For more than 25 years, Everyday Democracy has worked with communities across the country to foster a healthy and vibrant democracy – one that is characterized by strong relationships across divides, racial equity, and widespread leadership and voice. Here are snapshots of just four of the hundreds of communities that have been positively transformed through their Dialogue to Change efforts.
Achieving educational equity in our schools is not simply a math challenge. It’s not even just about which schools are in which neighborhoods, public vs. private, or which schools have the most money to spend on its teachers and students. It is a far more complex conundrum, and one that requires dedicated, culturally responsive, proactive leaders who are committed to listening to all voices, and incorporating those voices into school policies, curriculum and the development and maintenance of an educational environment that provides equitable learning opportunities for all. Hamden Hall Country Day School in Hamden, CT understands this importance, and has engaged with Everyday Democracy to assist them in the development of student dialogues that are designed for lasting democracy-strengthening, culturally progressive change.
With over 400 community members and 44 community-based, non-profit organizations participating, Families United for Education is a leader in the nation when it comes to engaging families toward improving school outcomes. As one of four finalists for Everyday Democracy’s distinguished Paul J. Aicher Leadership in Democracy Award, and now announced as a Civic Change Champion, Families United for Education is a national model for diverse communities working to achieve educational equity.
Central New York’s Interfaith Works’ El Hindi Center for Dialogue continually confronts “hot topics” in the community head on, with thoughtful, facilitated listening and sharing sessions that gather people together and lead to planning and action. From dialogues on Police Community Relations to Ending Racism to Youth Cultural Exchanges to conversations on Education Equity, the Center has been successfully building bridges of understanding throughout the community, and is a sought after source for institutions and initiatives seeking racial equity and equitable solutions to day-to-day challenges they may be facing.
Central New York’s Interfaith Works’ El Hindi Center for Dialogue continually confronts “hot topics” in the community head on, with thoughtful, facilitated listening and sharing sessions that gather people together and lead to planning and action. From dialogues on Police Community Relations to Ending Racism to Youth Cultural Exchanges to conversations on Education Equity, the Center has been successfully building bridges of understanding throughout the community, and is a sought after source for institutions and initiatives seeking racial equity and equitable solutions to day-to-day challenges they may be facing.
Working to increase equity for students and families throughout New England, coaches from Everyday Democracy and Great Schools Partnership are busy planning a unique conference for later this month -- a Learning Exchange or LEX-- in Portland ME, which will focus on utilizing Everyday Democracy’s process and principles to improve student outcomes through community engagement.
Working to increase equity for students and families throughout New England, coaches from Everyday Democracy and Great Schools Partnership are busy planning a unique conference for later this month -- a Learning Exchange or LEX-- in Portland ME, which will focus on utilizing Everyday Democracy’s process and principles to improve student outcomes through community engagement.
February is Black History Month, a time to reflect and celebrate the many achievements of African Americans and a time for recognizing their critical role in U.S. history. For over 150 years, historically black colleges and universities — more commonly called HBCUs -- have undeniably affected how African Americans gain access to education and new levels of social and economic structures. HBCUs created what we know as the black middle class and culture of activism, civic participation and democratic discourse.
February is Black History Month, a time to reflect and celebrate the many achievements of African Americans and a time for recognizing their critical role in U.S. history. For over 150 years, historically black colleges and universities — more commonly called HBCUs -- have undeniably affected how African Americans gain access to education and new levels of social and economic structures. HBCUs created what we know as the black middle class and culture of activism, civic participation and democratic discourse.
Everyday Democracy Senior Associate John Landesman works in Montgomery Country Public Schools in Maryland, which is using our Dialogue to Change engagement approach to build community and address challenging issues like race, student achievement, and politics.
Our ultimate goal is to create positive community change that includes everyone, and we believe that our tools, advice, and resources will help foster that kind of change. Whether you’re grappling with a divisive community issue, or simply want to include residents’ voices in city government, Everyday Democracy's Dialogue to Change process, using a racial equity lens, can help.
