"Cómo NO ser racista": una conversación en curso para niños de 12 a 14 años

~Now leading ongoing conversations for 10 & 11 year olds, 12,13 & 14 year olds and for 14, 15 & 16 year olds.~

Ever pledge allegiance? Ever ponder the part where we say "one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all"?

The irony of a nation built on the ideals of equality and self determination and race-based exploitation, terrorism and class distrust is not lost on young people. If fact, I have found that they have so many questions as they are deciding how to feel about racist systems and practices.  

Today's youth are tomorrow's leaders and I think they are preparing to lead us into an amazing future. But...racism.  We cannot move forward unless and until we deal with it. And to deal with it, we need to understand it. One way to do this is to ensure that our children do not become racist. That, we can do. With conversations that are informed by the questions and topics that are on the minds and in the hearts of young learners. 

Now- let's talk it though so we can change the world- are you with me?

>>Please see clarifying point attached to the end.<<

Conversations that are safe, productive, well-informed and respectful are a key part of this process and the classroom is the perfect place for such dialog. With that in mind, I have created a weekly meeting to provide the time and space to better understand and talk about racism in America and how racist ideas are hidden in our American institutions and planted in our minds. 

As an ongoing class, every class stands alone.  Generally, conversations will stem from with a Topic of the Week and Q&A (as I find that young learners have endless questions on these topics). Topics will range from history and current events, laws and policies, culture and practices. Specific topics are chosen by the learners or teacher and generally posted in class 24 hours before the session.

Learners are REQUIRED to attend with their camera open and to come prepared to have participate in an active discussion. 

This class is ideal for learners who have taken one of my other classes on the topic as well as those who have not!

What will we cover? 
This class is ideal for learners who want to be able to provide input on topics. Their questions and interests dictate our topics and learners should expect the following:

First Week of the Month: Topics in History- We discuss the ways that events of the past impact policies of today.

Second Week of the Month: Terms- Every wonder why we say things the way we do or the best way to explain something? Since language is key to discussing complex topics, we  learn words, phrases and expressions to help with this. 

Third Week of the Month: Hot Topics- Conversations focus on events in the news or topics that are tending in academic circles. All opinions are considered.

Fourth Week of the Month: Policies and Customs- Let's Fix It! Racism lives in our laws, rules, processes and culture. We look at these and and discuss how to fix it. 

Fifth Week of the Month- Bonus Week! We will play "Racist Much?" -- a game created by Outschool Learners to encourage open conversations with the goal of identifying racism in the world around us. 

>>Clarifying Points<<

Outschool wants to ensure that everyone is clear on the nature of this class. To that end, please note the following:

1. The focus of this class is racism created by some white people and it's effect of Black people. Although racism is a power dynamic that knows no  color or race, Outschool wants to be certain that you are clear on this point. I encourage you to reach out to me with any questions you may have on this point.

2. Please be aware that this class will focus on the racism that stemmed from slavery in the colonial America and The United States. Most examples will reflect this history. While policies that target groups based on race impact other groups, this class will focus on White vs. Black racism.

3. Racism is a fact, much like gravity. Learners can expect a warm and affirming environment that welcomes all experiences, perspectives and questions. Learners can also expect  unbiased presentations and materials that share various experiences and points of view. 

3. The United States of America, US, America and The US are all used interchangeably in this class description. Please be aware that the focus of this class will be, in fact, The United States of America as it existed  at the time that we are discussing, or as it exists today, whichever is applicable and appropriate.