Cheryl Ting, Director of Admissions & MS Diversity Club Co-Advisor

Following conversations with teachers, staff, students, and families about the need to support students who are interested in diversity work, Sarah Durantini, Agustin Valdez, and I volunteered to organize a lunchtime meeting of students who are interested in issues of diversity and inclusivity. The goal of the Middle School Diversity Club is to provide students the space to explore issues of social justice, identity, equity, language, and much much more. Students will engage in dialogue and activities around how to create a space that is safe and inclusive for everyone, not only within the group, but also within RDS. In addition to "showing up," students are asked to bring their perspectives and to delve into their own experiences as it informs their own identity formation, and participation in different communities. It's a place where they can share their stories, as well as hear, learn from and connect to others' experiences and insights. Additionally, it's an opportunity for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to build community across grade-levels and reflect on the dynamic between students at different transitional points in their middle school journey. Furthermore, students will learn tools and language with which to facilitate diversity initiatives in the broader school community, such as next week's Ally Week and No Name Calling Week in January. 

At present, we have 28 students who have chosen to give up their lunch time to meet at least once a week, (three times in this four-day week), not only to  connect with one another and delve into this work, but also to take the lead in organizing and facilitating the Middle School's participation in National Ally Week. On Wednesday, the Diversity Club presented a brief overview at assembly about Ally Week and what it means to be an ally at RDS. 

Some things students shared were: "Being an ally means...

standing up for someone else"
...stepping in when someone is made fun of, or teased"

sticking up for someone even if it ...goes agains the group"

...reaching out to someone who isn't a friend"

The Diversity Club ended the presentation with an overview of activities planned for the Middle School, including a special presentation at next Monday's MS Gathering, pledge booths for students to make a pledge to be an ally, the distribution of rainbow ribbon pins for those who pledge, and wearing the colors of the rainbow for each day of the week next week. As faculty advisors, we have been so impressed and inspired by their enthusiasm and energy to be activists and leaders in this work. The Diversity Club has made enough ribbons for every student, K-8, faculty and staff. All RDS students are invited to wear a different colored shirt for each day of next week in observation of the school-wide participation of Ally Week. Starting next Monday, RDS students are encouraged to wear the colors of the rainbow in observation of Ally Week. The days are as follows: 

Monday - Red

Tuesday - Orange or Yellow

Wednesday - Green

Thursday - Blue

Friday - Purple

Everyday - Rainbow (in other words, if one doesn't have a single colored shirt, s/he can wear a rainbow colored one)