University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Post

Building Worthington’s Future means building stronger communities, building stronger dialogue, and building more education around the community. Enhancing civic involvement and education is one way to build Worthington’s future. Although BWF doesn’t necessarily support the entirety of the views expressed in this article, it is worth sharing to speak to the importance of civic involvement and engagement in our community. Let us know what you think in the comments below!  https://lnkd.in/g5RrZXEX #buildingworthingtonsfuture #GrowWithBWF 

‼️ 1 MILLION POUNDS SAVED ‼️ Invest in Our Free School Uniform Service: Breaking Barriers to Education At our free school uniform service, we're not just providing clothes; we're opening doors to education for thousands of children. In the past 15 months alone, we've empowered 6537 individual children with the essential tool for academic success: a proper school uniform. Consider this: the average cost of school uniform per child, based on standard supermarket prices, hovers around £173. And that's just the basics, excluding any additional branded items like blazers or secondary PE kits. When you do the math, our service has saved families an astounding £1,130,901, a testament to the significant financial relief we offer to households in need. Investing in our service means investing in the future of these children and our society as a whole. Here's why: 1. Breaking Down Barriers to Education: School uniform isn't just about aesthetics; it's about equality. For many families, the financial burden of purchasing school attire can be insurmountable. By providing free uniforms, we're ensuring that every child has the same opportunity to excel academically, regardless of their economic background. 2. Environmental Impact: Let's talk sustainability. Uniform recycling reduces textile waste, lessening the strain on our environment. By redistributing gently used uniforms, we're promoting eco-conscious practices and teaching children the value of resourcefulness and thriftiness. 3. Fostering Confidence and Belonging: Uniforms instill a sense of belonging and pride in students. When children feel comfortable and confident in their attire, they're better equipped to focus on their studies and participate in school activities. Our mission is clear: to level the playing field and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive academically, regardless of financial constraints. But we can't do it alone. We need your investment to continue this vital work and make an even greater impact in the lives of children and families in our community. Join us in creating a brighter future for our youth. Together, we can make a difference.

This month's Philanthropy Matters blog post features the Western Area Career & Technology Center. To learn about the plethora of options WACTC offers beyond the familiar choices available at most colleges and universities, click below!

**Community-led partnership success** The recent collaboration between Leatherhead Trinity School, Howard Of Effingham School, and Age Concern Mole Valley exemplifies a commendable community-led partnership, showcasing the positive impact that can arise when educational institutions and community organizations join forces. Both Leatherhead Trinity School and Howard Of Effingham School expressed a genuine interest in engaging their students in local community projects, providing them with opportunities to grasp wider societal concerns. This collaborative effort reflects a shared commitment to fostering a sense of social responsibility and community engagement among the student body. The decision to channel this collaborative spirit with the help of Sonia Hubbard with Age Concern Mole Valley's yearly Christmas initiative is both thoughtful and impactful. By contributing to the preparation of Christmas packs for residents in Leatherhead, particularly those who are socially isolated, the partnership addresses a pressing societal concern while bringing joy and festive cheer to those in need. Lizzie Nix's statement from Howard Of Effingham School encapsulates the heartwarming essence of this initiative. Her acknowledgment that "the students have really enjoyed it" not only reflects the positive experience of the participating students but also underscores the importance of incorporating community-focused activities into the educational experience. The hope to bring joy to those who receive the Christmas cards further highlights the empathy and compassion instilled in the students through their involvement in this community-led project. This partnership serves as an inspiring model for other educational institutions and community organizations looking to bridge the gap between academia and community service. It demonstrates that collaboration between schools and community groups can create meaningful, purposeful projects that benefit both students and the wider community. Ultimately, initiatives like these contribute not only to academic growth but also to the development of socially conscious and compassionate individuals within the community. #councilworker #communitypower #partnerships #localauthority #localgovernment Surrey County Council

February's Footprints: Transforming Schools, Inspiring Futures. ✨📚 Every cafeteria turned community space, every speech, and consultation, has been a step towards brighter educational journeys. Let's keep making waves! . #ImpactInEducation #BrightFuturesAhead #KernHalls #HallsLegacy #IngeniousCulinaryConcepts

