Social Action: Deepening in Color, Dec 6/Call to supportLGBT inclusive texts
Sarah Klepner
The community is invited to hear further from elder Isis Ra and transgender poet-songwriter Gillian Omotoso, along with actor, storyteller, and writer Lorraine Stone, all exploring the meaning of justice - through poetry, prose, music, and song.The panel will be grounded and moderated by Dr. Carol Penn, who recently facilitated 16 weeks of an Unpacking Racism discussion series at the Unitarian meetinghouse (uucmc.org).Audience members will have the opportunity to share their reflections.The program will conclude with action items regarding legislation and education.
Check out Dr. Penn's whole-person treatments and preventative methods at drcarolpenn.com
Gillian's music and poetry at https://bit.ly/3pYAo7J
Lorraine's website: www.weebly.wisdomkeeper.com
We have an important ask for you–we need your help to ensure that LGBTQ social, political, and historical contributions are included in New Jersey textbooks! Please email or call your State Legislators and ask them to sponsor and support S1512 and A3052. You can find your legislators here> This bill requires the Department of Education to develop and maintain a list of textbook vendors that incorporate inclusive material in their textbooks, and to make this list publicly available for schools to refer to. "Inclusive material" as defined in the bill means content in a textbook that reflects diversity in various categories including gender, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Under the bill, when a school district determines to acquire a new textbook, the district will be required to select the textbook from a vendor that is included on the department's list. The passage of this bill is one way we can ensure that our students are receiving the inclusive education that we so firmly believe is needed to show our future generations of LGBTQ students that they are seen, they are welcome, and that their contributions matter. Inclusive curriculum is critical for all students to learn about the beautiful and diverse spectrum of humanity, and inclusive textbooks are a key component of this education. Thank you for using your voice for this very important cause and letting our lawmakers know that you support S1512 and A3052!
Thank you, Lauren Albrecht |