MARCH 2020

Greetings! At the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities , our team works every day to make sure that every Virginian counts. In the 2020 Census, it will take all of us working together to make sure that every resident of Virginia is counted.     VCIC President & CEO Jonathan Zur has been honored to serve as a member of the Virginia Complete Count Commission . Over the last year, Commissioners have worked diligently to make sure that traditionally hard-to-count populations are reached and counted in the 2020 Census. These groups include People of Color, children, immigrants, older adults, and individuals experiencing homelessness.  Learn more about hard-to-count populations by clicking here .   Because Census data is used to make decisions around funding and representation, these populations that have historically been overlooked, excluded, or discriminated against in our country stand to lose the most by being undercounted. However, all of us will benefit greatly if we make sure that everyone counts. Virginia will have greater access to federal representation, we will have more access to funding through federal programs, and localities will be able to make more accurate and informed decisions.   Invitations to respond to the 2020 Census will be delivered between March 12-20. Once you receive that invitation, you can respond online, by phone, or by mail. Please share this important information with your networks to ensure that every resident of Virginia counts. This update includes details about upcoming VCIC programs, as well as many local and national resources. Please let us know how VCIC can partner with you.   Contact the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities State Office by phone at (804) 515-7950 or by emailing VCIC .  We look forward to working with you!

VCIC Hiring an Outreach Programs Coordinator VCIC seeks an Outreach Programs Coordinator to advance our work of helping schools, businesses, and communities achieve success through inclusion. Resumes will be accepted through March 16, 2020. Click here to learn more .

NEXUS Interfaith Dialogues For 20 years, the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom at Virginia Wesleyan University and VCIC have partnered on the NEXUS Interfaith Dialogue Series. This semester's programs use deliberative dialogue to explore crucial issues in our country. Make plans to attend on March 9 (exploring "How Should We Prevent Mass Shootings in Our Community?") and April 20 (exploring "Coming to America: Whom Should We Welcome, What Should We Do"). Both programs are from 7:00pm - 9:00pm at Virginia Wesleyan University. RSVPs are requested by emailing csrf@vwu.edu .

Language Justice Initiative Language can be a barrier for families in many different spaces, especially in school and community settings. The Language Justice Initiative promotes best practices for creating inclusive multilingual spaces where all languages are valued equally and speakers of different languages benefit from listening to and sharing with one other. VCIC, Sacred Heart Center, and Virginia Anti-Violence Project are convening an Interpreting for Language Justice workshop from March 14-15. Click here to learn more .

RVA Table Talk The 2019-2020 RVA Table Talk series focuses on the theme of "access." On April 2, the Table Talk session will explore "access to health." This program is generously sponsored by Altria Group. Learn more and register to attend this free program .

2020 Connections Institute High schools across Virginia are invited to register teams of students to attend the August 3-7, 2020 Harold M. Marsh, Sr. Connections Institute. Since 1993, this peer leadership experience has prepared student delegates to make decisions based on an appreciation of the vast diversity within Virginia.  Learn more by clicking here.

Featured Articles and Curriculum

This month's article and curriculum links focus on gender. Please share your ideas and suggestions for future updates! ARTICLES 4 Ways to Teach about Gender Equity In your Classroom Gender Equity In the Classroom: Some ideas on how to minimize gender bias in our teaching practice and curriculum Gender Spectrum Resources How our Education System Undermines Gender Equity How to Teach Students about Gender Equality Redefining Manhood: How to Promote Healthy Masculinity Among Boys Rethinking Conventions: Keeping Gender-Diverse Students Safe The Trevor Project: Trans + Gender Identity  CURRICULUM  Classroom Activities on Gender Stereotypes and Equality Lesson Plans to Help Students Understand Gender and to Support Transgender and Non-Binary Children (PK-8) The Mask You Live In (film) Discussion Guide Miss Representation (film) Discussion Guide Pronouns: A Resource for Educators Ready-Set-Respect

Upcoming Contests, Funding, and Programs

CONTESTS (Contests linked to diversity, inclusion, and leadership) Virginia Holocaust Museum Student Visual Arts Competition (Deadline: March 13) Speak Truth to Power Student Video Contest (Deadline: March 23) 2020 Census Statewide Art Contest (Deadline: March 30) American Foreign Service Association Essay Contest (Deadline: April 6) Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes (Deadline: April 15) Hey, U.G.L.Y Video Contest (Deadline: May 31)

FUNDING (Grant opportunities to recognize leadership or support projects and clubs) Digital Wish Grants (Deadline: 15th of every month) Ezra Jack Keats Mini-Grants (Deadline: March 31) McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation's Teacher Development Grants (Deadline: April 15) Adopt a Classroom (Deadline: Ongoing)

PROGRAMS (Initiatives and observances to advance character education and inclusion) R-Word: Spread the Word to End the Word (March 4) International Women's Day (March 8) International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21)

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

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