Innovating

Even though we can’t gather as a team we are continuing our pre-tour learning through a book study. Ensuring we continue enriching the lives of young people. We’re really loving how our book study is going, so much so, that we have added book studies as part of how we engage in learning about untold history. We’ve already begun thinking of the next book: Angelou Ezeilo’s book, Engage, Connect, Protect: Empowering Diverse Youth as Environmental Leaders.

Every Sunday, for the last four weeks, we’ve been getting together for a book study. The book we’re studying/reading now is Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You. Released in March 2020, it’s a collaboration of award winning author Jason Reynolds and Dr. Ibram X. Kendi. Reynold’s book is an adaptation of Kendi’s book Stamped from the Beginning. The book is for teens and young adults and serves to start a conversation among them about race and racism in America. Reynolds says,

“I think that we have a rare opportunity to give the historical context of how we made it here today. This is the definitive history of race in America from the 1400s to today. It isn’t about how to fix it per se. It’s just about contextualizing why it is the way it is.”

Do you have any books you’d recommend? Email your suggestions to ride

A Commitment To Do No Harm

Restorative practices has helped us intentionally build strong relationships and build community with our youth ensuring that we have the space to have open conversations where we can all learn from each other and grow.

Itza and Educational Designer, Michelle, are both trained in Restorative Practices which helps us ensure the children’s needs are met and we stay open to conversation.

Getting Back On The Road

After over two months of “hanging out” indoors the youth let us know they can’t wait to get back on the road. We can’t wait either so we’re quickly updating and adding new protocols to make that happen and ensure we minimize risks. I spoke to one parent and we discussed any concerns she had. After the conversation we developed a prototype practice ride and implemented a new protocol that allowed for one to one riding. Next we’ll meet with all parents to present our changes and hear them address any additional concerns. Ultimately, helping us create a comprehensive set of policies that will allow us to continue moving forward with training.