October 2020

 

“Real, enduring change happens one step at a time.”  ~ Ruth Bader Ginsburg

In moments like this, when the news is dominated by ever-shifting headlines about COVID-19, racial justice, climate change, and the integrity of our electoral system, it feels challenging to think about our activism in small steps. The depth and breadth of the news cycle seems more likely to motivate extreme reactions: either feeling completely immersed or wanting to unplug totally from the constant deluge of challenging information.

We are grateful for Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s guidance and inspiration, even as we mourn the loss of her voice, her wisdom, and her presence in one of our nation’s most sacred decision-making bodies. Her entire life was a model of relentless activism pursued strategically, pragmatically, and critically. She illuminated for us multiple pathways towards equity and equality for all. If you are seeking for a way to explain her significance to younger children, we recommend I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy and Elizabeth Baddeley as an excellent resource.  

The loss of Justice Ginsburg after a lifetime of service stands in tragic contrast to the death of Breonna Taylor and how her promising life was cut short by an unjust and violent system that continues to deny her and her family justice. We protest the outcome of the Grand Jury’s findings in Louisville and call for further actions to hold those responsible for Breonna’s death accountable. Breonna Taylor should have had the opportunity to live into her 80s, find and pursue her life’s passions, and have her family at her side in later years, just as Justice Ginsburg did. While we celebrate and honor the progress made in Justice Ginsburg’s life, we see in Breonna Taylor’s life the unfulfilled promises of justice, equality, and dignity for People of Color in the systems of our nation, and all the progress which we still must strive to make. 

In a national election, an individual act of voting may feel small, yet we wish to add our voice to the chorus of organizations who are likely exhorting you to not only make sure you vote next month, but that you make sure your vote counts. Voting is not only your sacred right, it is a way to honor the memory of The Notorious RBG by contributing to “real, enduring change” through the most basic form of political participation.

In this election season, Pollyanna has also partnered with the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) to survey independent school Heads, administrators, and teachers about their plans and hopes for the 2020 election to help ensure that their communities nurture open, respectful interaction among diverse groups. Our first report about our survey of school Heads was published on September 23 by NAIS. The report offers reflections about the 2016 election as well as suggestions to help educators foster civil discourse in their communities during the 2020 election season. We will publish two more reports in October regarding responses from and resources for administrators and teachers. Finally, we will publish a fourth and final report that compares responses among these three constituent groups. Our hope is to make a positive contribution and offer resources for how school communities think about managing challenging and divisive political conversations both before and after this election.

We hope your school year got off to a successful start whether virtual, in-person, or somewhere in-between.

All best,

Casper Caldarola

Founder

2020-21 Zoom Forums: We enjoyed welcoming friends and colleagues, and meeting new friends at our Zoom forums this spring: Equity in the New Normal and Parenting During a Pandemic. The forums were created when Covid-19 and distance learning first presented many challenges. We expanded the discussions when George Floyd was murdered. Online discussion forums for parents and educators on DEI/current topics will resume in August -- monthly for educators and periodically for parents. Below is the schedule and the Zoom link for the first Educator Forum.

MISSION

Pollyanna advances systemic change by developing stronger communities.

STRATEGY

Pollyanna works with academic and other institutions to achieve their diversity, equity and inclusion goals. Through its unique conference models, discussion platforms, and racial literacy curricula, Pollyanna increases cultural competence.