 | Today's students will live and work in a world and in communities that are much more inter-connected and diverse than the world where their parents grew up. Technology brings far-flung parts of the world close. Business, sciences, the arts, and education are increasingly collaborative, bringing together a variety of diverse viewpoints and perspectives.
Ensworth's programs are about preparing our students for the world beyond the classroom. Today's students will need a collection of tools to take with them to college and beyond - tools like the ability to listen, to synthesize information, to analyze and evaluate the sources and worth of information, to understand and appreciate differences among classmates, teachers, co-workers, and neighbors.
Learning and growing in an environment that nurtures curiosity, empathy, and understanding of others helps to prepare students for life beyond Ensworth, and diversity of backgrounds, religions, perspectives, and cultures adds to the richness of the educational experience.
The Ensworth Diversity Council serves and strengthens the Ensworth community by promoting high standards of educational quality and ethical behavior for all. The EDC seeks to address issues that encourage, support, and promote diversity. These issues include:
- researching and coordinating programs designed to enhance diversity, tolerance and multiculturalism
- acting as a community voice for all to encourage positive relationships and understanding of differences
- incorporating outside resources for support
- providing support and mentoring to families of color
Participation in the Diversity Council is open to all parents and faculty. See the calendar of meetings for 2010-2011 on this page.
Dr. Rich Milner, Ensworth's Scholar-in-Residence, worked with the Diversity Council and with faculty and students to increase our awareness of diversity issues and how to assure that the Ensworth community is welcoming and inclusive for all members of the community. Initiatives include the Middle and High School Diversity Leadership Training program and Project TALK in which high school student leaders are trained to lead and faciitate diversity-rich discussion. Through film, context-rich scenarios and other activities centering on empathy and kindness, students are challenged to talk about issues, share their experiences and think about ways to improve the school community.
Committee Opportunities
Community Outreach: Purposes:
- to become actively aware of and involved with “outreach” opportunities in the Nashville community
- to determine important community concerns
- to develop programs to support the local community and to address community concerns.
Communications Committee: Purposes:
- to provide recommendations to the School on ways to inform internal (Ensworth) and external (Nashville) communities about diversity-related activities, experiences, and achievements at Ensworth
- to suggest important diversity topics for discussion at the general Diversity Council Meetings
- to facilitate/craft discussions, activities, and experiences to ensure the engagement of important diversity topics.
Parental and Social Support Committee: Purposes:
- to develop activities and experiences to ensure that all families feel welcome at Ensworth,
- to provide opportunities for new families to meet and network with and among each other and existing Ensworth families,
- to communicate and collaborate with the Ensworth Parent Association to support parents and families.
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| | Diversity Council Meetings - 2010-2011
Nov. 9 - 6:30 p.m.
April 5 - 6:30 p.m.
*Locations on campus TBA
All Ensworth parents, faculty & staff are invited.
Contact Dr. Sarah Buchanan for additional information.
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"We encourage you to attend the meetings, join one of the committees, share your knowledge and experiences related to diversity, and help the school move forward in working to make Ensworth an even more inviting and welcoming place for all."
Sarah Buchanan, Associate Head
Rich Milner, Diversity Consultant
Promoting dialogue...
Celebrating differences...
Building community
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