Decency, Empathy, Integrity

The vicious attacks on DEI over the past months have increased exponentially over the last two weeks. Protecting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has become a full-blown battle based solely on misinformation, lies, and propaganda.

I reiterate this is not politics - through the calculated use of deception, propagandists (oligarchs) sow hate, division, fear, and agitation. The despicable misogynistic, homophobic, racist, and ableist narrative they spin is that women, LGBTQ, black and brown, and disabled folks are incompetent and lazy and are taking up the places meant for their audience in society.

They are intentionally using the poor, ignorant (manipulated), and disenfranchised to do the heavy lifting and dirty work behind their smear campaign against equity.  

What most don't understand is that DEI is specifically designed to promote fair and beneficial treatment for everyone - not just "the other" - those who are underrepresented, or discriminated against.

I would like to believe that even though the Oligarchs may strip away DEI, Civil Rights, ADA, or other legal protective programs; they will not erase the concepts of common decency, empathy, and integrity. 

Unfortunately, our systems promote unregulated competition and greed instead of embracing the concept of equity and human connectedness, which is why so many heroes have fought long and hard for these needed protections - in the first place. 

Nonetheless, we can model compassion, honesty, and ethics and promote diversity while calling out the many levels of propaganda and misinformation in our everyday encounters.

As I stated in last week's piece, our children are watching and learning. They will notice and remember when they see decency, empathy, and integrity in action.

This is just one more reason why DRC's below-stated policy will always stand:

Deep Root Center will not discriminate based on ethnicity, gender or gender identity, sexual preference, income level, religious affiliation, disability, or any other factors that make you and your child awesomely unique individuals.

To say it more simply -Everyone is welcome and celebrated at Deep Root Center as a beautifully unique individual. Our policy of radical inclusion gives us the freedom to accept, support, respect, and trust every young person on their learning journey. Because - diversity is our strength.

*Note - Yes, I recognize how ridiculous it is that we have to state explicitly that our policy of inclusion is radical.  But - here we are!

DRC News

The Canton Crew had a snow day on Tuesday - but made up for it with lots of action the remaining three days.

We also have a request - we are looking for x-country ski boots US sizes adult - 5, 6, 7, & 8. We will happily take any old boots you have laying around as long as they are functional. Right now we have a limited selection of either small or large boots.

We have some kiddos who are excited about learning to ski and would like to get them some boots that actually fit.

The Pop-Ups Peeps had a great time this week at the Massena and Norwood Public Libraries this week.

Next week they will be at the Nicandri Nature Center on Wednesday and the Massena Library on Thursday. All Homeschool families in the NoCo are welcome.

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As the NoCo dusts off another layer of snow, your friends at DRC are sending out summer vibes as we begin planning our second annual Craft Fair/Family Fun event Saturday, Aug. 9th at the Norwood Village Park. Vendors can find the link to the registration form here:
https://omella.com/ysvjs  

Save the date! We hope to see you there!

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In other fundraising news - we are holding our scratch ticket raffle again this year with the drawing on St. Patrick's Day.  The winner takes $100 worth of Lotto Tickets. (18 and up to participate).  You can purchase your tickets from any DRC family or online. When you complete the online form we will fill out the raffle tickets for you and send you a photo of the completed tickets. https://omella.com/qsptc

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Catch our Early Bird Special for this year's Summer Program!

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Thanks for taking the time to read this very long edition of DRC News. I have one final request this week - We are looking for someone with a plow truck to quickly do a couple of swipes to remove the big banks at the end of our driveway after big(ish) snow events. (Maybe if you are going by anyway.)

We have a snow blower to clear the rest of the driveway - but it doesn't get done until after folks are already there.  Which means I have to park on the side of the road and shovel it when I get there at 7:15. Thanks to DRC parent, VK, for shoveling it out this Thursday. She totally saved me and my shoulder! Please let us know if you can help with this. Thank you!