April 7, 2023 Innovative Approaches to Improve Maternal Health Hybrid Workshop In the United States, pregnancy-related deaths and complications, or maternal mortality and morbidity (MMM) rates, are among the highest in the developed world. For Black women and American Indian/Alaska Native women, they are especially high, regardless of their income or education levels. Collaboration among researchers, small businesses, and the community could lead to new ways to improve maternal health and reduce U.S. MMM rates. Hosted by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), this event brings together those groups to address health disparities. Session Details Date & Time: Monday, May 8 – Tuesday, May 9 | 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Location: Participants have the option to attend virtually in in-person. Watch the event live via NIH videocast: May 8: https://videocast.nih.gov/watch=49193 May 9: https://videocast.nih.gov/watch=49196 Attend the in-person event at: Natcher Conference Center, NIH Campus Bethesda, MD 20894 Cost: Free Register: Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. In person space is limited, so be sure to register early. To register, complete the online registration form. Learn More During the workshop, participants will: explore key scientific discoveries in diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy-associated conditions and the areas ready for translation participate in how-to training sessions focused on best-practices in translation, education, funding, technology development, and dissemination review implementation science and community-engaged methods to ensure maternal health technologies reach those most affected and address health equity This workshop is sponsored by: NIH IMPROVE Initiative NHLBI National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH) To learn more, visit the National Institutes of Health website.
November 3, 2021 Antibias Education and Beyond: Film Screening and Panel Discussion Join P.R.I.D.E (Positive Racial Identity Development In Early Education) for a documentary screening of Reflecting on Anti-bias Education in Action: The Early Years and a discussion with the filmmakers. Individuals may register via the P.R.I.D.E. website. About the Film Produced by Debbie LeeKeenan and John Nimmo, this powerful documentary features vignettes of anti-bias strategies in early childhood classrooms interspersed with teachers reflecting on their practice. By taking viewers into diverse early childhood classrooms, and focusing on the voices of teachers, the film seeks to demonstrate the importance of teacher reflection on identity, context, and practice in anti-bias education and provides a much-needed resource for teacher education and professional development. About P.R.I.D.E P.R.I.D.E. is a program within the Office of Child Development at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education. Our goals are to help young African American children develop a positive racial identity, support teachers and parents by building their racial knowledge, and raise awareness of the impact of race on young children. We provide them with various learning opportunities, including educator trainings, Parent Village sessions for Black children and their families, Speaker Series events to educate the community and art festivals created to immerse young Black children in a space designed to celebrate them.
October 12, 2021 New Resources for Parents and Caregivers New resources have been added to the Trying Together website for families and caregivers. These resources further Trying Together’s mission to supports high-quality care and education for young children by providing advocacy, community resources, and professional growth opportunities for the needs and rights of children, their families, and the individuals who interact with them. New Resources DAP Series Parts VII, VIII, and IX As an early childhood nonprofit, Trying Together recognizes that a child’s parent is their first and most important caregiver. That’s why we created the Developmentally Appropriate Parenting (DAP) Series to assist parents and caregivers in creating high-quality learning experiences at the earliest stages of their child’s life. The series features digital and print content that provides information on critical early childhood topics. New topics in the DAP Series include Part VII: Childhood Mental Health; Part VIII: Race and Equity; and Part IX: Transitions & Routines. Families and caregivers may also access previous parts of the DAP Series: Part I: Developmentally Appropriate Practice; Part II: Childhood Physical Health; Part III: Child Care; Part IV: Early Intervention and Inclusion; Part V: Safety and Emergencies; and Part VI: Social-Emotional Development. Resources will continue to be added through 2022 as additional Parts are finalized. Additionally, families and caregivers may now request a set of cards in the mail at no cost. These cards provide an overview of each part of the DAP series with a quick reference to local and regional organizations. Parenting Together Pathway The Parenting Together Pathway is a video-based learning series to provide high-quality information on early childhood development to parents and caregivers in Allegheny County and surrounding areas. Launched in April 2021, the Parenting Together Pathway provides families the opportunity to learn more about: brain development; play; interactions and relationships; technology; child care; and advocacy to better support their children’s healthy growth. Two additional videos have been added to the Parenting Together Pathway: Early Intervention and Safety and Emergencies.
October 6, 2021 Action Conversations on Race: Male Allies and White Accomplices Join YWCA Pittsburgh for the next Action Conversation on Race which observes YWCA USA’s Week Without Violence. Rhonda L. Fleming, Chief of Prevention, Intervention, and Outreach at Women’s Center & Shelter Greater Pittsburgh, will moderate a discussion focused on how men and white people can contribute to the elimination of racial and gender-based violence. Additional Information Every third Wednesday of the month 12-1pm EST, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh’s Center for Race and Gender Equity presents Action Conversations on Race, a panel discussion dedicated to racial justice. Featuring local experts and leaders in fields such as equity and diversity, policy change, and advocacy, these conversations are designed to build community and create change. Participants can register for upcoming Action Conversations on Zoom or join us through Facebook Live. Scroll down to view our upcoming themes for Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 season, as well as links to recordings and resources from previous conversations.
