OUR COMMITMENT TO Equity

Equity

 

 

AAIE's Guiding Statement

AAIE is committed to building an inclusive global community in which each member feels a deep sense of belonging and a shared sense of purpose. We believe that equity in all we do adds value, deepens understanding, and expands opportunities for everyone in our community. 

 

Action Plan 

We strive to achieve tangible actions and evidence of change by supporting school leaders to lead with vision, courage, wisdom, and integrity. These principles will be embodied by:

  • Examining and replacing our practices that work better for all;
  • Reflecting and ensuring equity in all that we do; and 
  • Including perspectives and experiences of our community members to center our work.

 

Listening Circles

AAIE members are a valuable part of our community and integrating your voices and perspectives is crucial for moving our Equity work forward. Listening Circles offer opportunities to engage in a dialogue with AAIE around belonging, equity, inclusion, and justice, with the purpose of deep listening, storytelling, and sharing. We especially encourage members with underrepresented, marginalized identities to participate.

Listening Circle Guidelines
Adapted from the Institute of Restorative Practices

  • Facilitator Name

Welcome and guidelines:

  1. Speak from your heart: speak for yourself, your perspectives, needs and experiences. Trust what comes from the heart will be what the circle needs.

  2. Listen from the heart: let go of stories and judgment that make it hard to hear others.

  3. Say just enough: without feeling rushed, be concise and considerate of time of others

  4. Trust that you will know what to say when it is your turn to speak.  No need to rehearse.

  5. Consider the impact your words may have on others over the intent of your words or how you hope they are perceived.  One way to think of this is, when you are considering what to say, ask, “Does it serve the circle?”

To keep with the intent of our circle, we will honor and respect the experiences that our colleagues share with us today and at the same time avoid naming any other person when sharing our own thoughts or perspectives. What is shared in the circle stays in the circle. What is learned in the circle can leave the circle with us. We are establishing this safe space for our work together today.