DEI

Jan 19 Event ON HOLD: Please note that the LGBTQ+ parenting education event scheduled for Jan 19 will most likely be postponed. More information will be shared as soon as possible.
 
In the meantime, the Orinda School District (OUSD) invites Lafayette parents to attend an upcoming Parent Education Workshop:

Parent Education about Racial Consciousness
with Dr. Lori Watson
Tuesday, Jan 10 from 5-7pm
Register Here

OUSD is pleased to offer this event about racial consciousness with Dr. Lori Watson, a founder and the CEO of Race-Work. She will be leading a four-part series for parents/caregivers to explore issues of race and identity and help develop tools to speak to our children and others about this often-difficult topic.
 
The “Parents for Racial Equity” four-part series is intended to educate and engage adult learners who wish to expand their personal knowledge and elevate their racial consciousness. Sessions will be held on the following dates and all sessions will be held from 5-7pm in the OUSD boardroom: Jan 10, Feb 2, Mar 7 and Apr 19.
 
We ask all attendees to register prior to attending the meeting by completing this form. ** Please note that this series will not address questions regarding the District’s specific curriculum or classroom practices.**
 
If you have questions about this event, please feel free to contact Superintendent Aida Glimme at aglimme@orinda.k12.ca.us

Please save Thursday, Jan 19 from 5:30-7pm for an important parent education event, creating community dialogue in supporting LGBTQ youth. Speaker J. Jessie Cohen (biolinked here) will share a developmental model, as well as case studies and tips for parents. We hope to create a community of support for our parents of LGBTQ youth, and this is a critical step towards that future. A registration link will be available soon. 

The month of December is a time set aside by many to celebrate a variety of traditionsand enjoy time with family, friends and community. We wish you peace and happiness throughout the holiday season.

Be well and we will see you in the new year!

As we conclude a week of gratitude, we would like to pay respect to the Bay Miwok and Muwekma Ohlone elders, both past and present, who have been living along Lamorinda creeks for thousands of years.
 
Are you looking for a book to read over the winter break? Check out Quiet Quail Books’ curated lists featuring indigenous authors, or Contra Costa County Library’s digital book club pick, A Snake Falls to Earth. 
 
We appreciate the work of our student journalists. Check out this article in which Blueprintstaff writers highlight student-led activities:  CARE Week Lunchtime Dialogues PromptImportant Discussions – ACALANES BLUEPRINT
 
Upcoming community event:
The Road to Democracy Runs through the Classroom
Wednesday, Dec 7, 5-7pm, Lafayette Library
Dr. Carol Anderson will discuss the importance of civic and history education for students today. For more information on this event, click here.
 
Questions, suggestions or feedback? Click here.

You Are Influential to Your Children and Your Community – Stand Up to Hate

In addition to producing events that help us connect, learn and grow, the DEI committee is also here to support parents. As we head into United Against Hate Week across Lamorinda, we feel it is important for all of us to make time to talk about discrimination and acts of hate this week. An easy way to open up a conversation might be to simply ask if your student knows that the City of Lafayette observes a United Against Hate Week. You don’t need to supply all the content – it isn’t a lecture, just start the discussion. You Are Influential to Your Children and Your Community – Stand Up to Hate.

Please visit our DEI Committee Page here for our full message and valuable tips for talking with your family about these important topics.

Another DEI event occurring this week in Lafayette – 
Community Conversation #6: See Us, Hear Us – The Renter’s Narrative of Life in Lafayette – Wednesday, Nov 16 from 7-8:30pm at the Lafayette Library, Don Tatzin Community Hall. Open to all. Hosted by the Lafayette Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee. For more information, click here.

Questions, suggestions or feedback? Click here.

November is National Native American Heritage Month
U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, made history when she became the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary. She is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna and a 35th generation New Mexican. To learn more about Secretary Haaland, click here.
 
Visit this site for information on national events taking place this month honoring the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans.
 
Local DEIB Events This Month:

• Latinx/Indigenous People’s Festival Wednesday, Nov 9, 5:30-7:30pm at Miramonte. This is open to all of AUHSD. Click here for more details.  

• Community Conversation #6: See Us, Hear Us – The Renter’s Narrative of Life in Lafayette Wednesday, Nov 16 from 7-8:30pm at the Lafayette Library, Don Tatzin Community Hall. Open to all. Hosted by the Lafayette Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee. For more information, click here.

Possibilities Programs for ACA Alums and HBCU Undergrads
Goldman Sachs Possibilities Programs provide a masterclass in financial concepts and professional development to a diverse pool of undergraduates. Deadline to apply is Sunday, Nov 27. For more information and guidelines, check out their flyers:  PossibilitiesSummits and HBCU Possibilities Program.
 
