CRSJ News – November 2024
Greetings, SEA!
Let’s give warm thanks to all who stood up and introduced or re-introduced themselves at our October Representative Assembly; it takes courage to share anything about oneself in a room where you may be known or unknown to folks in the room. So, I really appreciate your bravery; I encourage you to continue speaking up in our space and I invite you to come back on November 18.
Do you know that November, is also Native American Heritage month? Here in Seattle, we honor the Duwamish Tribes for all their sacrifice. Learn more about the land we live on and the Duwamish Tribe. This month we also honor 100 years of the Native vote. How long have you had the right to vote? What a privilege it is to be a part of the democratic process.
This month’s issue has resources about:
- A Call Out to Help Uplifting Educators Voice with the 9:29
- SEA CRSJ Len Hill Educator Grants
- Educators’ awareness videos
- WEA NEA Professional Development
- Local Community & Labor Engagements
- Upcoming calendar events
CRSJ Advisory Committee: Director Elizabeth Ward-Robertson, Nisha Daniel, Matt Legacki, Toni O’Neal, Davina Diaz, Jennifer Matter, UniServ Director Uti Hawkins
Educators we are in crucial times with SPS, to ensure you are being heard by your fellow SEA leaders, we invite you to our 5 p.m., monthly SEA representative assembly at John Marshall. All members are welcome to attend especially our BIPOC educators as we set aside time to uplift your voices during the 9:29 RA assembly in reflect of the George Floyd uprise in April 2021. Your CRSJ advisory team wants to call you in to share on the November topic below. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
The November topic: In your building/program what specifically can you name has been working to increase the racial equity awareness for your students and community?
Share 1-2 ways specifically the district could prioritize the wellbeing of staff of color and a safe reporting structure for people experiencing hate/bias. Where you have seen, or experienced prejudice rear its head or show up in your BLT/PLT community space.
I hope to see you there at 5 p.m. on November 18!
SEA CRSJ Len Hill Leader & Advocacy Grants
It’s time again! SEA Center for Racial and Social Justice (CRSJ) is excited to announce the Len Hill Leader and Advocacy Grant Program for 2024-2025. With the SEA CRSJ Len Hill Leader and Advocacy Grant Program, Racial Equity Teams (RET’s) led by SEA members can apply for grants of $500, $750, or $1500 to fund racial equity work in their SPS school building/programs during the 2024-2025 school year. Please know all last year sponsored events must re-apply, no last year vouchers will be accepted.
See video with the intent to bring awareness to all us Educators
Crucial Conversation Facilitator Maria Moss video example
Why just by a certain kind of ACT or LOOK can create a bias
CRSJ along with SEA is seeking to increase the voice of our Black and Brown Educators’ voices. See below opportunities of engagement.
WEA Professional Development Notices:
Have you ever participated in WEA professional development program? Are you aware that WEA WIN systems have awesome training all year for all Washington Educators?
Check on the link below to see what is being offered through WEA-WIN. WEA-WIN is designed to provide you access to various WEA trainings and house your clock hour transcripts.
ESP Professional Development (washingtonea.org)
More details about the courses at wea-win.org.
After you register, you will receive the link to access the training on your “My Events” tab through your wea-win account. If you click the Join Now button, you must also complete a short Zoom registration.
You can access your online course links through your WEA-WIN account on your ‘My Events’ tab. It is important to know that you will need to use your personal email address.
Special Education Law
Nov. 15 – 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at WEA Headquarters in Federal Way
As an added opportunity for WEA members, we will host an in-person session of Special Education Law on Friday, Nov. 15, at WEA Headquarters in Federal Way. Individuals who have signed up to attend the Special Education Advocacy and Organizing Skills Session must have taken the six-hour Special Education Law class prior to the Bargaining and Beyond Conference. WEA will not be providing release time, travel, or other reimbursement for participants of this special session. Members are encouraged to work with their local or councils if they need assistance. Please register online. Note: you must have created an account on the WEA-WIN registration platform in order to register for the first time.
WEA will host two in-person Bargaining and Beyond Conferences during the 2024-25 school year. WEA will provide a light breakfast during the coffee hour and lunch. WEA will not be covering individual or local expenses to attend the training.
Westside Bargaining and Beyond Conference will be held on Nov. 16 at Federal Way High School in Federal Way. Sessions will start at 9:30 a.m. with an optional pre-session at 8:30 and will wrap up by 4 p.m. (Registration open now)
Action & Resources from (NEA)
Join Fellow Educators, Students in Resolving Chronic Absenteeism Crisis | Deadline: November 29
Chronic absenteeism of students has increased since the COVID era, which impacts our students’ ability to succeed academically and graduate on time. The US Department of Education (USED) is issuing a challenge that calls upon schools, districts, and non-profits to engage with young people to identify barriers to attendance/school engagement and find creative solutions to curb chronic absenteeism. Participants will be asked to submit their findings and proposed solutions for the chance to highlight their results at future events hosted by USED. The submission deadline for the Attendance Champions Challenge is Nov. 29 at 9 p.m. ET. An opportunity to engage students through coursework, organizing, or extracurricular activities, members are encouraged to sign up for the challenge and learn more here
Support the NEA Hurricane Helene Relief Fund
Hurricane Helene has left many communities in need, and NEA members are stepping up to help. Join us in supporting the NEA Hurricane Helene Relief Fund to provide essential aid to those affected. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference in rebuilding lives and ensuring that our communities recover stronger. https://bit.ly/3XOx8h1
CRSJ is seeking to send 5 new minority educators who have never attended a NEA conference, 5 experienced, new to a leadership role to apply. Please contact CRSJ Director, Elizabeth with interest.
NEA 2024-2025 Minority Leadership Training and Women’s Leadership Training Seminars to Advance Racial and Social Justice – West!
The Minority Leadership Training and Women’s Leadership Training Seminars to Advance Racial and Social Justice aim to prepare and support educators to be powerful leaders and advocates for their students, their profession, and their Association. The training teaches participants foundational leadership skills, provides tools to proactively understand the impact of racial inequities in education and provides strategies for coalition building around racial, social, and economic equity issues.
Dates: Friday, December 13, 2024 – Sunday, December 15, 2024
Location: Seattle, WA
Hotel & Seminar Venue:
Hyatt Regency Seattle
808 Howell St.
Seattle WA, 98101
Local Community & Labor Engagements:
(RARE) Roosevelt Alumni for Racial Equity
Seeks the involvement of the community! Learn more:
Upcoming Events:
- November 10 Duwamish climate café circle
- November 11 Veterans Day
- November 13 World Kindness Day
- November 15 Special Ed PD
- November 16 Bargaining Conference
- November 21 Native Women’s Equal Pay Day
- November 24 Duwamish Culture wreath from scratch
- November 29 Duwamish Native Art Market
- November 29 NEA Absenteeism response deadline
- December 5 Racial Equity Team Listening Session. Register here!
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