Creating a More Compassionate World

05/17/2021

Creating a More Compassionate World

When we're talking about diversity, it's not a box to check. It is a reality that should be deeply felt and held and valued by all of us.
Ava DuVernay, American filmmaker

Dear Exchange Community,

I recently watched again the professional development film, Reflecting on Anti-Bias Education in Practice: The Early Years, released for free screening by Debbie LeeKeenan and John Nimmo. If you haven’t had a chance to view this beautiful work, I urge you to do so. It lifts up and celebrates the voices of educators as they wrestle with the big questions around how to help children develop a true appreciation for diversity. One of the teachers interviewed is also an Exchange author, Nadia Jaboneta.

I remembered what Nadia wrote in her inspiring book, You Can’t Celebrate That: Navigating the Deep Waters of Social Justice Teaching. "While I was growing up, my mom – an immigrant from Peru and a proud American citizen – often urged us to 'Fight for your rights!' Her self-confidence and powerful stance were shaken this year when someone in the grocery store confronted her, telling her to 'speak English and go back to your own country.'

That experience only strengthened my desire to be a leader in this work. I see firsthand how racism infuses all of our lives, White people and people of color, children and adults…I’ve begun to listen for opportunities to take up the conversation about race and religion with children as a way to plant the seeds for a more just society.”

I am so proud of educators who are courageous enough to explore new ideas that may take them outside their comfort zones.

Each one of you (whether you work directly with children, or support the people who do) is making our world a kinder, more compassionate place through your work.

With great admiration,
Nancy Rosenow
Exchange Publisher,
on behalf of our entire team

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