Resources, funding, and events to advance inclusive and equitable school communities
JANUARY 2022
Greetings!
Happy New Year! The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities begins 2022 with great momentum and a deep focus on inclusive impact in schools, businesses, and communities across the Commonwealth.
The last twelve months were some of the busiest and most challenging in VCIC's history. As we continued to navigate the effects of a global pandemic, a sharply divided political landscape, economic uncertainty, and more, the VCIC staff team remained focused on our core mission. Together, we facilitated a record 1,115 programs for over 25,000 Virginians in 2021!
Additionally, VCIC welcomed a record six new staff members in 2021, bringing the total number of full time employees to 15 (which will grow to 16 later this month!) Click here to learn about the VCIC staff team.
At a time when Virginians continue to seek out proven approaches from trusted partners to advance inclusion, they are calling on the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. You can see day-to-day updates of our work by following VCIC on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Please let us know how VCIC can continue to support your community. We look forward to working with you!
VCIC Updates & Announcements
MLK Weekend Film & Discussion
VCIC is pleased to partner on a virtual film screening and dialogue in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the National Day of Service. On January 16 at 2:00pm, a program will center on the themes from the documentary "Mending Walls." The free program will include facilitated breakout conversations. Email Emma Yackso for event registration instructions.
2022 Student Forums
VCIC is actively planning for several 2022 student forums:
January 21 - Tidewater Prejudice Awareness Summit(free to Tidewater-area middle schools thanks to Atlantic Union Bank)
February 1 - Peninsula Prejudice Awareness Summit(free to Peninsula-area middle schools thanks to Atlantic Union Bank)
February 17 - Lynchburg Prejudice Awareness Summit(free to Lynchburg-area middle schools thanks to Atlantic Union Bank)
March 3 - Lynchburg Diversity Dialogue Day(free for Lynchburg-area high schools thanks to Dominion Energy)
March 16 - Tidewater Diversity Dialogue Day(free for Tidewater-area high schools thanks to Dominion Energy)
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 2022 series has just been announced and will focus on the theme, "Beyond the Buzzwords." Learn more about WIN and register your organization!
Featured Articles and Curriculum
This month's article and curriculum links focus on Religion & Belief Systems. Please share your ideas and suggestions for future updates!
