Leading with Encouragement - Not Fear

Over the past few weeks, every conversation (too many to count) I have had with folks seeking my help (either kids themselves or their adults) has included references to intimidation, fear-mongering, or just plain old shitty (disrespectful) attitudes and behaviors. None of these tactics are about helping - they are all a form of control to retain the status quo.

When educational professionals resort to a fear-based, pigeon-holing approach - as their go-to tool - not only do they create an intolerable environment for kids - but within that, they also lose their students' curiosity, creativity, desire to learn, and respect.

Each individual's narrative represents nothing short of trauma. When each of these instances is combined through a young person's schooling years, is it any wonder we have kids who are anxious, rebellious, depressed, apathetic, have no real sense of who they are, what they like, or where they are going, and absolutely hate learning?

As I see it, in the most simplistic terms possible, education should encourage and support young people to become the best possible version of themselves, while helping them realize their goals, and prepare them to live in society as responsible, thoughtful citizens.

Kindness and encouragement support growth - intimidation and pressure literally shut it down. We can do better for them and for us.

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DRC News

Check out DRC's Printify Shop and find new tote bag designs - requested by one of our board members. https://deep-root-center.printify.me/products

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The long-awaited solar eclipse is coming up on April 8th this year, and considering we are located directly in the path of totality, one of the other Liberated Learners Centers - from Boston (possibly others) hopes to take a road trip to view it here. We are excited to host other self-directed learners and show them around our beautiful and beloved NoCo. We will keep you updated on the planning.

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Both Centers had a short week due to the inclement weather. The Massena Center had drama around a heavily loaded bookshelf collapsing - therefore those book loving Peeps spent time rescuing their reading material and are represented by three photos of their bookshelves in this week's photo montage.