Reading to End Racism

A Call for Volunteers

October 24, 2007
On December 7, 2007 Wheeler Elementary School will participate in a community initiative called Reading to End Racism to support the District wide goal of promoting and valuing diversity in Burlington Public Schools. This project creates an opportunity for students to listen to new literature, hear personal stories and join age-appropriate forums to explore and explain racism.

Classroom presentations are led by volunteer "readers" who are solicited throughout the community, all of whom are committed to the elimination of racism. These "Readers" serve as powerful role models for students, and in the past have included police officers, elected officials, educators, artists, business professionals, parents and school board members. Entire schools are enlisted in one-day presentations involving all classes, with book readings, personal stories and discussions on ways students can help end racism. Results from Boulder Valley School District in Boulder, Colorado where thousands of students were offered Reading to End Racism show over 85% believed they had an increased understanding of racism after participating.

This project is a collaborative effort by the Burlington School District, The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom and VARAT (The Vermont Anti-Racism Action Team).

Please join us on Wednesday evening November 7, 2007 at 6:30-8 pm in the Learning Center for a volunteer readers training and dialogue on "how to continue the conversation about bigotry and racism with children." Don't miss this opportunity to explore resources to continue the dialogue at home.

For more information about this exciting initiative, or to sign up to be a volunteer reader, please contact:

    Denise Dunbar
    Chittenden County RER coordinator
    Email:Denise.H.Dunbar@uvm.edu
    802-578-2062

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