Dear Morningside Center friends,

Below, we offer a new lesson on the fight for voting rights, collected lessons on change and loss, and ideas for teaching "respect for all." And of course, some good stuff to read.

Also, see below for information on a great opportunity for NYC middle school after-school programs. Please spread the word.

Sign up by February 14 for this rare opportunity for staff of New York City after-school programs to receive free in-depth training and on-site coaching in social and emotional learning and equity. Seats are available for both DYCD and non-DYCD programs.

In this experiential workshop-style training, participants will dive deep into SEL competencies, racial equity, and cultural awareness. They'll learn about restorative practices and how circles can be used to center youth participants and their holistic development. Each session is 3 hours long and will span across several days. Find out more and register here!

Legislators in 19 states have passed laws that weaken a pillar of democracy: the right to vote. Students examine this legislation and efforts by grassroots groups - including young people - to protect and extend voting rights.

Collected lessons on appreciating each other, promoting respect, and stopping oppressive behavior to help you honor Respect for All Week, which NYC public schools will be celebrating from Monday, February 14 to Friday, February 18, 2022.

"What if everyone on earth jumped at once? Why do we sleep? Could there be life on Mars? Most of us can remember the joy of chewing on a good question as a child and the thrill of pursuing a passion project."

By Jill Harrison Berg at ASCD

"The map you see here depicts the depth and breadth of these ongoing efforts to both restrict and expand how a core aspect of American life is taught in our classrooms. So far, at least 36 states have adopted or introduced laws or policies that restrict teaching about race and racism."

By Catheryn Stout and Whomas Wilburn at Chalkbeat

Student Workshop: The Civil Rights Movement in NYC. The Museum of the City of New York offers a free, interactive workshop for grades 4-12 exploring NYC’s role as a hub for protests during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1940s-1960s. Students explore the stories of Bayard Rustin, Ella Baker, Reverend Milton Galamison, and others, and learn how the Civil Rights Movement showcased a multitude of ideological traditions in Black activism, and how these traditions are impacting today's movements.