While we are all weathering the same storm, we are in different boats, and some of us are far more equipped than others. As we look ahead to the next several months and particularly the start of next school year, it is critical that the education space be rooted in the voices and needs of our communities most impacted by inequity.

In DC, organizations have been conducting research, doing surveys, and holding virtual focus groups to deeply listen to and understand the multifaceted reality that students and families face as we navigate this uncertain time. The themes being raised from that listening underscore the importance of not just education supports, but also mental and social health supports, food, housing, and employment – things we all need to get by.

During this webinar, we virtually convened to better understand what communities are telling us. Together, we LISTENED and LEARNED in the spirit of elevating what we see, and we encourage you to watch the recording.

In the same way you listened to what was elevated during the Virtual Convening, we also listened to you. Below are some reflections and resources from the webinar to share more about who joined us, as well as what they’re hearing and experiencing in their communities.

On attendees:

On community listening:

On common themes from the Chat Box conversation:

Please continue engaging with us. As a reminder, there are a few ways you can do that right now:

1. Send us your listening reports. If you or your organization have done any listening and you have reports, memos, or emails you’d like to share, please email them to communications@flamboyanfoundation.org. We may ask you for permission to post them in a curated page of resources on our website.
2. Engage with us on social media. We’re on Twitter and Facebook.
3. Check out “Shifting Perspectives.” We’ve launched a temporary news column called Shifting Perspectives where we are elevating voices from the field, from students and families to teachers and leaders. If you’re interested in writing for Shifting Perspectives, visit our submission page for more info.

We also encourage you to dig into these resources:

• Family Wellness Check-In Guidance
• Resources + Reads
• Strategies to Reach Unengaged Families
• Getting Started with REAL Family Engagement during Distance Learning
• VIDEO: Recording of “Listen, Learn, Lead” Virtual Convening

And in case you missed them, check out:

• ConnectED Parent Survey Results and Presentation
• PAVE Presentation + Parent Survey Results

We look forward to staying in touch with you in the coming weeks and months. Thank you for your continued commitment to students, families, and educators!