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Schools are also reviewing their policies on freedom of expression as we enter an intense run-up to the November election. May we all continue to provide our young people and their families with a safe space that unites us around the needs of our students and, hopefully, provides respite from the intensity of political campaigns. I confess to a little envy of those teaching eighth grade and high school where I am sure there will be rich opportunities for learning in real time and much active debate as our nation’s story unfolds.
We are excited that “story” will be the theme of our January conference. The art of story and the act of storytelling stand at the heart of Waldorf education. Together, we will explore why this is so: what is it about a story that unites and strengthens us, teaches us deep lessons about being human, and brings the world to us? Storytelling is a fundamental human activity, found in every culture and across time. It has the power to transport and transform, to bridge and to build. We will explore our individual stories, our shared stories, and the earth’s stories. We will look at ways that stories can strengthen our communities and help us to learn about the richness of our differences.
We are planning a conference that is intended to make a difference. The difference will start with our location: for the first time, the Alliance conference will move out of the Fair Oaks/Sacramento area of California to Ocean Charter School in Los Angeles. Although we will also offer a virtual option, we encourage you to plan now to have at least one or two people from your school present. It will be worth it! Los Angeles is an easy travel option from most parts of the country and Southern California has a long tradition of independent and public Waldorf education dating back to 1955. Today, there are six public and six independent Waldorf schools, each one unique in its setting, demographics, and approach. Consider planning to arrive early and arrange to visit a school
In addition to a central place for storytelling itself, we will have a rich array of discussions and workshops designed to deepen our storytelling skills - and why this matters - and many chances to connect with peers, to share and receive inspiration, to pose questions and to get a few answers, and for refreshment of body and soul. There will be many more details to come - but mark your calendars and plan for this conference to be a rich chapter in your own story this school year!
With warmest wishes to all of us, the authors of Public Waldorf, spread across the country from Hawaii, up to Alaska, across to New Hampshire, down to Florida, and the many locations in between, each with their own, unique story!
Liz Beaven
Executive Director
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