DECEMMBER 2020

Greetings! Last month, the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities celebrated our 85th anniversary. It is powerful to think about how our Commonwealth has evolved since 1935, and how VCIC has been a force for greater inclusion and equity over all of that time. You can learn more about that history by reading our recent op-ed in the News & Advance or watching this special conversation that was convened by our friends at the University of Lynchburg:

Yet there is still so much work to do. Fortunately, more and more partners are investing in VCIC's transformational work. In fact, we were honored to receive the largest donation in our 85-year history last month from Atlantic Union Bank! We look forward significantly deepening our work with schools across Virginia thanks to this remarkable gift. Please join us in thanking Atlantic Union Bank and so many others who are supporting VCIC at this important time.  As always, let us know how we can partner with you. Contact the VCIC State Office by phone at (804) 515-7950 or by emailing us. We look forward to working with you!

VCIC Updates & Announcements

Support VCIC in 2020 As a nonprofit organization, VCIC relies on generous donors to support and sustain our work with schools, businesses, and communities across Virginia. 2020 has seen unprecedented demand for VCIC's programs and services. Please consider a year-end donation. Gifts of all sizes are sincerely appreciated.  Donate online or make your donation by mail today!

Diversity Dialogue Day Thanks to grant funding from Dominion Energy, VCIC will conduct Diversity Dialogue Day forums for high school students virtually in 2020-2021! Contact Paula to volunteer or get your local school involved in the Peninsula Diversity Dialogue Day (taking place January 20 and 21).

RVA Table Talk The summer of 2020 was a period of protest and change in Richmond. Where do things stand six months later? And what do we hope to see in 2021 to bring about true inclusion and equity? Join the discussion on December 16 from 6:00pm - 7:30pm. This program is conducted in partnership with the City of Richmond Human Rights Commission and made possible thanks to Bank of America. Click here to register!

Workplace Inclusion Network Through the Workplace Inclusion Network, VCIC convenes professionals who support or lead diversity and inclusion efforts within their organizations for expert-led professional development sessions. The 2021 series has just been announced. Learn more about WIN and register your organization!

Featured Articles and Curriculum

This month's article and curriculum links focus on Science Curriculum. Please share your ideas and suggestions for future updates! ARTICLES Building Diversity in Science, One Interaction at a Time Engaging English Language Learners in the Science and Engineering Practices The Science and Value of Diversity: Closing the Gaps in Our Understanding of Inclusion and Diversity Social Justice in Science Class Supporting Equity in the Classroom (National Science Teaching Association) Tackling Issues of Diversity and Inclusion in Science, with a Fact-Based Approach Why Science Teachers Should Care About Social Justice CURRICULUM  Analyzing Environmental Justice Exploring Diversity in How We Perceive Science Career Choices From Hidden to Modern Figures: Education Resources Identify your identity in relation to "OUR" HEALTH

Upcoming Contests, Funding, and Programs

CONTESTS (Contests linked to diversity, inclusion, and leadership) eCYBERMISSION (Deadline: January 6) Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge (Deadline: January 22) Bank of America Student Leaders (Deadline: January 29) Junior Science and Humanities Symposia (JSHS) (Deadline: February 26)

FUNDING (Grant opportunities to recognize leadership or support projects and clubs) AIAA Foundation Classroom Grant Program (Deadline: January 15, 2021) Fund for Teachers Summer Fellowship Grants (Deadline: January 21, 2021) The Pollination Project Seed Grants (Rolling Deadline)

PROGRAMS (Initiatives and observances to advance character education and inclusion) Universal Human Rights Month (December) National Disability Day (December 3, 2020) Inclusive Schools Week (December 7 – 11, 2020) Human Rights Day (December 10, 2020)

DONATE NOW Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities www.inclusiveVA.org

VCIC State Office 5511 Staples Mill Road Suite 202 Richmond, VA 23228 Phone: (804) 515-7950

VCIC Hampton Roads Office at Virginia Wesleyan University Allen Village, Graybeal 5 5817 Wesleyan Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23455 Phone: (757) 390-0720

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