Social Justice Action Statement
Our hearts are heavy for our country. We, the board members of the Virginia Montessori Association (VMA), are outraged over the recent brutal acts that have taken the lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Rayshard Brooks and countless others. We can no longer ignore the injustices, inequalities and racism that impacts so many of our fellow Americans in such profound ways.
Collectively, the VMA denounces racism and acknowledges that Black Lives Matter. Our organization stands in solidarity with the Black community in their fight for justice, equity, and liberation.
As Montessorians in Virginia, we must find the humility and courage required to critically examine ourselves. Maria Montessori emphasized the importance of the prepared adult, the reflection and knowledge required on one’s self first in order to serve as guides for children, we must start there.
We are dedicated to taking action by applying an anti-bias/anti-racist (ABAR) lens as we review, revise, develop, implement, and sustain organizational policies and practices. We will do the same as we offer guidance to individual members, member schools, and all those with whom we collaborate. Our commitment to address the social disease of racism will be evident through our monitoring and measurement of objective goals as outlined in our ABAR action plan.
Organizational Goals Related to ABAR Practices and Principles
Adopted 8/9/20
Collectively, the VMA denounces racism and acknowledges that Black Lives Matter. Our organization stands in solidarity with the Black community in their fight for justice, equity, and liberation.
As Montessorians in Virginia, we must find the humility and courage required to critically examine ourselves. Maria Montessori emphasized the importance of the prepared adult, the reflection and knowledge required on one’s self first in order to serve as guides for children, we must start there.
We are dedicated to taking action by applying an anti-bias/anti-racist (ABAR) lens as we review, revise, develop, implement, and sustain organizational policies and practices. We will do the same as we offer guidance to individual members, member schools, and all those with whom we collaborate. Our commitment to address the social disease of racism will be evident through our monitoring and measurement of objective goals as outlined in our ABAR action plan.
Organizational Goals Related to ABAR Practices and Principles
- Strive to Integrate the knowledge gained from our self-preparation into our current and future work as teachers, administrators, student and family advocates, and social justice activists. ABAR integration into VMA practices is based on the understanding that success begins with the preparation of individual members. This preparation will then impact the preparation of the organization, school and classroom environments, and the relationships with children, families and the larger community.
- Extend greater opportunities for Black and other members of color of VMA and its membership to lend their voices to vital organizational work via presence on the VMA Board of Directors, committee leadership, conference planning and presentations, and community outreach endeavors.
- Facilitate professional development and share resources that will guide our membership to keep ABAR principles as a running theme through individual and organizational work.
- Continue to create and solidify channels and relationships for social justice advocacy regarding education policy at the state and national levels.
Adopted 8/9/20