December 28, 2020 New Study on Racial Socialization and Young Children Point Park University Doctoral Candidate Sherlyn Harrison recently launched a new research study to learn how parents’ racial socialization practices can be integrated into early childhood classrooms. About Like adults, young African American children experience racism. To protect and prepare their children for the harsh reality of living in a racist society, African American parents have historically conveyed racial socialization practices. Racial socialization practices build resilience and promote positive racial identity development among young African American children. To explore how parents’ racial socialization practices can be integrated into early childhood classroom settings, Point Park University Doctoral Candidate Sherlyn Harrison launched a new research study entitled, “Racial Socialization and Young Children.” If you are interested in participating in the study, complete this online survey. Survey Expectations Survey participants will be asked six questions, including a list of demographic items that best describe you. By completing the survey and clicking submit, survey respondents consent to participate in the study. The study should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete. Following the survey, participants will be invited to talk with the researcher further about the topic. To be invited, survey participants must provide their contact information in the space provided in the survey. Within a week, the researcher will contact you to schedule an interview on Zoom. The interview will consist of open-ended questions to gain more information about how the survey respondent communicates and engages with young African American children regarding race. More Information Participation in this study and all personal information provided will be kept confidential at all times. Participants’ names will never appear on any survey or research instruments. If you have any questions, please contact 412.583.3658 or semichi@pointpark.edu.
December 21, 2020 MLK Day 2021: Celebrate With Service Join United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania (SWPA) in celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. by participating in their “Book Drive for Diversity” and “Family Forum on Equality and Kindness.” About To celebrate the work and teachings of Martin Luther King, Jr., United Way created two meaningful opportunities for families to celebrate one of MLK’s most relevant messages for their work today: Everyone can be great… because everyone can serve. Book Drive for Diversity United Way has partnered with the University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Child Development to increase access to books promoting a positive equity message for young readers. Because of public health concerns, the Book Drive for Diversity will be completely virtual. Help United Wat put books championing people of all abilities, genders, races, ethnicities, and economic statuses into the hands of eager readers. To register and receive a list of thoughtfully chosen titles to purchase on behalf of the drive, complete the online form. Family Forum on Equality and Kindness In the teaching spirit of Dr. King, United Way has joined with YWCA Greater Pittsburgh to host a virtual forum for families to engage in meaningful discussions about social justice, learn practical skills, and encourage a more inclusive culture. Sign up for this lively, positive online event to bring greater significance of MLK Day to your family. Participants can choose from two breakout sessions. Both sessions are led by highly experienced, engaging experts in the field. Breakout sessions include the following: How to Talk to Your Children About Race Social Media as a Tool for Social Change More Information For more information, view the full event flyer.
December 18, 2020 Foundations of Anti-Racist, Trauma-Informed, and Health Join the Creative Learning Network on Wednesday, January 6 for their Lunch Break session, “Foundations of Anti-Racist, Trauma-Informed, and Health.” About During this session, participants will gain an understanding of foundational principles related to the intersection of anti-racism, trauma-informed, and holistic health in out-of-school (OST) programs for the purpose of supporting young people of color. Registration To register, visit the online registration page.
December 2, 2020 Simple Interactions + Anti-Racism and Equity Are you interested in learning how to encourage, enrich, and empower human relationships in your work with young children? Join Simple Interactions on January 28 for “Simple Interactions + Anti-Racism and Equity.” About During this session, participants will brainstorm ways to advocate for equity and social justice and empower marginalized communities with the work on human relationships. The Simple Interactions Team will share their reflections briefly, then will go into break-out rooms with participants to discuss and listen. This will be a facilitated conversation with the Simple Interactions Team, including Dr. Dana Winters, Emma Lee, and Dr. Annie White of the Fred Rogers Center, Dr. Junlei Li of Harvard Graduate School of Education, and Dr. Tom Akiva of the University of Pittsburgh. Available Times This session is available at the following times: Thursday, January 28 | 12 – 1: 15 p.m. | Register Thursday, January 28 | 7:30 – 8:45 p.m. | Register More Information To learn more, visit the Simple Interactions website.
November 25, 2020 Parent Like A Boss: Virtual PLAY DAY Join ATL Parent Like A Boss, Inc. (Parent LAB) on Saturday, December 5 for their free virtual PLAY DAY session. About ATL Parent LAB’s PLAY DAY Series engages participants in physically interactive games designed to connect the active body to brain development, and thus enhance cognitive learning experiences. During their sessions, ATL Parent Lab celebrates Black cultural traditions and invites everyone to reflect and share the traditions that have sustained their own diverse familial and ethnic traditions. Registration To register for this event, complete the online form. All are welcome.
November 2, 2020 Raising Racially Just Kids In Today’s Media Environment Are you interested in learning how movies and television shape children’s ideas about race and ethnicity? Join EmbraceRace on November 11 for their webinar, “Lights, Camera, Representation! TV, Movies, and Children’s Thinking About Race.” About This webinar will explore how movies and television shape children’s ideas about race and ethnicity, what adults can do to encourage the development of more high-quality racial representations in TV and movies, and how adults can help the children they love critically engage critically with media. Time for questions and community insights will be provided. Registration To register, visit the event webpage.