SEPTEMBER 2020
The start of the school year is always an energizing time for the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. And while education may look different this year, the commitment to advance equity and inclusion in schools across Virginia has possibly never been stronger.
 
Our team at VCIC sees that commitment in the overwhelming number of requests for programs we received this summer - and in the unprecedented number of programs we delivered. It is exemplified by the generosity of donors who are investing in VCIC's programs for students and educators in significant ways. It shows up through the work of policymakers and elected officials, including in the recently-released report from the Virginia Commission on African American History Education in the Commonwealth. (Our President & CEO Jonathan Zur served on this Commission alongside several VCIC Humanitarian Award recipients and partners.)
 
And that commitment not just in our schools. Businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and more are calling upon the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. In fact, our work was included in the cover story of this month's Virginia Business magazine titled, "Moving the Needle."

As you embark upon the 2020-2021 school year, please 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
Calendar of Holidays & Festivals: 2020-2021
VCIC's Calendar of Holidays and Festivals is a resource designed to encourage public awareness of the great diversity of religious and ethnic groups that live in the United States. Holidays and festivals are included for many religious, ethnic, and public occasions. Click here for the 2020-2021 calendar. 
Day After Election Guide
VCIC's new Day After Election Guide is designed to support educators and administrators in preparing for the 2020 Presidential election. The key message is that a school’s plan for the day after the election should actually be their plan for the entire school year. That means that classroom lessons, educator professional development, and communication with parents and guardians throughout the 2020-2021 school year should clearly establish and reinforce expectations about how to show respect for one another and how to explore controversial or difficult subjects. Click here to access the Day After Election Guide. 
Virginia Inclusion Summit
Registration is now open for the November 16, 2020 Virginia Inclusion Summit. This 2nd annual event will bring together workplace professionals, government employees, and higher education students and administrators for a day of learning, sharing, and connecting. VCIC will convene the day virtually. Click here to learn more and register for the Summit!
2020 Census Reminder
Virginia currently ranks 8th in the nation with a 69.3% response rate to the 2020 Census. However, there are wide disparities based on locality across the Commonwealth. Census data is used to make decisions around funding and representation, and populations that have historically been overlooked, excluded, or discriminated against in our country stand to lose the most by being undercounted. Please help to spread the word about the importance of participating in the 2020 Census by the September 30 deadline!
Featured Articles and Curriculum
Upcoming Contests, Funding, and Programs
CONTESTS
(Contests linked to diversity, inclusion, and leadership)
FUNDING
(Grant opportunities to recognize leadership or support projects and clubs)
PROGRAMS
(Initiatives and observances to advance character education and inclusion)
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