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Pollyanna Workshop Series 2023-24
10 informative 1 hour workshops, 10 inspiring facilitators
1 price per school for all 10 workshops for all your employees
Jan Abernathy
October 10 at noon ET / 9AM PT
Beyond the Culture Wars: Seeking Consensus on DEIB Efforts through Effective Communications
The landscape for advancing DEIB initiatives in our schools is vastly different than in 2020, when burgeoning anti-racist movements seemed to indicate a new commitment to inclusion in independent schools. Fast forward three years and families are riveted by gender controversies in the media, concerned that SEL and mental health programs are too intrusive, and increasingly fearful that inclusivity efforts are threatening a focus on core academics. In this workshop you will learn how to help families understand how DEIB and SEL helps all students, why they are core to the mission of most of our schools, and how to overcome concerns that inclusivity in schools doesn't align with their families’ values. With an understanding of the media landscape today, learn how proactive and transparent communication about sensitive issues can move your DEIB efforts despite cultural headwinds.
Ivy Alphonse-Crean
November 9 at noon ET / 9AM PT
Wellness, Social Emotional Learning, and DEI in the Classroom
Wellness is an inclusive act. How can educators incorporate tools like breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation into their classrooms? In this workshop, we will ask the questions such as: Historically, who has been allowed to be "well"? How has the wellness industry contributed to the disenfranchisement of certain groups of people? How can wellness help to combat chronic racial stress in Independent Schools? We will look at tools to use in the classroom for students ranging from pre-k to 8th grade. Educators will come away with their own exercises to bring into their classrooms in order to promote a more mindful and inclusive learning environment. In this workshop you will learn: history of "wellness" in the US and in schools, the implications of chronic racial stress in our students, specific exercises to use in the classroom, and ways to present wellness to administration.
Jason Craige Harris and Elizabeth Rosner
December 5 at 7PM ET / 4PM PT
A conversation with mediator Jason Craige Harris and author Elizabeth Rosner about ways to respond to antisemitism, Islamophobia, and extreme views in your school and in life.
December 6 at noon ET / 9AM PT
Aligning your School's Advancement and DEIB Goals
One of the biggest challenges for independent schools is strategically aligning the advancement operations with their school's DEIB goals. In this workshop, participants will examine four key areas of school advancement programs through the lens of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. The workshop will provide a framework for you to assess your institution's approach to fundraising, alumni relations, events, and volunteer management.
Jason Craige Harris
January 9 at noon ET / 9AM PT
Solving Conflict like a Mediator
Conflicts are part of everyday life––and how we handle them matters. Conflicts can lead to greater clarity and connection, or they can lead to profound disconnection and harm. In this session, participants will learn a few tools commonly used by mediators to resolve conflict and strengthen a sense of connection––among and between students, faculty/staff, and parents/guardians.
Ali Michael
February 7 at noon ET / 9AM PT
Training for Courage: Tools for Educators
Using the work of social psychology, this workshop will explore common blocks to taking action, offering three concrete tools to support educators to overcome those blocks. The facilitator Ali Michael, PhD, is White and will share many stories from her life. Educators from all racial backgrounds will be able to use the tools.
Naledi Semela
March 6 at noon ET / 9AM PT
Counting In: Supporting the Growing Population of Interracial Families in Independent Schools.
How do schools report their diversity numbers? The fastest growing racial group in the country is that of people with more than one race. In this workshop, participants will explore the history of racial categorization, its impact on independent schools today, and discuss how to best support multiracial students and families with a sense of belonging.
Melissa Mirza
April 17 at noon ET / 9AM PT
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. In this interactive session, 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.
Jaci Nelson
May 8 at noon ET / 9AM PT
Wonders Never Cease: Anti-Bias Education in Early Childhood
Young children approach the wonders of the world with much more curiosity than most adults in their lives. For educators and caregivers, it can be difficult to know what the “just right” approach is for introducing and exploring the wonders of identity and diversity with young children. In this workshop, participants will consider the social science implications as it pertains to identity development and learn practical strategies for setting a strong anti-bias education (ABE) foundation.
NEW
Devin LaSane
June 4 at noon ET / 9AM PT
It's Easy as ABC(DE) Admissions-Building Community Driven by Equity
While Admissions offices aim to determine who is a “right fit” student, often looking to their missions for guidance, they sometimes fall short. How can we ensure that our policies, practices and philosophy will build community in an equitable way? After all, the work of admissions is to ultimately create and enhance a school community by welcoming new families. This workshop will help you interrogate your admissions policies, admissions practices and school mission, in order to determine blindspots where inequity may lie. Additionally, we will examine distinct ways to build a community, representative of the world in which we want to live.
This workshop is designed for school leaders and administrators, particularly those who work in or with the Admissions Office.
The fee for schools with 500 students and under is $1500 for the year and for schools with 501 students and over is $2000. Please email us at info@pollyannainc.org and let us know if this is a financial hardship.
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