This month: 🎃 spooky flicks, plus classroom tips to defend the freedom to learn

Students Need Critical Thinking

In October, librarians, teachers, writers, and readers alike united to observe Banned Books Week. As our colleague Zeynep Kilik notes, we must protest efforts to ban books, to slander critical race theory, and to villainize teachers who discuss LGBTQ history in the classroom. The quality of our students’ education depends on it. 

The alarming rise in calls to ban books is a direct consequence of the narrative advances of conservative cultural attacks on our communities. Read Zeynep’s blog on how we can encourage critical thinking and defend the freedom to learn in schools.

Creative Networks to Know

This year’s inaugural Narrative Innovators Lab built on what we've learned through over a decade of Creative Change Retreats: that arts and culture can unlock game-changing ideas. If you're an activist or advocate looking to build relationships with artists who can help infuse cultural strategies into your campaign, start by connecting with these networks.

📱Social Currant connects influencers and creators with nonprofits to collaborate and reach audiences more effectively. Social Currant is Gen Z and creator-led and empowers young people to make a difference through the power of social media.

🤣 Yes, And... Laughter Lab connects social justice-minded comedians to the entertainment industry, social justice organizations, and activists to bring their work into the comedy marketplace and social movements.

🌼 The Center for Cultural Power activates and mobilizes BIPOC artists to envision a world where cultural, economic, and political power are distributed equally. This women-of-color, artist-led nonprofit organization supports artists with both fellowships and trainings.

🎥 Scope of Work represents early and mid-career BIPOC creators, including photographers, filmmakers, designers, and more. Founded by two women artists and educators of color, SOW lives at the intersection of racial justice and financial equity.

🌟 Pillars Fund amplifies the leadership, narratives, and talents of Muslims in the United States to advance opportunity and justice for all. Their Culture Change work offers fellowships to empower emerging Muslim artists. 

This is just a handful of the over 600 creators and cultural strategists that The Opportunity Agenda has connected with nationwide through our signature trainings and events. Learn more about our cultural strategies programs, fellowships, and research.

Image credits: Kenny Eliason (Unsplash), Annie Del Hierro, Annie Del Hierro, They Cloned Tyrone, The Opportunity Agenda, and Shot by Somi Studios

Support The Opportunity Agenda with a contribution today.