | Resources for Anti-Racism Work The work to fight racism is a constant, active, process. Here are some of our favorite resources for educators in Virginia and the OST field. Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities: The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities works with K – 12 and higher education students, educators, and administrators to make learning environments more equitable and inclusive through consultation, workshops, and retreats. Teaching Tolerance offers a plethora of resources to educators to create civil and inclusive school communities where children are respected, valued, and welcome participants. In particular, "Why Teaching BlackLives Matters, Part 1" is a great starting point. The first enslaved Africans arrived in America on Virginia soil. The 1619 Project, is a free curriculum that uses essays, images, stories, and poems to challenge students to reframe their understanding of U.S. history, the consequences of slavery, and the contributions of black Americans. Afterschool Alliance has pulled together a number of racial equity & anti-bias tools developed by OST programs & youth workers, as well as their own campaign Tools to Build On: Creating Constructive Climates in Out-of-School Time which includes two webinars of interest, Responding to Hate and Bias and Engaging Youth in Tough Conversations. In January, The National Afterschool Association released a report " The Afterschool Leadership Landscape: Strengthening and Supporting Racial Equity". Providing high-quality programming depends on investing in a skilled, successful, diverse afterschool workforce. The report examines that gap in retaining and growing staff of color into leadership positions, despite front-line staff is reflective of the communities they work in.
| | | | We Need to Hear from You! As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many out-of-school time programs have moved away from triaging the situation to providing both in-person and virtual programming. However, many questions are still in the air. Please complete this short survey to let us know about your current situation and what kinds of supports might benefit your program. | | | | Brent Holsinger has made a career of being a champion for young people inspired by his AmeriCorps service with City Year Boston. After serving as an educator and administrator for City Year, Citizen Schools, and 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Brent founded and currently serves as president of On the Road Collaborative, a youth empowerment nonprofit organization in Harrisonburg. He received his Master’s Degree in Education in Out-of-School Learning & Facilitative Leadership from Lesley University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Richmond. Brent also served a four-year term (2015-2018) on the Harrisonburg City School Board. Brent is married to his wife, Laura Toni-Holsinger, and has two children, Lucy and Myles. | | | | | Pride month may look different this year but must commit to expanding equity for our LGBTQ+ youth. Live Out Loud inspires, nurtures, and empowers LGBTQ+ youth to build a successful future by connecting them to positive role models and affirmative experiences in the LGBTQ community. They have multiple lesson plans and resources for lesson plans for Gay-Straight Alliances, Diversity Clubs, and more. The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25. Side by Side is one of Virginia's leading LGBTQ+ serving organizations whose services include youth programs and training for youth-serving organizations across Virginia. | | | | | | The new Mizzen by Mott app helps afterschool programs serve kids wherever they are. Activities feature STEM, arts, music & more. Supported by the Mott Foundation, Mizzen by Mott is free to download from your favorite app store. | |
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