Toward Languages of Liberation in Learning Environments

Infant Nation: An Election-Year Learning Series for Philanthropists of All Stripes
Episode 2: Toward Languages of Liberation in Learning Environments

Thursday, August 8
2-3pmpm ET | 1-2pmpm CT | 12-1pmpm MT | 11am-12pm CT | 8-9am HI

In the lead-up to the 2024 election, Trust for Learning, Grantmakers for Education and the Early Childhood Funders Collaborative will co-host a provocative series connecting the dots on children’s formative experiences in publicly-funded learning environments and our country’s democratic ideals. We’ll explore what encompasses an ideal learning environment, one that not only supports children’s cognitive, emotional and academic development, but also creates the foundation for the realization of our shared civic aims.

Episode 2: Toward Languages of Liberation in Learning Environments

What would it take to support all children and youth to flourish in both their home or native language and English? What is lost for our democracy when children lose their family’s languages? How can early childhood and youth development programs affirm positive cultural identities that build resiliency and honor cultural traditions?

Join us for an insightful discussion on these and other questions as Dr. Shantel Meek connects the dots on how children’s earliest experiences in their native, heritage and English languages shape their identities while shaping a truly multicultural vision of democracy’s future in the United States. Panelists will share insights from the practitioner’s lens about the critical importance of affirming positive cultural identities and incorporating home languages when working with children and youth.

Panelists: 

• Moderator: Dr. Shantel Meek, Children’s Equity Project
• Vanessa Goodthunder, Dakota Language Teacher & Director of C̣aƞṡayapi Waḳaƞyeża Owayawa Oṭi
• Julie Garreau Cheyenne River Youth Project
• Veronica Robles Veronica Robles Cultural Center

Registration:

While other funders are invited to attend, this event is intended for Grantmakers for Education members, and other education and early childhood grantmakers.

There is no cost to attend this Grantmakers for Education program. Registration closes 15 minutes prior to the program time. By registering for this program, you agree to Grantmakers for Education’s Learning Environment Commitment. Thank you for your patience; we review each registration in advance