Are you a Latino/a, Black, Asian/Asian-American, Native American, or multiracial educator committed to building racial justice in our schools, classrooms and society?
One of NYCoRE’s Points of Unity is a commitment to maintaining majority women and people of color in our collective. We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming space for educators of color and addressing the systemic and institutional factors that have contributed to the silencing of people of color and the disappearance of teachers of color in the New York City education system.
As a group we are also in the process of developing ways for educators of color to be a strong and passionate voice for social justice within NYCoRE and the broader struggles in education and society. One of the ways we have begun to do this has been through our monthly “educators of color potlucks”.
We are excited to invite fellow educators of color committed to social justice to our first ever Educators of Color Summer Retreat, Saturday June 30th to Sunday July 2nd, at the World Fellowship Center in New Hampshire!
Below are details regarding the trip as well as preparation for the journey. Please read and, if interested, respond as soon as possible (by May 5th!) to sign-up. Feel free to share it with other educators of color who might want to be a part of this experience.
When: We will aim to leave early in the morning (8 am) Saturday, June 30th to take advantage of the day at the Center. We will have dinner at the Center and lunch on the way. We will depart the Center on Monday, July 2nd at 10 am to arrive in NYC by 5/6 pm.
How: Driving is about 6.5 hours. If you have a car that you are willing to take, please let us know. Otherwise, we will pool $$ to rent cars or a van.
Accommodations: We will be staying in bunks in “rustic cabins” that have a half bath (“a shower house is a stone’s throw from the cabin”). If you wish to have a private room or are with a family, please let me know ASAP so we can make arrangements with the Center.
Kiddos/babies/young people: There are definitely activities for young people of all ages at the Center. If you are interested in bringing your family, take a look at the website (www.worldfellowship.org) and see what is offered. Please email me (Rita) ASAP if you are planning on bring more than just yourself, I can put you in touch with staff at the Center to further discuss.
What We Gotta Do: We will be presenting a 1-2 hr long workshop/presentation on “Understanding the Disappearance of Teachers of Color in Our Schools” for guests/visitors to the World Fellowship Center. This allows us to stay one night free! The last NYCoRE member meeting in June will be a “test run” of our presentation. One or two meetings ahead of time will be necessary to plan.
What We Get to Do: Nature trails, ping pong, canoes, rowboats, library, soccer field, crafts, swimming, bicycles, explore, love, embrace nature!
Cost: We will be staying two nights but only pay for one. 3 meals/day are included! (not including lunch on Saturday or on Monday since we will arrive too late Sat and leave too early Mon). If you stay in rustic group cabins, cost will be about $45/person. Plus shared cost of car rental/gas. NYCoRE is offering $500 for our group, so depending on how many go, part of the cost will be covered!
Who: Anyone who identifies as an educator of color and who is committed to social justice education is welcome to join us. Even if you haven’t been involved in NYCoRE or haven’t been able to make it to the potlucks, we would love to have you! This is an opportunity for us to get to know each other, build community, celebrate the end of the year, share stories and heal. We would love for this to be a multi-generational space that serves to honor and learn from the multiple experiences we have had as educators of color.
If you would like to attend the retreat, please sign-up by MAY 5th at 10 pm. To register, e-mail Rita (rita.kamani@gmail.com) and include the following info:
1) Name
2) Phone #, E-mail, and Address
3) Will you be bringing a partner/spouse/child? How many? (Please include names) If so, what kind of accommodations would you like? (Private room, camping, shared rustic/economy cabins).
4) Do you have a car? Do you have a Drivers License? Are you willing/able to drive part of the way?
5) Can you attend our next potluck on Sunday, May 6th from 2-4 pm?
6) Will you be at the last NYCoRE member meeting on June 15th?
7) Any additional information you think we should know?
Questions? Concerns? More information? E-mail Rita