Building Community and Creating Change: Collaboratively Engaging Diverse Educational Constituents in Equity-Based Work

• In Event: Learning and Healing Through Trauma: Cases of Restorative Justice Pedagogy Across Pre-K–20 "Pipeline"

Abstract

This study documents collaborative efforts between higher education faculty and staff, PK-12 teachers and students, and community members to engage in equity-based programming to support educators’ and counselors’ to approach their work with diverse students in culturally sustaining ways. Survey and focus group interview results from a two-year series of community-wide events focused on equity, advocacy, and culturally sustaining practices revealed the impact of and need for convening diverse groups to engage in critical conversations around racial, social, cultural, and ability-based (in)justice. Results suggest that engagement in events helped deepen participants’ understandings and develop strategies for educating and counseling in culturally sustaining ways. Participation resulted in a greater sense of community and sparked action within individuals’ sphere of influence.

Authors

• Kathryn Struthers Ahmed, Hunter College

• Jennifer F. Samson, Hunter College - CUNY

• Jody N. Polleck, Hunter College - CUNY

• Lacey Elizabeth Peters, Hunter College - CUNY

• Kristen Hodnett

• Jennifer T. Klein