Creating inclusive learning opportunities is inherently a community effort. No one group or person can successfully assimilate the complexities of different cultures from around the world into a single, positive method for educating youth.
At United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, we see ourselves as conveners, knowing that the issues we seek to tackle, and the systemic change they require, necessitates a diverse group of problem solvers.
Early learning is vital to children, families and communities. But significant cultural barriers amplify the systemic racism that undergirds our education ecosystem and makes it more difficult for communities of color to succeed and thrive.
For more than two decades, our Hands On Greater Portland team has hosted numerous volunteer projects during Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend known as the MLK Weekend of Service.
A red, geometric pattern encircles the modern-looking, four-story podium building found in the Cully neighborhood of Northeast Portland. This pattern, emblazoned into slats of wood, represents friendship and comes from the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.
At United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, we value those who are closest to the crises. The knowledge and experience of those working within communities, especially in times of crisis, should be paramount. Their voices should be held in highest regard around the tables where decisions are made.
Summer is officially here after a long rainy season, but that doesn’t mean United Way of Columbia-Willamette’s Early Learning programs get to take a break!
For the first time in over two years, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette held an in-person staff lunch event to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. A small step to celebrate in the face of this unrelenting pandemic, yet significant in its own way.
Cultural relevancy is a term we use regularly at United Way of the Columbia-Willamette. But it can be hard to pin down a universal definition of the phrase, and difficult to understand the tangible effects of implementing cultural relevancy in community work.
Check out this informative comic from Sarah Mirk describing how necessary Pre-K education is and how our Early Learning Multnomah County's Parent Accountability Council championed the cause.
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