Children and youth deserve a caring community that empowers them to achieve their goals in the classroom and beyond. In order to do so, racism and other inequalities in our educational system and society must be acknowledged and addressed. The Communities In Schools of Washington network exists to build on student strengths and overcome systemic barriers through advocacy, partnerships and individualized social-emotional supports.
Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the Washington CIS Network
One of the main tenets of the mission and vision of Communities In Schools of Whatcom-Skagit is to empower students to succeed in school and in life, despite immediate and systemic barriers. To that end, our team is committed to strengthen community building alliances and restorative practices that result in bridges of understanding, respect, racial equity, and inclusion for all, so that all children live in a country where they are celebrated for their diversity and treated fairly, not as a privilege, but as a right.
Statement from CIS of Whatcom-Skagit Executive Director Ario E. Salazar
OUR HOPE
Our hope at CIS of Whatcom-Skagit is that as a community we undeniably affirm that the legitimate issues of racism and police brutality, addressed by Black Lives Matter and other anti-racist/anti-discriminatory initiatives in our region, are Human Rights issues that require a democratic and compassionate community response, a courageous commitment to step out of ourselves to empathize with the suffering of others, and the resolve to lift everyone up by working towards ending racism and discrimination everywhere in the U.S.
Read our Statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion here:
Resources
For Parents and Families
- So You Want To Talk About Race (Book) By Ijeoma Olou
- Talking About Race: A Resource from the National Museum of African American History and Culture
- How to Be an AntiRacist (Book) by Ibram X. Kendi
For Youth and Children
- Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners – outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values
- Readings to Embrace Race, Provide Solace & Do Good
For Educators
- So You Want To Talk About Race (Book) By Ijeoma Olou
- Addressing Race and Trauma in the Classroom: A Resource For Educators
- How to be an Antiracist Educator (Article) by Dena Simmons
- At Least 10 things Educators can do to End the Prison Industrial Complex (Article)
- Why We Can’t Afford Whitewashed Social-Emotional Learning (Article) by Dena Simmons
- Talking About Race: A Resource from the National Museum of African American History and Culture
- All Students Must Thrive: Transforming Schools to Combat Toxic Stressors and Cultivate Critical Wellness (Book) by Tyrone C. Howard, et al
- Safe and Civil Schools: A Discussion About Race and Education (Recorded Webinar)