11 Days of 11 Most: Roosevelt High School, Gary, Indiana Constructed in 1930, Theodore Roosevelt High School in Gary is one of only three high schools in Indiana built specifically to serve the educational needs of Black Americans in the Jim Crow era. It was designed by noted architect William B. Ittner and constructed in response to advocacy by Gary’s Black community following large scale protests by white students when the school corporation attempted to racially integrate an existing high school. In its years of operation, Roosevelt has many notable alumni including Olympic boxer Charles Adkins, CBS reporter Emery King, NFL player Gerald Irons, actor Avery Brooks, and members of The Jackson 5. Despite Roosevelt High School’s continued cultural importance to the Black community in Gary, declining enrollment and deferred maintenance led to its closing as a school in 2019 when the heating system failed causing water pipes to burst. This architecturally significant building that once was a center of community life is now sitting unoccupied and vulnerable to crime, vandalism, and arson, which has impacted other vacant structures across Gary, including other historic schools. A coalition including the Gary East Side Community Development Corporation, National Gary Theodore Roosevelt Alumni Association, Indiana Landmarks, and other key partners are exploring feasible reuse strategies for the complex now that it will no longer be used as a school. Repair costs are estimated to be at least $20 million, but with the right resources and investment, supporters hope to preserve Roosevelt High School’s legacy and with it, contribute to the ongoing revitalization of the City of Gary. Pictured: Theodore Roosevelt High School auditorium 2021. Photo courtesy Indiana Landmarks

“Critics of conversation-based bridging programs worry that selection bias is at work: Only people already concerned about divides may opt to participate. Some efforts aim to get around this: In Unify America’s college programming, for example, professors make participation mandatory in their classes." Thanks to The Chronicle of Philanthropy for diving into the art of bridging divides and the full picture of critiques and evidence behind the work. #unifychallenge #bridgebuilding https://hubs.li/Q02t3LXZ0

Tennessee Technological University has reportedly decided to discontinue funding for the Aspires program. This program is essential as it offers support to victims and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence on campus. This decision is particularly concerning given the history of sexual assault & domestic violence in #Cookeville and the presence of individuals in authority who have abused their positions. The need for such programs is underscored by the fact that a significant portion of sexual assaults and domestic violence incidents go unreported. The FASTER we can get them to report and into recovery is the faster they heal and heal more completely. That’s why we ALL say if we save just one other person, telling our stories is worth it. I am deeply disappointed in my Alma Mater for this decision. Safety and support for students should be a priority, and it seems like other universities, like the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, are doing a better job in this respect. Based on advice from past professors, I would recommend donating directly to specific departments at Tennessee Tech University, such as the Tennessee Tech University - College of Business or the Aspires Advocate, rather than to the general foundation aka the #BlackHole. #givingseason #SaveTechAspires #WhiteRibbon #16daysofactivism #sexualassaultawareness #domesticviolenceawareness

Did you grow up surrounded by nature? Did you learn about your outdoor environment in school? I grew up learning about different subjects in school but my exposure to the outdoors when I was young was recess. I wouldn’t know or appreciate my outdoor environment until I became an adult, so I was so excited when I found out about Upper Manhattan Forest Kids, founded by Sarita Covington. Sarita was born and raised in Harlem, growing up during the 80’s & 90’s when it was filled with art, music, and activism stemming from the DIY movements throughout her community.  Surrounded by family and friends who were involved in the do-it-yourself culture, it was not surprising that Sarita would be involved in community-focused projects, in art and entrepreneurship. Sarita founded Upper Manhattan Forest Kids, based on the Danish model of learning. Per Sarita, “Seven years ago, Upper Manhattan Forest Kids was created to lead outdoor classes to young children based on the Danish approach to the Forest school. For folks who don’t know what Forest School is, in Denmark they have these schools, and it’s 10% of the school system, that take place outdoors in all kinds of weather, often in a nearby forest. These schools will take place in the rain, in the snow, you can imagine how cold it gets in Denmark, learning in and with nature through all of it.” Sarita was so inspired by the Danish approach to the Forest school that she decided to bring this model of school to NYC. Sarita explains “The work is really grounded in a cultural impetus to make those relationships with nature a part of your everyday learning especially at an early age, so that you’re able to become more of who you are and really, I think it inspires a sense of belonging, and that is all of my work in anti-racism. So we brought it to the city, and I’ve been doing that in city parks for the past 7 years”. Her goal for Upper Manhattan Forest Kids? Per Sarita, “One thing that I would really love to see happen is to have cities all over the United States, and on the Western hemisphere, utilize an outdoor approach to their education, in every aspect of their day, more than 20-30 minutes of recess, to really interweave outdoors and the practical connection with the planet to everything that you’re doing, making things very local and making things very much in tandem with the place that you’re in, placed-based learning”. Would you like to know more about Sarita Covington and Upper Manhattan Forest Kids and how this model of learning could enhance the way children learn?  Click below for more information. What do you think of Upper Manhattan Forest Kids? Do you know of families who might want to know more about this type of learning? I would be interested in having a conversation about your thoughts on this. I encourage you to leave your thoughts on this in the comment section.

As the summer winds down and the excitement of a new school year begins to build, parents, students, and teachers alike are gearing up for the back-to-school season. From school supplies and clothing to dorm essentials and study materials, the list of necessities can seem endless. However, there’s a way to approach this annual ritual that is not only budget-friendly but also sustainable and beneficial to the community. This year, consider making Goodwill of Silicon Valley your go-to destination for back-to-school shopping. Let’s explore how Goodwill can help you prepare for the school year while making a positive impact on both the environment and our local community.