Are we missing anything? Send us feedback or suggestions here.

November is full of community-focused equity events. Attend all that interest you!

• AAPI Parent Affinity Group Tuesday, Nov 1 at 7pm in the Campo Library. Open to all Asian, South Asian, South/Asian American identifying parents/guardians/caretakers of teenagers in AUHSD or related middle schools. Check out the flyer here for more info and please RSVP ASAP if you’re interested in attending.
• Latinx/Indigenous People’s Festival Wednesday, Nov 9, 5:30-7:30pm at Miramonte. This is open to all of AUHSD. Click here for more details.  
• Community Conversation #6: See Us, Hear Us – The Renter’s Narrative of Life in Lafayette Wednesday, Nov 16 from 7-8:30pm at the Lafayette Library, Don Tatzin Community Hall. Open to all. Hosted by the Lafayette Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee. For more information, click here.

Have a suggestion, question, or some feedback? Email us

Diwali, a popular and joyful Hindu holiday commonly referred to as the Festival of Lights, takes place on Monday, Oct 24 in the U.S. Learn more about Diwali and check out theseplaces you can celebrate in the Bay Area, including lighting a diya or enjoying colorful rangoli. And, don’t forget the sweets!
 
Continuing our observance of LGBTQ History month, a reminder to check out the GLBTHistorical Society in San Francisco. The museum demonstrates the importance of queer history to the public and shares rich stories of everyday queer life among the diverse populations of San Francisco over the last century.
 
Upcoming Events in the Lamorinda Area

• AAPI Parent Affinity Space Tuesday, Nov 1 at 7pm in the Campo Library. Open to all Asian, South Asian, South/Asian American identifying parents/guardians/caretakers of teenagers in AUHSD or related middle schools. RSVP requested. Please email to have the flyer sent to you.
• Latinx/Indigenous People’s Festival Wednesday, Nov 9 from 5:30-7:30pm at Miramonte. This is open to all of AUHSD and you can learn more via their flyer. 

Have something to contribute or a question? Contact us

October is LGBTQ History Month, an annual, month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer history. The month, meant to highlight and celebrate the history and achievements of LGBTQ people, was founded in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a social studies teacher in Missouri who wanted to address the failure of textbooks to address LGBTQ issues. October was chosen because it built on existing traditions such as National Coming Out Day (Oct 11) and the anniversaries of the first two LGBTQ marches in Washington in 1979 and 1987. Each year, a growing number of educators find ways to bring LGBTQ history into their curricula, opening up a dialogue that will hopefully lead to a deeper exploration of LGBTQ themes throughout the school year. If you are interested in learning more, here are resources that you might find useful:

• Timeline of events @ Glsen
• San Francisco LGBTQ history museum

Watch It: Our captivating zoom with Doris Anahi Munoz is available to watch here. Students will likely find her grind – from being a busy student leader taking APs, to double majoring, to forging a career through sheer determination – relatable, eye opening and inspiring. Doris concluded by telling students to say yes to themselves and their dreams, and the path will unfold.

Upcoming Events:

• AAPI Parent Affinity Group: Tuesday, Nov 1 at 7pm in Campo Library. Please RSVP
• Latinx/Indigenous People’s Festival: Wednesday, Nov 9, 5:30-7:30pm, Miramonte. Flyer here 

Have something to contribute or a question? Contact us

Proud to welcome our Latine Heritage Month Speaker! Singer, record executive & advocate Doris Anahi Munoz will join us in conversation on Wednesday, Oct 12 at 6:30. She is a powerful voice, writing her own story and lifting young people on their own journeys. Disney will be releasing her documentary, Mija, soon.
 
According to the New York Times, a music career is a risky bet. Our guest speaker, Doris Anahi Munoz, didn’t let that intimidate her. Leveraging her experience at Sony Music and Columbia Records, at 23 years old Munoz started her own management company with the distinct purpose of creating opportunities for emerging Latinx indie artists. In her personal life, Munoz, a first-generation Angelina, felt the weight of securing a life for her own family in the US. In response, Munoz formed an advocacy group that amplifies the voice of immigrant communities through the power of music, solidarity and the arts. 
 
Join us for this special evening when Doris will tell us in her own words about the pressures of success, how she ended up pursuing her own singing career and why she stays committed to diversifying the music industry and offering arts mentorship for BIPOC youth.  Sign up here. Event open to students, parents, teachers, staff and wider Acalanes community.
 
Read more about Doris in Rolling Stone and listen to her music. Have something to contribute or a question? Contact us. Co-sponsored by Acalanes Student Government and Acalanes Parents Club.