May 31, 2023 Pennsylvania Women Work Accepting Nominations for 2023 Circle of Hope Awards Pennsylvania Women Work invites members of the community to nominate groups, organizations, and individuals for two of its 2023 Circle of Hope Awards: the Corporate Volunteerism Award and the Diversity & Inclusion Award. The Corporate Volunteerism Award recognizes an organization or individual(s) within a company that has made significant contributions to PA Women Work’s clients, programs, fundraising, and overall mission through volunteerism, while the Diversity and Inclusion Award honors a corporation or individual(s) within a company that has made significant contributions in the area of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All nominations must be made using the online nomination form by June 23. Award Criteria and Nomination Process Corporate Volunteerism Award Criteria A strong commitment to the mission and vision of PA Women Work Demonstrated consistent volunteerism with the organization for at least one year Displayed passion for empowering women to succeed in the workforce through volunteerism with PA Women Work A history of participation in at least two PA Women Work volunteer activities Nomination Process To nominate a group, organization, or individual for the Corporate Volunteerism Award, complete the online nomination form including the following in your nomination: A narrative (no more than 300 words) explaining why the corporation, individual or group should be highlighted for their volunteerism efforts with PA Women Work. This narrative should answer the question: “How has the corporation/nominee shown passion for PA Women Work’s mission through volunteerism with the organization?” A list of the volunteer activities the nominee has participated in. Ex.: Mentor, Mock Interviews, Event Committee If a corporation, a list of employee names from the corporation who volunteer with PA Women Work. Diversity and Inclusion Award Criteria A strong commitment to the recruitment, retention, and promotion of a diverse workforce A record of commitment to diversity and inclusion efforts Improvements in upward mobility for racial and ethnic minorities and women in management positions Nomination Process To nominate a group, organization, or individual for the Diversity and Inclusion Award, complete the online nomination form and answer the following in your nomination: How has the company/nominee created or enhanced an inclusive work environment? How has the company/nominee demonstrated a commitment to enhancing and advancing the spirit of diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity within their company? Learn More PA Women Work considers each nomination, then notifies and announces winners by July 14. Award winners will be recognized at the PA Women Work Circle of Hope Awards Dinner on October 12. For more information on the 2023 Circle of Hope Awards, contact Lauren Riegelnegg at lriegelnegg@pawomenwork.org. To learn more, visit the PA Women Work website.
February 22, 2023 Office for Civil Rights Issues Fact Sheet on Diversity & Inclusion Activities The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) recently released a fact sheet for educators, parents, and students on the legality of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training in federally funded spaces. The fact sheet confirms that DEI training and similar activities are generally consistent with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In most circumstances, they are permitted in states, school districts, public schools, and public and private colleges. About the Fact Sheet This fact sheet was created in response to confusion regarding the legality of diversity, equity, and inclusion activities in schools. It clarifies that federal civil rights laws do not categorically prohibit schools from offering activities such as instruction on the impact of racism, cultural competency training, or school climate surveys. Download the Fact Sheet Fact Sheet: Diversity & Inclusion Activities Under Title VI | English Fact Sheet: Diversity & Inclusion Activities Under Title VI | Spanish About Title VI Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. Activities intended to further objectives such as diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion are not prohibited under Title VI. Title VI allows activities such as: diversity, equity, and inclusion training instruction in or training on the impact of racism or systemic racism cultural competency training or other nondiscrimination trainings efforts to assess or improve school climate, including through creation of student, staff, and/or parent teams, use of community focus groups, or use of climate surveys student assemblies or programs focused on antiharassment or antibullying investigations of and issuance of reports concerning the causes of racial disparities within a school use of specific words in school policies, programs, or activities, such as equity, discrimination, inclusion, diversity, systemic racism, or similar terms Learn More OCR is responsible for the enforcement of Title VI. To contact OCR for technical assistance, call 1-800-421-3481 (TDD: 1-800-877-8339) or email OCR@ed.gov. The Department of Education also funds regional Equity Assistance Centers, which provide technical assistance and training at the request of school boards and other related governmental agencies on issues such as racial harassment, prejudice reduction, and other issues occasioned by desegregation. To contact the Equity Assistance Centers, visit the Department of Education’s website. To learn more at www.ed.gov/ocr.
