A Bi-Monthly Update from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation OF NOTE A Bi-Monthly Update from The Nellie Mae Education Foundation Photo by Yan Krukov Creating Safe and Inclusive Schools for All Students The midterm election cycle is a prominent way for the public to exercise their democratic right to vote and push for schools to be places where all students feel safe, respected, and supported and for the truth to be taught in the classroom. This newsletter curates responses that advocate for a more restorative, culturally responsive approach in education, as well as offering resources from Nellie Mae including a recording of our latest Ed Equity Talks event on Democracy and Public Education in Peril and a new, Rapid Response grant opportunity. CENTERING RACIAL EQUITY IN SCHOOLS AT THE BALLOT BOX Delia Arellano-Weddleton, Director of Partnerships and Engagement at Nellie Mae writes, "As we get closer to this year's midterm elections...I'm reminded that 2020 changed many people, individually and collectively. The COVID-19 pandemic and the recognition that anti-Blackness runs deep in the United States have likely influenced the lenses through which many see the world." Read More PREVENTING AND REPAIRING HARM RAPID RESPONSE RFP Our newest Rapid Response Request for Proposals, "Preventing and Repairing Harm: Healing Learning Communities Through Restorative Justice" is now accepting applications. Organizations can apply for up to $25,000 of funding for a short-term, youth-focused restorative justice project. Read the full RFP to learn more. Read the RFP "THIS MONEY DOES NOT BELONG TO US" Nellie Mae interim President and CEO Dr. Gislaine N. Ngounou joined Youth Catalytics' "Insights From The Field" podcast to talk about challenges in philanthropy over the pandemic, the importance of youth voice, and more. Listen Here LISTENING TO LATINX VOICES IN EDUCATION This September and October, we celebrated Latinx Heritage Month; and even though October 15 marked the end of this celebration, we know it's important that we celebrate and uplift Latinx voices all year. Check out this report from our grantee Latinos for Education about the importance of listening to Latinx parents and educators, with a specific focus on student assessments and school accountability. Read Now COMING TOGETHER TO SUPPORT LGBTQ+ YOUTH Nellie Mae grantee Outright Vermont calls on all of us to stand up for LGBTQ+ youth, and especially trans youth, in the wake of an onslaught of hate. In this statement, they remind us of the importance of being a visible and vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ youth, and that we must work to make our schools safe, supportive, and inclusive for all of our young people. Read the Statement "Soft Censorship" Limits Students' Learning on Race, Gender, and More While not as extreme as outright bans, "soft ban" practices such as separating books with "sensitive" subjects and requiring permission slips to read certain books limit students' access to learning. Read More In This Issue Watch the Latest Ed Equity Talks Event Did you miss our latest #EdEquityTalks event? Check out the recording, today! Student Outcomes Suffer from Increased Security Calls to boost school security through surveillance measures such as metal detectors can have a harmful effect on all students' learning, especially those targeted by disciplinary measures.  Read More-> School Counselors Needed to Meet Students' Needs Nellie Mae grantee WBUR reports on a recent panel from the MA School Counselors Associations, which spoke to the need for more funding for counselors to address students' mental health.  Read More-> Indigenous Studies Law Needs Enforcement in Maine In 2001, Maine signed a law requiring schools to teach Wabanaki studies, to help address ignorance about Indigenous peoples, offering a chance for students to learn a fuller, more accurate version of history. However, without implementation or enforcement, many students are not receiving the education promised over twenty years ago. Read More-> Indigenous Heritage in the Classroom Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month offers an opportunity for Indigenous students to see themselves represented in the curriculum, and for non-Indigenous students to learn more about the history and present state of their country. This list of resources for teachers is a good place to start.  Read the list-> Nellie Mae Staff Announcements and Job Opportunity The Nellie Mae Education Foundation is excited to welcome new staff members and announce the promotion of a long-term member.  Learn More-> The Nellie Mae Education Foundation seeks a visionary, strategic, and transformational leader as its next President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Apply Today-> About Us Grants Resources Contact Us 1250 Hancock Street Suite 701N Quincy MA 02169 (781) 348-4200 ‌ ‌ ‌ Nellie Mae Education Foundation | 1250 Hancock St., Suite 701N, Quincy, MA 02169 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!