At Committee for Children, we believe that social-emotional learning (SEL) is fundamental to achieving social justice. We are dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), to becoming an anti-racist organization, and to building a more just and peaceful world where every child can thrive. This means creating a culture of continuous learning and improvement, where our people, programs, and supports reflect and address the needs of educators, the diverse communities we serve, and those we hope to serve. “This focus on DEI is essential to realizing our vision of a more just and peaceful world, one where every child can thrive. By sharing our journey, we hope to inspire you to join us in co-creating a better world for our children and our children’s children for generations to come.” Andrea Lovanhill, CEO, Committee for Children Messages from Our CEO Read Our Equity Statement We’re committed to building an anti-racist, equitable, and inclusive society that supports the positive development of every child. Download Now (PDF) Review Our Board of Directors’ Letter of Support Our board is fully aligned with doing the hard work to increase equity and social justice inside our organization as well as outside of it. Download Now (PDF) Learn More About Our DEI Strategy We’re committed to building an anti-racist organization that prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and a culture of belonging. Download Now (PDF) Read Our DEI Timeline From advocating for SEL and racial equity to ensuring cultural relevance and representation in our own materials, this timeline provides a snapshot of the progress we’ve made on our DEI journey. Download Now (PDF) Our People Committee for Children is filled with thought leaders, advocates, and connectors who work to foster inclusiveness and belonging and strive to further equity. DEI Blog Posts Written by Committee for Children Staff First Steps in an Educator’s Path Toward Allyship For Educators: A Note on Where to Begin For Educators: Starting in the Classroom For Educators: Making an Impact at School Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Committee for Children: Our Origin and History Learn about Committee for Children’s history and why championing child safety and well-being has been our mission since 1979. Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Pride CEO Andrea Lovanhill shares how her childhood in Kentucky helped pave the way to a career at Committee for Children, the pride she experiences as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, and her persisting commitment to the safety and well-being of all children. Our Staff’s Experiences "I feel proud to work for an organization that is so deeply committed to doing more than updating HR policies and releasing statements." Amy WalkerDirector, Strategic Partnerships “We’re taking an active role in understanding DEI and implementing it in our lives to better serve our clients and communities.” Harvey FoxTechnical Support Representative “Personal learning and reflection around DEI are important to better understand how to effectively support all children through our programs.” Tia KimVice President, Education, Research & Impact Our Programs We work to ensure our programs are culturally responsive, affirming, and accessible for every child. Second Step® Programs and Learning for Justice Alignment Chart A curated list of Learning for Justice lessons aligned to Second Step® Elementary and Second Step® Middle School. Read More Learn More About Our Second Step® Social-Emotional Learning Programs What Is Second Step®? Anti-Racism and Anti-Bias Resources Information for Families Our Communities We advocate for policies and practices that promote social justice and equity, and we will continue amplifying the voices and experiences of systemically marginalized people and communities. Policy and Advocacy Blog Posts Addressing Exclusionary Discipline Reform Why Trauma-Informed Approaches Help Advance Racial Equity Supporting Racial Equity with Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and SEL Policy Brief SEL and Racial Equity Take Action Be an Advocate Heritage Month Blog Posts Celebrating Arab American Heritage Month with Mariam Badr Celebrating Black History Month Black women leaders share stories about the Black educators who supported them as youths and empowered them to become the people they are today.View Full Series Pride in Being an AAPI Educator AAPI educators remember their proudest moments, share what they love about their identity, and talk about the importance of promoting AAPI representation in the classroom.View Full Series Celebrate Native American Educators: Patricia Whitefoot Educator Patricia Whitefoot of the Yakama Nation discusses how school communities can cultivate a welcoming culture for Native American and Native Alaskan students.View Full Series Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month Hispanic and Latinx American educators share their cultural pride and talk about how cultural representation in the classroom helps students gain a sense of belonging. Panel Discussion: Educators and Students Talk Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Watch Dr. Tia Kim speak with educators and students about the needs of their school communities and their thoughts on anti-racism advocacy and diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Future of Civic Engagement Is Social-Emotional Learning Explore the connection between social-emotional skills and civic responsibility and justice—and learn how civic engagement can help build authentic teacher-student relationships. Our Partners We collaborate with educators around the world to develop strategies that bring SEL into the fabric of education and help the world grow kinder. Global Impact We work closely with our international partners to meet the needs of different dynamics and definitions of diversity and inclusion around the globe. Learn More No Compasso das Emoções Positive Pieces—Second Step® Australia, Belmont State School Wise Edu Plus, China Our Resources Superhero Captain Compassion® Empowers Kids to Prevent Race-Based Bullying Our Captain Compassion campaign and comic series teaches kids and adults to use their upstander power, with guidance on how to recognize, report, and refuse bullying. The 2021 series focused on issues related to race. Sample comic panels include: The Back-to-School Blues Cyberbullying Upstanders Unite The Imagine Neighborhood™ Podcast Helps Kids (and Grown-Ups) Talk About Race and Equity This popular, award-winning SEL podcast uses stories and activities to tackle big feelings and issues. Episodes that help kids and parents understand and talk about racial identity and racism include: Food Fight! Blizzards and Wizards Anyone Can Play The Grow Kinder® Podcast Breaks Down Barriers and Amplifies Diverse Voices This first-of-its-kind SEL podcast features thought leaders talking about society’s most pressing challenges. The second season highlighted how SEL advances equity and social justice and helps bring people together. Listen to these favorites: Intent vs. Impact with Baionne Coleman Why Equity Starts with Educators with Dr. Mylien Duong What Does It Mean to Amplify Diverse Voices? The Winter Well-Being Campaign Helps Families Boost Resilience by Understanding Culture and Identity Our seasonal video series highlights ways families can manage stress and increase wellness. In these episodes from season two, psychologist and mom Dr. Tia Kim is joined by guests to explore the effects that culture, identity, and a sense of belonging can have on mental health: Understanding Culture and Mental Health Supporting Kids’ Sense of Self Additional Links Dr. Tia Kim Interview with ABC News
“This focus on DEI is essential to realizing our vision of a more just and peaceful world, one where every child can thrive. By sharing our journey, we hope to inspire you to join us in co-creating a better world for our children and our children’s children for generations to come.” Andrea Lovanhill, CEO, Committee for Children Messages from Our CEO