RARE’s Year End Reflections – 2023
Dear RARE Supporters
Three and a half years ago, RARE started on a journey because of seeing George Floyd a Black man killed on national TV by a police officer.
Today we continue to travel on this journey towards achieving racial equity. RARE realizes that we can’t fix everything, but we strive to make a difference by addressing both the problems and their root causes. RARE seeks to gain a better understanding of the needs of communities and individuals.
Thanks for all that you have done to support RARE in the past, and hopefully you will continue to do so in the future. We cannot move forward on our journey without your support. For 2023, we are proud of our accomplishments and are even more excited about the future.
Support RARE
If you’re inclined to volunteer with RARE, please see our volunteer opportunity page or simply send us an email. Donations can be easily made (and often matched by employers), through our page. Meanwhile, please take a moment to reflect on and be proud of your connection to RARE. We view you as partners and are always happy to receive your suggestions and through our contact page, or by return email.
Media Outreach
The making of the documentary “RHS Beyond Black and White” has proved to be one of RARE’s major accomplishments. Since its original release in February 2022, it’s has been shown to over fifteen schools, ten organizations and over 3K individuals. It has been shown several times on PBS and was recently shown during the October Social Justice Film Festival.
ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL: BEYOND BLACK & WHITE
Going forward RARE plans to:
1) Introduce the Teachers’ Guides and Curriculum Guides to educators/parents after showing the documentary.
2) Continue to show the documentary in as many schools as possible. We will be working even closer with these schools and organizations, on ways for them to implement grassroot racial equity programs in their communities.
3) Participate in TAF Network for EdWork Convening conference on February 23rd & 24th.
Scholarship and Awards
In 2024 RARE will award its 7th and 8th, $5K James A. Davis Jr. scholarships, totaling $40K in three and half years. Thanks for your support.
RARE will also present the inaugural Forrest Ward Racial Equity Award in 2024
RARE has been collaborating with the Breakfast Group on piloting a Career Connection Learning Program (CCLP) at RHS, with plans for broader implementation.
This program introduces students to diverse careers, fostering meetings with professionals and envisioning future corporate visits and internships.
The goal is to introduce students to diverse types of careers and to give them an opportunity to meet and talk with individuals in the field. Long term, we hope to expand the CCLP to include visits to corporations, and to offer internships.
RARE is collaborating with the “Club Alpha” Mentorship Program. This program has been in existence in 5-6 Seattle schools for the last 7-8 years. It will be expanding to RHS and Nathan Hale in 2024.
All the programs listed above are in alignment with RHS plans and strategies. We continue to work with RHS in everything we do.
Open Discussions
Open Discussions (OD) is one of RARE’s hallmark programs. After taking a hiatus in 2022, we are back on track. In 2023 RARE conducted several inspiring and informative discussions, including:
“The State of Racial Equity in Seattle Public Schools”
“Mixed Race Students and Adults – Their Paths Traveled”
For 2024, we are looking to collaborate with other organizations i.e., SCPTSA, Courageous Conversations etc. to increase the awareness of critical issues, the number and diversity of the OD participants.
Connections
The purpose of Connections is to foster a welcoming and inclusive school culture where all students feel that they belong and are respected for their individuality. The program consists of workshops, meetups, and adventurous activities — inclusive experiences where students can learn and practice valuable life skills.
RARE and Urban League, one of the most respected civil rights organizations in the country, have collaborated on three pilots in the past two years. What have we learned? First, students told us that they are better able to connect with their school community. Second, students said they want more!
We are now exploring how to best expand Connections in 2024, focusing on Roosevelt and Garfield High Schools. We are reviewing research data, evaluating objectives and outcomes, and meeting with principals, staff, parents, and students. Please stay tuned for updates and Contact Us if you want to help or have ideas!
Restorative Practice
Restorative Practice (RP) is one of the biggest single programs of the Seattle Public Schools District. Learn more about Seattle Public Schools Restorative Practices Program and RARE Restorative Practice Committee.
Restorative Practice empowers students to resolve conflicts on their own and in small groups, and it’s a growing practice at schools around the country.
RP has the potential of changing the climate and culture in Seattle schools. It works toward people respecting themselves and others regardless of their differences.
RARE as a member of the Restorative Practice Community Coalition (RPCC), is supporting the SPSD.
RPCC aims to build a collaboration of people and organizations in the community to help them implement their own RP at the grassroots level. There are currently two elementary schools and four high schools including RHS, who are starting the work toward RP. It is a journey!!
In 2024 RARE will collaborate with the RHS-PTSA to initiate grassroots efforts, laying the foundation for the eventual implementation of RP school-wide.
RARE Organization
For RARE to achieve “racial equality,” it must continue to integrate equitable considerations into its policies, processes, procedures, practices, and decision-making model.
One important organizational change RARE will be making in 2024 is the addition of the Student Engagement Council (SEC) and the RARE Advisory Board (RAB)
The SEC will allow RARE to get input from students on current and future programs. Their perspective is important as we work to make sure RARE has a clear understanding of the challenges they face.
The establishment of the RAB will bring new talent, experience, and recognition to RARE. These individuals will be key to helping RARE to develop and implement its long-term strategic strategies.
Marketing
One of the challenges RARE has had since its inception has been the establishment of an effective social media program. We are now, well on our way to accomplishing our goal. This will greatly increase RARE’s viability and ability to communicate with our supporters.
Strategic Strategies
Going forward, RARE is looking to collaborate more with other organizations who are in alignment with RARE’s mission statement. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel when there is already a good model in place.
RARE is also looking to identify synergies between RARE’s own programs to improve their efficiency and effectiveness, i.e. Media Outreach and Restorative Practice.
On behalf of RARE, thank for your support of RARE and its journey. Have a safe and happy end to 2023, and a wonderful year in 2024!
Best Regards,
Joe Hunter Jr, RARE Chair
Michelle Hightower, RARE Vice Chair
