Healing in Community : Racial Affinity Groups as an Institutional Strategy for Self and Collective Care
This presentation examines the transformative potential of racial affinity groups as an institutional strategy for fostering self-care and collective well-being of minoritized peoples with particular contextual emphasis on K-16 institutions ( Kohli , 2019 ; Pour-Khorshid , 2018 ). Through case studies and practical insights raised by the Philadelphia Affinity Network ( https :// teachplus . org / regional _ programs / philadelphia-affinity-group-network-facilitators /), an interconnected web of affinity spaces led by Teach Plus for educators of color , we delve into the power of co-constructing safer spaces that allow minoritized persons to explore their identities , share experiences , and navigate racial and intersectional dynamics . Participants will leave the session with tools and resources to strengthen the implementation of racial affinity groups within their institutional settings .
Objectives :
1 . Develop a nine-month scope and sequence and concrete strategies for establishing and sustaining racial affinity groups within their institutions .
2 . Examine shared leadership and elements of adult learning theory as frameworks to nurture an environment where affinity group facilitators and members feel both supported and inspired to co-construct safe ( er ) spaces .
Intended Audience : higher education faculty , administrators , and support staff ; PK-12 administrators Emphasis : Institutional strategies for creating belonging Note : This session will not be recorded , so join live if you want to see it . Presenter :
Dr . Andrea Terrero Gabbadon is an educator , leadership coach , and scholar-practitioner . Dr . Gabbadon ’ s work and research explore the intersection of culturally affirming leadership , school working conditions and racial climate , and educator diversity . Previously , Dr . Gabbadon served as a high school teacher , teacher leader , and assistant principal / director of curriculum and instruction in traditional public and charter schools . Dr . Gabbadon has also served as a visiting professor and instructor of undergraduate and graduate education at numerous institutions of higher education , including Temple University and Swarthmore College . Dr . Gabbadon ’ s scholarship has been published in leading academic journals such as Urban Education and The Urban Review . She is also the author of “ Support and Retain Educators of Color : 6 Principles for Culturally Affirming Leadership ” in publication with the Association for Supervision , and Curriculum Development ( ASCD ).
Applying the Social Justice Standards : A Teaching Tool for Any Changemaker
Both in and outside classrooms , what even is “ social justice ”? Even when fueled by passion and curiosity , integrating justice across teams and spaces can feel overwhelmingly complex . So how do we anchor our approaches — in and beyond traditional and non-traditional educational spaces — using proven , overarching frameworks ? To explore answers to this essential question , join us for this dialogic , collaborative , and sandbox workshop around the Social Justice Standards .