Diversity
committee
Zilker is "a great place for kids"
-all kids.
ACTIVISM &
CONTINUED LEARNING
Be an agent of change.
Path to Racial Equity videos
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All video recordings can be found here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE4ezrXJCEOQbM-lOtaE6OXleW_esMSW5
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(1/14) Education and Understanding, Featuring Glenn E. Singleton, Founder and President of Courageous Conversation
(1/21) How Did We Get Here? Featuring Dr. Peniel Joseph, Professor of Public Affairs and Founder of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy, LBJ School of Public Affairs, The University of Texas at Austin
(1/28) Organizational Diversification, Inclusion & Advancement, Featuring Kelli Mason, Partner at Notley Tide
(2/4) Economic Justice, Featuring Tam Hawkins, President & CEO of the Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce
(2/11) A View From the Next Generation, Featuring Dawn Burnside, Senior Director of Racial Equity and Social Justice, Creative Action, Natalie Goodnow, School-based Program Director, Creative Action and young people from Creative Action Teen programs
(2/18) Political Influence and Involvement, Featuring Chas Moore, Founder of the Austin Justice Coalition
The Path to Racial Equity Virtual Conversations
Thursdays at 5:30pm, January 14- February 18
How can we all make a difference? The Path to Racial Equity, a series of six free virtual programs beginning on Thursday, January 14th at 5:30pm, will draw on experts who will examine the issues surrounding racial inequity in Austin and offer simple, practical steps each of us can take to be part of the solution.
This web series is FREE. Register here: http://www.lbjlibrary.org/events/the-path-to-racial-equity-practical-steps-toward-a-more-equal-society
Diversity + Equity
Education
A curated selection of videos, podcasts, books, and articles around a particular theme, with a different theme each month.
We aim to share resources for elementary-age children, their families, and teachers so that necessary conversations about diversity and equity can continue
at home.
This month's theme:
Racial Justice (click here)
Previous themes:
Diversity 101 (click here)
How to Have Difficult but Necessary Conversations (click here)
Gender Diversity & LGBTQIA+ Families (click here)
How to Advocate at the
Texas Legislature, 2021 (video)
by Texas Freedom Network
Mission
The mission of the Diversity Committee is to celebrate Zilker Elementary’s diversity, facilitate inclusion, and advocate for equity.
Diversity may refer to many different things, including racial diversity, gender diversity, neurodiversity, language diversity, socioeconomic diversity, and diversity of family structures.
As part of the PTA, the Diversity Committee will work towards this mission both on its own and by partnering with other special programs, including No Place
for Hate, the Special Education Parent Group, the Dyslexia Parent
Group, and the Spanish Committee.
What we do
The Diversity Committee strives for
inclusion and equity
through action.
1.
Learning opportunities:
guest speakers, recommended reading lists, and
educational displays.
2.
Community support opportunities:
family social gatherings,
links to online resources and support groups.
3.
Celebration opportunities:
organized gatherings for special events such as the Zilker March for Peace, AISD Pride Kickoff, and the Martin Luther King Jr. March and Celebration.
4.
Ongoing communication with Zilker and AISD administration
about issues and policies that impact diversity and inclusion.
Why inclusion is important
-
Supports Zilker’s mission “to develop children into lifelong learners.” When children recognize that they are welcome, they are more likely to thrive.
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Enriches our school culture and strengthens our community.
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Helps students develop important life skills, such as recognizing and appreciating differences, cultivating a growth mindset by being open to unfamiliar ideas, and advocating for themselves and others.
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Exemplifies Zilker’s values of diversity and inclusion.
"It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and
there is strength.
-Maya Angelou
CONTACT
us
Administration Representative
and Counselor
Elizabeth Vreeland
elizabeth.vreeland@austinisd.org
Parent Representative
zilkerdiversity@gmail.com
Faculty Representative
Aimee Morales
aimee.m.morales@austinisd.org
Events
We may have Zoom fatigue, but we are excited about the multitude of free and donation-supported virtual events. Register for an online panel about issues impacting inclusion, or check out a virtual exhibit or other event that celebrates diversity.
Not all events will be appropriate for young children. Please use your discretion.
If you would like to recommend an online event, please email Karen at zilkerdiversity@gmail.com.
ADDITIONAL
READING & RESOURCES
Additional resources
Click here for links to AISD policies and resources as well as community resources, support groups, and informative videos.
Click here to read AISD's Cultural Proficiency & Inclusiveness (CPI) monthly newsletter and sign up to receive monthly emails. This is an outstanding resource!