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With all of the convos about schools re-opening, issues of equity + online learning, etc., I can’t help but notice what’s glaringly missing from the convo: the important work of community-based youth orgs + other spaces of learning outside of school. 1
“Informal” spaces of learning, including, Community youth orgs, libraries, museums, etc. are exemplars at enacting forms of community care, justice, + radical care of young people. 2
Let me back up + say that, my primary concern is keeping folks healthy + alive. In most cases, I don’t believe it’s safe to reopen schools. But what strikes me about the discourse right now is that it’s mostly school centric. 3
Community-based orgs serving youth have always provided academic, social, cultural, emotional, political, etc. support. They’ve been doing so DURING the pandemic, virtually and in person - safely. 4
We need 2 rethink what we consider as “education.” This is a perfect moment for us to reimagine the “boundaries” of school, include community spaces to help with access to space (ex. Open access to free WiFi and computers in libraries + comm centers), AND acknowledge the
powerful work of community based leaders, youth workers + cultural workers who have been educating, mentoring, + nurturing young people since forever. They need to be thought partners as we think about what fall will look like. 6
To school leaders: if you don’t already, (and I hope you do) you should know where your students go after school. Are they in community programs, rec centers, faith based orgs, etc? How can those spaces support your efforts for e-learning, hybrid, or in person learning? 7
This health pandemic, coupled w/ others (hello systemic racism and anti-blackness), is terrifying. As I continue to have loved ones lose fam and as friends get diagnosed, i’m reminded of the pain of uncertainty + loss. 8
We have to cultivate space + opportunities for kids to experience joy, imagination, healing, etc. in the midst of all of this uncertainty. Schools can’t do this alone and they never have! 9
Schools, in fact, often cause harm and have a lot to learn from community spaces. This really isn’t the time for us to go back to what we’ve always done. 10
Also, let me say that I know there are school communities that understand this + are doing this. I hope they can share their knowledge, strategies, etc.
