June 4, 2020 SolBe Families, We took pause yesterday to sit in a place of thought and reflection. To hold space. To read. To listen. To try to feel deeply into the hurt and pain and anguish permeating through the Black community. We took pause to begin looking inward and questioning ourselves. Are we doing what we can as an organization to prevent future acts of violence and oppression? We firmly believe in freedom and equity for all citizens. Racism in all forms is unacceptable. Hard Stop. Police brutality and senseless murder of Black Americans is unacceptable. Hard Stop. The time of inaction has ended and we are committed to listening, learning, growing, and enacting change- within ourselves, our team, our greater community, and our children. For our SolBe community, it will always come back to the kids. How do we make a lasting intergenerational change? We have always held the belief that raising accepting, aligned, wholesome citizens of the world requires the implementation of the core values of Social Emotional Learning. Where would we be if all children grew into adults approaching differences from a place of empathy, acceptance and kindness? If we focus on curating learning environments where respect, compassion and friendship are a priority, could we begin to overcome prejudice, oppression and discrimination? This is our goal at SolBe. As such, over the next few weeks, I will be sharing a series of resources and activities to encourage growth and development for children in the aforementioned six areas of Social Emotional Learning . Empathy Respect Growth Mindset Kindness Acceptance Friendship There is much to do to mobilize and begin what I imagine will be a long healing process. I choose to believe that the most painful and trying circumstances have the potential to lead to lasting and meaningful change. I have faith that these tragedies have sparked the hope of possibility and will begin a fiery metamorphosis of old, tired, and ugly ways. Please reach out with ideas, thoughts, feelings, love, anger or resources (really anything that comes up for you that you would like to share). We are here to learn and grow and want to create space for meaningful dialogues. The SolBe Team
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