February 3, 2023 Pittsburgh Regional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Educators Conference Join the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) at this annual conference to explore culturally aware and responsive ways to foster an inclusive environment for our marginalized learners. Educational leaders will discuss topics involving race and ethnicity, LGBTQIA+ and gender identity, and serving students with disabilities. Conference Details Saturday, March 25 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites One Bigelow Square Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Cost for AIU employees and staff of AIU member school districts: Free Cost for others: $40 Register Learn More This conference is presented by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Attendees will have the option to attend a number of informative sessions throughout the day, including a presentation by keynote speaker Eva Reign, star of Pittsburgh-native Billy Porter’s directorial debut, “Anything’s Possible.” The film, released in 2022, centers on the experience of a Black transgender teenager. Educators can earn up to six Act 48 credit hours by attending the event.
October 13, 2020 Talking About Race and Justice With Children Are you interested in using children’s books to engage young children in critical conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice? Join EmbraceRace on October 22 for “Using Books to Engage Young Children in Talk about Race & Justice.” About During this online event, Aija Simmons, Sara Rizik-Baer, and Savitha Moorthy will describe Mirrors, Windows, and Glass Doors*, a community-focused effort from Tandem, Partners in Early Learning that uses children’s books as a departure point for expanding the capacity of families with children under five years old to engage in critical conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Presenters will explain the factors that led to its creation, how it continues to evolve, the questions the working group is actively grappling with, and what they hope to accomplish. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and comment. Registration To register, visit the event webpage.
July 14, 2020 Culturally Responsive Parent Engagement Are you interested in learning how to create a more culturally and linguistically responsive early learning environment? Join the National Center on Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (NCPFCE) on July 28 for their webinar, “Culturally Responsive Parent Engagement.” About In this webinar, participants will explore tools, resources, and ideas they can use to create a more culturally and linguistically responsive environment. Join fellow educators to learn how it can help families engage in their child’s early learning and hear from programs that have successfully engaged families from diverse backgrounds as leaders and advocates. This webinar is best suited for Head Start and Early Head Start directors, managers, family services staff, and parent leaders; T/TA providers; and early childhood leaders who support children and their families. Registration To register and learn more, visit the event webpage. Participants will receive a certificate of participation upon completion of the webinar. More Information For questions, contact NCPFCE at pfcewebinars@ecetta.info or 855.208.0909.
October 4, 2019 Diversity in Context: Stretching the Idea of Building Diverse Collections Join Michelle Luhtala, Library Department Chair at New Canaan High School, on October 16 for her webinar, “Diversity in Context: Stretching the Idea of Building Diverse Collections.” About For this webinar, Michelle Luhtala invites you for a lively discussion on building diverse literary collections in honor of Teen Read Week 2019. As young readers often relate to characters who share some of their own characteristics, it’s important to build collections that celebrate not only diverse characters but also a diverse range of experiences. In addition, this webinar will discuss how to encourage young readers to empathize with characters who may seem unfamiliar to them. Time for questions will be provided. Registration To register and learn more, visit the edWeb website. *Information provided by edWeb
May 2, 2019 2019 PA Community Alliance Summit The Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council invites you to a day of networking, discovering alliances and collaboration building among diverse organizations throughout Pennsylvania led by and/or supporting underserved/unserved populations who experience marginalization and oppression. About the Summit Oppression affects many of us, for different socially constructed reasons: racism, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual identity and orientation, disability, economics, rural/urban location, religion, and so much more. Although our discrimination experiences may be different, we can be a valuable support and resource to each other in our struggles for equality, inclusion, and social justice. Join the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council on May 21 and 22 to participate in the discussion. This year, the Summit will focus on the goal of meeting and engaging new potential allies, stimulating learning from one another, and exploring opportunities for partnerships and collaboration. Download the Summit agenda. Registration Registration is free and may be accessed via the event page. Availability is on a first come first serve basis. More information on the event, hotel accommodations, travel, and more can be found on the event page. Questions For questions, contact Dana Thompson at 717.214.8103 or danathomps@pa.gov.
March 7, 2019 9th Annual Student Affiliate Dinner About This event celebrates local early childhood education students and the community as we explore the power and necessity of equity in education. A panel of students from diverse backgrounds will share their stories of the educators who have impacted their educational journeys. Dr. Melissa Sherfinski, a scholar in the field of early childhood education, will invite guests to share in the conversation and explore how educators can empower students. Details Tickets are $20 per person. Guests may access Commissioners Hall through one entrance where a registration table will be located. The event will take place in: Rooms 2303 and 2304; and the Laurel, Vidmer, and Mon Valley Dining Rooms. The buffet dinner will include gluten-free and vegetarian options. In keeping with tradition, attendees are asked to bring a basket donation for the event. Registration for this event is closed. Questions Vicki Hricik, Education/Pre-K-Grade Program Support 724-925-4013 hricikv@westmoreland.edu
