The Education Committee harnessed the fresh energy of the New Year to keep up momentum in the causes that are central to the ABC mission.
In the latter half of the Anchorage School District 2021-2022 school year, the Committee is intent on securing the wellbeing of students, teachers, and the wider community by fighting for equitable access to education. This includes continued public comment on recruitment & retainment of teachers of color and transparency in the Anti-Racism & Instructional Equity Policies. Especially with the ever-changing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee is diligent in evaluating public health impacts, inspiring voices in the community to fight for mandated masking and other measures to keep children in a safe learning environment. While the transition into 2022 includes the uninterrupted fight for these goals, the Committee is applying new knowledge and community involvement to provide a multifaceted response to obstacles that may present themselves.
In January, the greater ABC Education Committee worked closely with the BIPOC Student and Parent Voices Subcommittee to establish a workshop series. On January 26th, the Committee hosted the first student gathering of the year. This event featured a speaker, as well as time to pause and instill confidence in youth voices. One event will be held every month with a unique speaker from the Anchorage community or an organization reflecting the same values as the ABC. These events are intentionally crafted with an end goal of developing participants into successful public speakers. The Committee and Subcommittee hope to have students and families participate in public comment at Municipality and Anchorage School District Board meetings. If you know of an inspiring youth who would benefit from this experience, please contact the Education Committee to become involved!
In the same vein of interacting with community organizations, ABC Education Committee members contributed to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. The Committee donated in support of Bean’s Cafe, Brother Francis Shelter and Anchorage Rescue Mission Shelter for homeless men, women, and children. The spirits of the Committee are high-flying, and this momentum will continue forward into the following month of February. For Black History Month, the ABC Education Committee has ongoing and new projects, including the Youth Reading Extravaganza! This event will be occurring every Saturday during the month of February, showcasing the wonderful books that the children will be reading to our community.