Ecosocial Justice Club: A Current Events Discussion Group for Young Historians

The Ecosocial Justice Club: A Current Events Discussion Group for Young Historians creates a space for learners to discuss events that are happening in the world through an ecosocial justice lens and the present's connection to the past. The club is open to learners who have completed or are currently enrolled in Sixth Grade Social Studies (https://outschool.com/classes/6th-grade-social-studies-units-1-4-of-sixth-grade-social-studies-zPcEPd3D?usid=0HS5Mu13&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link), A Young People's History of the United States (https://outschool.com/classes/a-young-peoples-history-of-the-united-states-v0ZVhgCE?usid=0HS5Mu13&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link), Middle School Social Studies: Seventh & Eighth Grade EcoSocial Justice Emphasis (https://outschool.com/classes/middle-school-social-studies-seventh-eighth-grade-ecosocial-justice-emphasis-9EZyflyk?usid=0HS5Mu13&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link) or America Uncensored: High School U.S. History (https://outschool.com/classes/america-uncensored-high-school-us-history-part-1-of-2-Sv3YH0he?usid=0HS5Mu13&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link) and is a space where we can continue many conversations that began in those classes. 

Continuing from the prerequisite social studies and history classes, the club discussions will be led in an ecosocial justice framework. My school makes this statement on the meaning of ecosocial justice: "At the Foster Woods Folk School, we believe that ecosocial justice is a thriving planet that celebrates diversity and makes equity policy. We imagine a world where all people can live in safety and dignity, with fair, sustainable access to resources. We are anti-racists and intersectional feminists, who believe that non-human animals also have the right to safe, healthy lives, freedom, and access to resources fitting for their species. As Lila Watson said, we believe that 'our liberation is bound up' with all people, the planet, and the animals with whom we share our Earth." 

I will begin club meetings with an introduction of the week's topic based on current events. My introduction will also include providing some information about historical context and connections. I will pose some questions to get the discussion started and will then allow the conversation to be student-led. Students will also have an opportunity to introduce current events topics that they would like to discuss following discussion of the topic I introduce.