PoCC, SDLC Conferences Encourage Students, Faculty to 'Listen to Learn'
Each December, representatives from Independent Schools throughout the country come together to discuss issues of diversity and inclusivity in both the real world and their respective communities at the National Association of Independent School’s annual Student Diversity Leadership Conference and People of Color Conference. This year, the largest ever contingent of Rivers students and faculty made the trip to Tampa, Florida to take part in these important conversations.
The annual People of Color Conference (PoCC) gives educators the opportunity to “leverage the unparalleled opportunity for educational excellence that racial, ethnic, and cultural differences present in our schools and our communities.” This year's theme was "Learning to Listen and Listening to Learn: The Art of Dialogue and the Science of Living Justly."
Participation in the conferences was made possible thanks to funds raised through the Fund-a-Need portion of the 2014 Parents' League Auction, which raised over $78,000 for diversity initiatives and professional development, and the Gainie Fund, which offers similar support to students.
Faculty members Matt Akers, Jen Dalton, Leslie Fraser, Nicole Guynn, Katie Henderson, Ari Kaplan, Chris Love, Feryal Sacristan, and Andrea Villagran joined Director of Diversity & Inclusivity John Bower at the People of Color Conference where Mr. Bower and Ms. Dalton led a workshop for fellow educators.
“As a white ally, I attended the People of Color Conference because I wanted to listen more deeply to the voices of those who don't always feel like they have a full voice in the independent school environment,” Ms. Henderson said. “I also wanted to recommit myself to the work of equity and social justice because I believe it should be at the heart of everything we do as an institution.”
“Educators often talk about the importance of having difficult conversations. PoCC is three days of those conversations,” Mr. Akers said. “I've always considered myself multiracial, but I've never really had a formal space to talk about what that means or how it informs the other aspects of my identity. Spending time in conference workshops, with my racial affinity group, and honestly just around my colleagues was an invaluable experience.”
The People of Color Conference runs parallel to the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC), which aims to provide students with an opportunity to engage in a curriculum that will deepen their own cultural perspective. This arms them with knowledge and a strong network of peers they can bring back to their own schools to develop as leaders.
The four students who attended the conference this year were Gabriela Romero ’16, Isabel Sharpe ’16, Josh Polanco Calderon ’17, and Jianna Voghel ’17.
“This conference was a once in a lifetime experience that allowed students who attend independent schools all over the United States to connect,” Gaby said. “We discussed issues related to race, gender, and injustices we see. Although everyone went in as strangers, everyone came out feeling like part of a family. I am so fortunate to have had this experience and recommend it to all students.”
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