DECEMBER 2022

Greetings! The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities is grateful and encouraged to regularly receive shout-outs and accolades by email and on social media. Program participants regularly comment about the impact of their VCIC experience - whether it took place recently or was far in the past. In recent weeks, we have been honored to see the following messages about our work:  "Thank you for your counsel, your grace, your patience, and your compassion this morning... I marvel at how wisely and bravely you pivoted and gave us space to process -- it was so clear in all that everyone shared that we really needed it." "These talks have been inspiring, fascinating, and fruitful for me... They are pleasantly lively!" "Thank you Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities for a valuable, insightful, and professional experience. I'm grateful for the opportunity provided." "The facilitator did an amazing job with the workshop - the students enjoyed it so much!" Please let us know how VCIC can support your community. You can see day-to-day updates about our work by following VCIC on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  We look forward to working with you!

VCIC Updates & Announcements

Support VCIC in 2022 As a nonprofit organization, VCIC relies on generous donors to support and sustain our work with schools, businesses, and communities across Virginia. 2022 has seen incredible 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!

The End of Bias VCIC is proudly partnering with the Lee & Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival, the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, and others on a community discussion with Jessica Nordell, author of "The End of Bias: A Beginning." This free program takes place on December 8 at 7:30pm at the Simon Family JCC. Click here to learn more and register!

RVA Table Talk The Fall 2022 RVA Table Talk series focuses on the theme of "The New Normal." This program is generously sponsored by Bank of America. On December 14 at 6:00pm at the Richmond Public Library Main Branch, community members will come together to explore "Housing" in partnership with HOME. Join us for free dinner and enriching conversation. Click here to learn more and register!

2022-2023 Student Forums VCIC is excited to return to in-person student forums in the 2022-2023 school year. The following programs are coming up: December 8 - Richmond Diversity Dialogue Day (free for Richmond-area high schools thanks to Dominion Energy) January 12 - Lynchburg Prejudice Awareness Summit (free for Lynchburg-area middle schools thanks to sponsorship from Atlantic Union Bank) March 8 - Tidewater Diversity Dialogue Day (free for Tidewater-area high schools thanks to Dominion Energy) March 14 - Lynchburg Diversity Dialogue Day (free for Lynchburg-area high schools thanks to Dominion Energy)   Contact Jessica for more details about VCIC's 2022-2023 student forums.

Featured Articles and Curriculum

This month's article and curriculum links focus on science. Please share your ideas and suggestions for future updates! ARTICLES 4 Ways to Make STEM Classrooms More Inclusive Bringing the Benefits of Nature to All Children Citizen Science Education Resources Inclusive Lesson Plans Using the NinU Grid Inclusive Strategies for the Science Classroom Science Has a Diversity Problem. For the Sake of Our Students, We Have to Change the Narrative Teaching Outside the Textbook: Integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into the Science Classroom Using Real-World Experiences Where are the books about Black Kids in Nature? CURRICULUM  Gender-Inclusive Biology Lessons and Resources National Science Teaching Association Inclusion Resources Pacific Northwest History and Cultures: Why Do the Foods We Eat Matter? Toolkit: Talking With Kids About Equitable Nature Access

Upcoming Contests, Funding, and Programs

CONTESTS (Contests linked to diversity, inclusion, and leadership) Trailblazing STEM Educator Award (Deadline: Deadline 15) Bank of America Student Leaders (Deadline: January 13) eCYBERMISSION Competition (Deadline: January 25) Virginia Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (Deadline: February 10)

FUNDING (Grant opportunities to recognize leadership or support projects and clubs) Classics for Kids Foundation Grant (Deadline: December 31) Fund for Teachers Fellowship (Deadline: January 19) NEA Learning and Leadership Grants (Deadline: February 1)

PROGRAMS (Initiatives and observances to advance character education and inclusion) World AIDS Day (December 1) International Day of People with Disabilities (December 3) Inclusive Schools Week (December 5-9)

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

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