The 4Real energy surge first reached me through cyberspace, with an offer of global education presentations through the lenses of art, music and culture. Lodged between the mess of fla...

The 4Real energy surge first reached me through cyberspace, with an offer of global education presentations through the lenses of art, music and culture. Lodged between the mess of flagged email messages for follow-up, this particular message spoke to me. It led me to immediate action as I forwarded it to over 100 of my Anti-racism School Contacts. Weeks later I found myself at a high school, listening to a man speaking passionately about his journey and hopes for positive change in the world. Riveted and moved by his empowering messages, staff and students lined up to speak with him. Since this presentation, his ‘direct current’ has infused throughout the district (heartfelt thanks to Sol)!

Since then, I've had the fortunate opportunity to work with the team and to contribute to 4REAL School. This curriculum aims to engage youth intellectually, compassionately, actively and globally through art, music culture and digital media. The Head, Heart and Hand model empowers students to critically examine various perspectives, values and world views, examine and challenge the origin of their own beliefs and values through reflection, discussion, and critical analysis and to become agents of change in order to make positive contribution to the world.

The VSB is excited for this opportunity to implement 4REAL School through gr. 6-12 cross curricular subject areas! Soon you will be able to check out excerpts of 4REAL school on this site!

As the Anti-racism & Diversity Consultant for the Vancouver School Board, I connect with members of our school communities to unpack and address issues of power, privilege and equity. My dream is for everyone to feel safe, accepted and valued in their community and in the world, regardless of their race/ethnicity, age, gender, class, sexual orientation, physical/mental ability, etc. All systems of oppression are interlocked; one cannot be understood or addressed without the others. Action-oriented strategies are required to eliminate their systemic, institutional constraints on us . . . Talk minus action equals ZERO!!

Fortunately in my role, I have opportunities to connect and collaborate with various local community organizations toward common goals. I feel honoured to have met the 4Real Family and Community . . . let the synergenesis begin!! I support and urge you all to be ‘Defiantly Imaginative’ . . . move beyond the realms of possibility and bring your vision to fruition!!

Please note that the views expressed in my blog may not necessarily reflect the views of the VSB.