Join us for our Speaker Series event with Dr. Curtis Acosta, an award-winning educator named one of the “Top 10 Latinos to Watch in US Politics” by Huffington Post. Dr. Acosta has also been featured in documentaries and the Daily Show, CNN, PBS, and many other news outlets.

He is also a prolific writer, with articles and chapters featured in journals such as Voiced in Urban Education and books such as Educational Courage.

For all independent school staff, faculty, and administrators.

When: Saturday, May 13th, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Where: WESTRIDGE SCHOOL

324 Madeline Dr.
Pasadena, CA 91105

*Light breakfast will be served.

Registration opening soon

SoCal POCIS invites all independent school staff, faculty, and administrators.

People with Asian heritage and those under the Asian American Pacific Islander umbrella tend to be labeled as the “model minority” where we are unfairly generalized and stereotyped, which means that our actual experiences are rendered invisible or invalid. This also pits us against other marginalized groups to prevent solidarity. In this presentation, we will explore the complex aspects of what it means to be AAPI in America, explore the history of anti-Asian hate, and extend our knowledge to better understand our students.

About Drew:

Dr. Drew Ishii is a SoCal POCIS board member and the chair of the AsEA Conference Southern California team. He also served as a co-chair of the NAIS People of Color Conference in Anaheim. Dr. Drew has facilitated workshops at many independent schools, spoken at national and international conferences, and trained faculty in diversity issues. He currently works at Sage Hill in Southern California.

When: Saturday, January 28, 9:30 – 11:30 am

Where: Francis Parker School, 6501 Linda Vista Road, San Diego, CA 92111

*Light morning refreshments will be served.

Please register here by Jan. 23

Join BIPOC Independent School Faculty, Staff, and Administrators to eat, drink, and connect at the Black-owned Post and Beam!

When: Saturday, October 22nd, 4-7 pm
Where: Post and Beam (Outdoor Patio)

*Appetizers and drinks provided by SoCal POCIS

RSVP

Facilitated by Dr. Steven Jones and Dr. Shelly Tochluk

Our morning will begin with a whole group discussion, then participants will break into two race-based affinity groups BIPOC and White Anti-Racist, to
examine group dynamics and practice reflection.

Dr. Jones will lead the BIPOC group for a time of healing deepening understanding and moving toward restorative actions. The White Anti-Racist group will spend the day addressing anti-racism and activism.

For all independent school staff, faculty, and administrators.

When: Saturday, November 12th, 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Where: The Wesley School

*Light breakfast and lunch will be served.

Register here

This event is intended for all BIPOC faculty, staff, and administrators of independent schools.

This event is a meet and greet for SoCal POCIS members who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color to come together to share ideas as well as find solidarity and support. This event will provide a much-needed “safe space” to begin the new school year with the affirmation of BIPOC solidarity.

This event is intended for all parents, guardians and caregivers, faculty, staff, and administrators in independent schools. Participants from various independent schools will share their experiences and learning in partnering with our schools to support Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) in meaningful ways.

This virtual event is intended for all faculty, staff, and administrators of independent schools.

Authors and national speakers, Dr. Steven Jones, and Dr. Shelly Tochluk will lead high-powered engaging affinity group discussions. Tools and strategies will be shared to further support diversity and greater inclusion within your school community.

Details to follow.

STUDENT VOICES (Open to all) SoCal POCIS invites all independent school parents, high school students, faculty, staff, and administrators.

Participants will hear from a panel of high school students as they share their SDLC learning and experiences, in addition to what they need from the adults in their independent school community. After the panel, high school students may participate in the Student Stay Woke workshop while the adults will move into breakout rooms to continue the important conversation started by the students.

STUDENT STAY WOKE (High School Students only) Student Stay Woke serves as a space for students from independent schools to engage one another in meaningful conversations about political and social issues as they relate to their experiences at school. Each year, Student Stay Woke hosts three events, inviting students from schools in and around Los Angeles to participate in workshops, think-tanks, and activities that better equip them to address inequities and marginalization in their communities. The SSW planning committee is composed of a diverse group of young change-makers, all passionate about working together to transform the culture of their schools while equipping their peers to do the same.