Community Engagement

I was reading an article in the August 9, 2011, issue of the Christian Century by Amy Frykholm entitled, "Reform That Works". It is a story about how we need to become engaged in education reform to allow future generations to be successful. One line in the article that caught me by Stanford professor Linda Darling-Hammond was that "America's education system borders on being an apartheid system in which the children of the wealthy enjoy the latest equipment and a rich curriculum and are put on the track to college while only one in ten low-income students goes to college and a higher percentage see the inside of a prison."

Wow, talk about pulling me up short. It is true, however, that my High School aged children are growing up in a very affluent part of the country and are surrounded by opportunity. Not far away (less than 10 miles) are children that struggle with poverty and English-as-a-Second-Language and a host of related issues. My children have every opportunity to succeed - the others, far fewer opportunities. It makes me wonder where the justice is, and what I am called to do about this issue? Because it is a form of apartheid - and I'm currently implicit in its existence. My health, wellness and wholeness, along with my community's are challenged and lessened by this issue.

I found it interesting that two groups are working with faith communities to change the scenario. They are engaging faith communities and the broader community in changing how education is delivered and how relationships are fostered. The first is "Faith for Change" (www.faithforchange.org) which enlists the ecumenical support of members of faith communities to positively impact the education and lives of pre-K through High School aged children. They do this without the imperative to impose religious doctrine or to evangelize. Their Mission Statement says it all, "The Faith for Change team and its supporters are people of faith who believe in putting our faith in action to help young people realize their full potential through education and empowerment. We work to implement strategies that change the life trajectory of at-risk youth through education." The second group is the "Coalition for Community Schools" (www.communityschools.org). Currently, about 5% of all schools have adopted some or all of the Coalition's ideas. There is some federal money available for this initiative, and I would highlight this as an important outreach from faith communities.

At the beginning of a new school year, I encourage you to think more broadly about education and social justice. I implore you to check out the sites listed here and to use the information that you find in a discernment within your faith community. Finally, if we at Possibilities Journey, Inc (www.possjrny.org) can be of service, we'd love to partner with you. Watch our website for information on what we are doing on this important issue.

Peace and grace,
Dan