Peace Center’s Post

🎭Each issue of D&T we bring you a page-to-stage focus on a play for performing with your students. This issue, Aimee McGoldrick introduces The Wolves of Willoughby Chase ⬇️

Blunt Commentary: For most “white” folks, inequity, inequality, and injustice are a Black person problem. We insist… “THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROBLEM. “ BUT… We must ask ourselves… who had/has the power to create and uphold such a system? WE DID THIS. We have a “white” person problem in the United States, as we have chosen to stand by a system that is meant to reward “white” folks & Black/brown folks at different rates. We are generally ok with this. THIS…IS A PROBLEM WITH “WHITE” PEOPLE IN THE AGGREGATE. THE PROBLEM: We are racist. This is why I say we have a “white” person problem in the United States.

I've been thinking about....the paradigm shift to #authentic learning experiences. Now, hear me out. I call out the #paradigmshift because providing authentic learning experiences for our young people is SO much more than mimicking real-world experiences. It's about building #relationships among the adults in a #school, #district, and #community that result in enlightened collaboration that INCLUDES how we can work together to create actual experiences for young people that impact the world around them. Left alone, teachers, at best, can create versions of real-life experiences. And, in some cases, teachers are pulling together what's needed to create these opportunities for our young people but..honestly...they shouldn't be left alone to shoulder the effort. If we empower teachers by providing the structures, processes, and incentives needed for deep collaboration across a community....well, just imagine what they can do? One simple example is shared here by Jayden Balbuena Valles - a new colleague I met via collaboration here on #linkedin. Jayden is a part of a film maker team in Santa Ana Unified School District who, as a result of the intentional collaboration of a lot of adults AND the determination of young people, is creating real-world products for real-world clients. Imagine the impact on #motivation when young people come to school to learn in this way. Imagine the impact on #chronicabsenteesism when THESE are the types of experiences awaiting our young people. Imagine how much more possible this type of design can be when every single one of us sees ourselves as a part of making it happen (aka this is NOT a "teachers should...." type of shift). Feeling brave? Share an idea below about how YOU (yeah, not "they" or "them") can become involved in making authentic learning happen in your community schools. There. I said it. #itatakesallofus #communitymatters Dawn S. Reese, CFRE Tim Hanner Jerry Almendarez Dr. Lorraine Mora Perez Eric Timmons Cory Strasser Andy Johnsen, Ed.D. Joseph Clevenger Ed Manansala Ed.D. Frank Miranda, Ed.D. Laurie Dent, Ph.D. Erin Jones Trevor Greene, Ed.D. Gloria Ciriza, Ed.D. Todd Lile Babatunde Ilori

Learn more about our programming and support groups in this month's #whatsupfortmac episode! #prideymm

This is fab! The message is of profound importance. I also love the creative use of theatrical staging. The switching between who is speaking whose words. It shifts the perspective of the audience, it forces us to consider things in a new way. It is also worth noting their use of space. The way the physically switch at the start, and then switch back at the end. It seems like a small point, but it is vital in clarifying to the audience what is happening through the talk, and the reality of things at the end. https://lnkd.in/e_g8nQj6

I am blessed to work for a progressive organisation, The Northern Ireland Boys' Brigade (BBNI), that recognises the importance of investing in staff training and development. I am fortunate to be a member of CO3 Chief Officers 3rd Sector, an organisation that understands the challenges of the sector and works hard to secure funding and provide tailored, relevant and accessible learning opportunities. I am currently completing 2 courses through CO3 and, in an attempt to properly reflect and apply the learning, I am writing a series of reflections on some of the gems of knowledge that have been so willingly shared by both the course tutors and my learning colleagues. I was once told that ‘sharing is caring’ so in that spirit, I am sharing the reflections here. I hope they strike a chord with someone reading them. Feedback and comments welcome!   What’s keeping you behind the podium? The impact of a video shared on day 2 of the CO3 Chief Officers 3rd Sector Leading for the Future programme at Ulster University seemed to be far reaching among the learning group. It appears to now be on a repeat loop in my mind! Behind the scenes in the making of The Greatest Showman, a video was recorded of Keala Settle singing ‘This is me’ for the first time and captures her journey of stepping out from behind the podium. Such a powerful watch on so many levels.   The development of inner confidence to step out, the impact it has on others, the impact it has on self when that step is taken….and the power of the end product.   As I reflect, the questions I am asking myself: 💡 ‘This is me’ – who is that and do I bring my authentic self to every part of my life? 💡 Who can I encourage to step out from behind the podium and how can I support them to do that? 💡 What projects/ tasks/ decisions would benefit from me stepping out in front of the podium and what is keeping me behind the podium? 💡 What could be achieved if the podium is no longer blocking key decisions? Stepping out from behind the podium is a positive enabler to achieving great things, both for yourself, your team and your organisation. I encourage you to watch the video and see what effect it has on you. https://lnkd.in/eqHR_JeV

Investing in staff development is so important. Here's a few insights from our CO from a learning programme she is undertaking through CO3 Chief Officers 3rd Sector.

Lesson Two from a long weekend in San Antonio filming segments for a future episode of American Ballpark Road Trip: Experience History, Learn About the Future 2): The Alamo and The Alamo Exhibit at the Ralston Family Collections Center Yes, I did double check for Pee Wee Herman that there is not basement at The Alamo Church. Aside from that, as a nearly lifelong student of the history of the Battle of the Alamo, my first impression of the church and battle diahrama was: “How the hell did 187 men expect to defend this makeshift fort covering almost 3 acres of land from thousands of Mexican soldiers?” We all know how the battle itself ended but it begs the question, why do we still celebrate a loss and the self-sacrifice of the 187 Alamo defenders? Because, as cliche as it sounds, we continue to learn more from their loss than if they had somehow won or, at least, lasted another few days to see reinforcements arrive. By recognizing the loss of life and historical significance it holds in the founding of what became the State of Texas in addition to learning about it on-site at preserved buildings like the Alamo church, we heed the lessons of the future through experiencing history. Not every personal or professional conflict needs to be an Alamo situation requiring dire sacrifices. But sometimes, taking a stand or holding out for reinforcements in the struggle for personal and professional beliefs or rights does require sacrifice. Of course, no one wants to be remembered for a loss but that loss can inspire someone else to battle on. Your history and our collective personal ability to experience history have the power to learn and plan for the future.

Let’s talk about partnership!

The sisters (Thea Stinear and I) and Blue Steel (David Coleman) from Cool.org off to Purpose Conference again today! All looking forward to another brilliant day of learning and meeting absolute legends! If you're at Purpose Conference and interested in education grab one of us for a chat 🥰 #sdgs #education #educationresourcesforabetterworld