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APRIL 2024

Dive into an Unforgettable Summer with Us!

Get ready to elevate your skills, broaden your perspectives, and connect with a vibrant community of learners! Our Summer Workshop Series 2024 is now open for registration, and we want YOU to join us for an incredible journey of growth and discovery. This summer, we have 12 informative 1-hour Zoom workshops with 13 inspiring facilitators beginning June 25 and running through August 1. One low price for your community. This is easily over $35,000 worth of professional development. Ready to seize the summer and invest in yourself and your community?  Click to learn more and secure your spot today.  All sessions are recorded and archived. We hope to see you this summer from your office, home or the beach!
 

LOOKING BACK

3/2/24: Greenwood College's First Conference

Greenwood College in Toronto hosted its inaugural Pollyanna Conference: Equity Through Education. In addition to the many schools in attendance, Paris McLean the Assistant Head of School at Montclair Kimberley Academy in NJ was there to kick off the day with an inspiring and informative keynote. It was a day of connections and meaningful conversations. Together, let's continue to break down barriers, lift voices, and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. Welcome to the Pollyanna Family!

 

3/2/24: NAIS Annual Conference

We were excited to be back in St. Louis - this time as an exhibitor at NAIS's Annual Conference THRIVE. Reuniting with old friends felt like coming home, while meeting new faces added an extra layer of excitement to the mix. Every interaction, every exchange, was a testament to the power of connection and community. NAIS put together a lineup of workshops and speakers that left people with much to think about. And the grand finale? Isabel Wilkerson wove together wisdom and history in a way that left us all truly inspired.

 

3/10/24: Angélica Dass

Ms. Dass shared three pieces of advice to our students: First, I wish I had understood the importance of empathy and kindness. Second, fostering curiosity and asking questions would have opened doors to deeper understanding and growth. Third, learning to look past biases and embracing both the good and bad times would have empowered me to navigate life's ups and downs with resilience and grace. Now, I recognize the significance of continuing to learn every day, even if I can only share my personal experiences, as each encounter enriches my perspective and fuels my growth journey.

 

LOOKING AHEAD

4/3-4/6/24: White Privilege Conference

We're excited to come to Tulsa, OK as sponsors and exhibitors. This conference brings together high school and college students, K-12 teachers, university faculty, social workers, counselors, non-profit staff, activists, healthcare workers, and members of spiritual, community, and corporate arenas.
 
Stop by our table and say hello!

4/14/24: Cultural Appropriation vs Appreciation

Joining the Teen Council this month is Naledi Semela who was born in New Orleans, LA. From his earliest days, he was exposed to the teachings and the fellowship of the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, authors of the nationally acclaimed Undoing Racism. He is a proud alumnus of Prep for Prep, Friends Seminary, Colgate University, and the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a master’s in independent school leadership. Join us - 13- to 18-year-olds may sign up here.

4/17/24: Melissa Mirza

The Need for Affinity: The Purpose of Affinity Spaces in a Challenging Climate. Affinity spaces are powerful communities that offer a safe haven for individuals to connect, express themselves, and grow. We will explore the diverse forms affinity spaces can take, discover how they nurture positive identity development, and learn effective strategies for addressing community concerns. Whether you're a community leader, advocate, or simply curious about creating inclusive spaces, this workshop equips you with the knowledge and tools to build and sustain thriving affinity communities.

 

RESOURCES

Daniel’s Music Foundation

Daniel’s Music Foundation (DMF) is a non-profit organization founded in 2006 by the Trush Family to empower individuals with disabilities through music. Through their Disability Awareness platform, which includes presentations about differences, a global award show - The Danny Awards, and record label - Just Call Me By My Name®, they are challenging stereotypes about individuals with disabilities and working to build a more inclusive society for all. DMF offers customized, interactive Disability Awareness presentations that educate and advocate for further inclusion and understanding of individuals with disabilities through relevant personal stories, videos and of course, music. Other programs include meaningful volunteer opportunities, joint concerts with their musicians, and participation at other key inclusion events throughout the year. Contact DMF Disability Awareness Director Carla Sullivan - carla@danielsmusic.org - to find out how to bring a meaningful program to your organization.

 

Launching Pollyanna Teen Council 2024-25 School Membership

Calling all teens and school leaders! Get ready to amplify your teen’s voices at Pollyanna Teen Council meet-ups. We’re launching a School Membership exclusively for the 2024-25 school year. Teen’s opinions matter, and we're thrilled to provide a platform where they can share thoughts, ideas, and passions. Join us for informative and exciting monthly meet-ups, specially designed for 13-18 year olds eager to engage in meaningful discussions on today's most pressing topics. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make your voice heard and forge lifelong friendships along the way. Click here for more info, see the incredible guests planned and to sign up now.

 
 

ENDORSEMENT

“Hosting the Pollyanna Conference presented important opportunities for us as a school that was already committed to diversity and social Justice but could benefit from a mechanism to deepen our understanding and our commitments.” 

 – Mikki Murphy, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Community, Far Brook School, NJ, hosting its 9th conference in fall 2025

 

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