A New Administration
Two weeks ago we witnessed a transfer of power initiated by the voting citizens of a democratic nation. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris - the first woman and person of color to hold the office of vice president - took the oath of office and a new executive branch of the government was sworn in. Today marks the beginning of Black History month and we are especially encouraged by the recent steps the Biden-Harris administration has taken to integrate racial equity in policies and procedures, namely the Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.
President Biden’s proposed cabinet is also praised as being the most diverse along racial and gender lines, in this history of the United States. Representation matters at all levels of government but that in and of itself is not enough to guarantee equitable outcomes and opportunities for BIPOC communities. We commit to holding the Biden-Harris administration accountable to advancing an agenda that prioritizes BIPOC communities and shifts power in a manner so that marginalized voices are heard and honored.
Today we share these post-inauguration thoughts from Phoebe Boyer, President & CEO of Children’s Aid.
”The Biden-Harris administration has a bold agenda for its first 100 days. I see promise especially in the president’s America Rescue Plan, which includes poverty-reduction measures that we have long advocated for, including investments in low-income and Black and Latinx communities to combat the disparate impact the pandemic has had. Children’s Aid has had the privilege of providing input on their education agenda, so I am thrilled to see the administration’s plans also specifically reference the creation and expansion of community schools, which was among our list of recommendations. We will continue to work with the administration to improve the lives of children in our community and across the country.
More broadly, I am encouraged by the cabinet this administration is assembling, which promises to include the most diverse voices ever. This is the team that will be responsible for the future of our country.
Advocacy Corner
Early Childhood Advocacy Day
The 2021 Early Childhood Advocacy Day is tomorrow! There is still time to register if you’re interested in ensuring that New York State invests in our youngest children.
Want to help spread the word on social media? Keep an eye out on your inbox tomorrow! We’ll be sending out a social media toolkit for you to utilize!
Upcoming Events
Family Child Care Collective Response Convening: February 2 at 1pm
Join family child care providers and advocates working to streamline resources and communication across NYC to support the workforce that provides early education to our youngest children!
Bronx Impact Food Access Collective: February 2 at 12:30pm
This group of community advocates is working to realize a collective vision of food justice for all Bronx residents by identifying policy and programmatic strategies to address the structural inequities which repress equitable access to food and nutrition. The group meets bi-weekly on Tuesdays at 12:30pm.
South Bronx Cafecito: February 10 at 6pm
Parents and caregivers! Let’s talk about our kids, our community, and the future we want for the South Bronx. Join the conversation to identify the most pressing concerns for your family and help to build the solution.
Partner Corner
3-K to 12 Enrollment Resources
The upcoming weeks are peak season for virtual school fairs and information sessions! Click the links below to access more information about admission processes! We encourage your families to access the All Admissions Videos for step-by-step video assistance on the enrollment process relevant to their child. If your families have any additional questions about creating or submitting their MySchools application, they can also contact Patricia Rivera or Charisma Rodriguez for direct assistance.
Fundamentals Conference
The National Center for Community Schools (NCCS) at Children’s Aid presents the virtual edition of the Community Schools Fundamentals Conference, a learning experience designed specifically for those new or relatively new to community schools. Now more than ever, community schools are the right strategy to support students, families, and neighborhoods. NCCS will share lessons learned from over 25 years of implementation in New York City and nationwide capacity building, as well as promising practices emerging from the COVID era. In addition to attending a virtual school visit to a Children’s Aid community school, participants will learn about the foundations and the updated “nuts and bolts” of community school practice.
Join this virtual journey to deepen your understanding of community schools and network with other school and community leaders from across the country!
For more information and to register, click here.