Our BIPOC Equity Affinity Group was established in 2018 as a community of staff dedicated to building connections, sharing experiences and fostering equity within NWRESD. We hold monthly meetings throughout the school year for NWRESD staff and our component school district staff who identify as a person of color.

The group, led by staff of color, is dedicated to cultivating connection and validation in a supportive and engaging space that reflects the diverse needs and interests of our members. It is a community that provides safety, honor and authenticity of one’s true self, and awareness of shared history and lived experiences.

Themes of monthly meetings include:

  • Community Care and Well-Being (e.g. peer-checkins, group activities, wellness strategies)
  • Mental Health and Self-Care (e.g., mindfulness exercises, stress management tips, mental health resources, health benefits)
  • NWRESD Updates and Policies (e.g., equity policy changes, wellness initiatives, antiracism efforts, equity learning opportunities)
  • Racial Politics and Systemic Barriers (e.g., discussions on colorism, historical inequities, racial representation in leadership)
  • Cultural Heritage and Celebration (e.g. heritage month events, cultural histories & storytelling)
  • Systemic Barriers (e.g., school-to-prison pipeline, redlining, access to educational resources)
  • Advocacy and Action on Equity Issues (e.g., organizing for policy change, creating action plans, allyship strategies)
  • Joy and Resilience (e.g. sharing success stories, resilience workshops, gratitude practices)
  • Leadership and Professional Growth (e.g., mentorship opportunities, navigating leadership as a person of color, skill-building workshops)
  • Current Events and Social Justice (e.g. discussions on policy changes, protests, equity in education, legislative issues, local advocacy work)
  • Identity and Intersectionality (e.g., exploring overlapping identities, discussing experiences of LGBTQ+ BIPOC staff, religious diversity)
  • Creative Expression and Healing (e.g., art therapy, writing workshops, music as a tool for resilience)

Northwest CAFE Summit

  • Date: 05/29/2024 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM  
  • Location: 801 NE 34th Ave
    Hillsboro, Oregon 97124

Get ready for the ultimate Spring CAFE meet-up! It's all about giving our most impacted and impactful students the floor to share their school experiences with educators of all levels. From cultural groups to equity-focused clubs, these students have got the inside scoop on what really works in terms of teaching methods, curriculums, students & family supports, and policies. It's a chance for us to soak in their diverse perspectives and learn from their success stories and their challenges. By putting their voices front and center, we're not just shaping the 2024-25 school year, but also setting the tone for future CAFE gatherings and the content we share with educators everywhere.

We're teaming up with K-12 students to change the game of educational equity in NW Oregon. NWRESD will bring together a rockstar squad of local educators to spend an entire day engaging with student equity leaders. Together, they'll have us flexing some mental muscle and bringing the heat to tackle challenges and create solutions.

While we've talked a ton in CAFE about policies and practices over four action-packed years, we've missed a vital piece: the students! How can we improve their educational lives without hearing their voices first? So, we're amped up to make sure our partner districts and the Education Service District hear straight from the students themselves. We will open doors for change and let their voices ring loud and clear!

Held at Wingspan - 801 NE 34th Ave, Hillsboro

Register for Northwest CAFE Summit.

Note: The link above will take you to an event platform called PDNetworks. You will need to create an account before you can register. 

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