How We Live Into Our Core Value of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is one of our 7 core values and guides our work together as a coop community. 

We work to create a deep sense of inclusion and belonging--where everyone in our community is welcomed, valued, seen and are able to bring their authentic and whole selves forward. We promote curiosity and understanding of experiences and viewpoints other than our own while upholding principles of fairness and justice. We commit to identifying and removing structural barriers to access, participation, and equitable learning opportunities. We believe in self-reflection and courageous conversations and we commit to continuous learning about how our beliefs and actions have been shaped by our experiences of the systems of privilege and oppression in which we live and operate. 

Below are some of the ways that we live and are working to embody our DEI values. We acknowledge this is an ongoing process and are committed to our continued learning and growth. 

DEI Committee
A Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee made of enrolled parents meets monthly to plan community conversations, further DEI efforts within the school community, and ensure our alignment with our DEI values. Most recently, the DEI Committee led efforts to develop our core values and shared meanings, community agreements for our DEI conversations, and established a scholarship. 

DEI Community Conversations 
We hold DEI conversations at different points throughout the school year, during our monthly membership meetings. Sample topics: talking with our children about race and racism and the gender spectrum. These conversations are an opportunity to engage in self-reflection, exploration, and generate shared understanding around key DEI topics (anti-racism, power & privilege). As a parent community, we provide space to unpack our own understanding of these issues so that we can role-model our values and have conversations with our children in age-appropriate ways.

DEI-Themed Community Programming
We are planning to offer programming opportunities for the broader community in which we live to engage in conversations about equity and inclusion. Some events we hope to offer soon:

  • Equity in Early Childhood Education (panel discussion + community dialogue)

  • Partnership with Richmond/Contra Costa County organizations

  • Parent Education