USSN: Speaking Up

“Whatever career you may choose for yourself — doctor, lawyer, teacher — let me propose an avocation to be pursued along with it. . . Commit yourself to the noble struggle for human rights. You will make a greater person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.”
-- Martin Luther King Jr.

In Novato, where we have spent much effort over the last half dozen years looking at ways to create a more inclusive community, King’s civil and human rights legacy touches many of us deeply. As we consider how we can incorporate Dr. King’s dream of equity in our own lives and the lives of our children, we can know that we have done much, but have more to do.

Last June, Novato’s school board adopted six supplemental diversity materials. These materials, though varied in their scope and focus, all share a similar intent — creating safer, more respectful and more inclusive schools. Though the approval of the diversity materials was a significant and positive direction for Novato, their adoption hasn’t guaranteed their use.

With the 2003-04 school year now half over, we at United for Safe Schools Novato (www.unitedsafe.com), hope that our schools will continue to avail themselves of the materials currently being used, and make a greater effort to use the ones which are either underutilized or not being used at all.

In addition, we support our school district’s continued efforts to address any student groups which are underachieving. The needs of all student populations must be addressed with understanding and action.

Being respectful, and inclusive to all, requires on-going education and awareness. Acceptance, understanding and compassion for our differences can be challenging. Oftentimes awareness of our own behavior, or of the behavior of those around us, is uncomfortable. But sometimes, it may only when we leave our ‘comfort zone’, that can we successfully confront our own prejudices and unhealthy biases.

Novato (and the rest of our county), has an educational opportunity before us which can further our acceptance and understanding of one another. The “No More Scapegoats! and Anne Frank Exhibit” is a multimedia educational exhibit which explores stereotyping and discrimination by connecting the life and times of Anne Frank with the need to confront racism and intolerance today.

Opening in Novato on March 1st, and running through June, the program challenges students and adults to explore their personal attitudes and promote human rights in their own schools and communities. The exhibit also offers docent and other volunteer opportunities for students to get more involved. Anne Frank was a young girl of 13 when she began her diary — a reminder of how very important it is to encourage and give opportunity to the positive power of the voices of our youth.

The exhibit is co-sponsored by the Marin YMCA, City of Novato Multicultural Commission and The Osher Marin Jewish Community Center. For more information on the exhibit, scheduling field trips and docent opportunities, contact the YMCA at 459-9622.

Let’s work together each and every day, on opening up our hearts and minds, educating ourselves, our students and our community so that we can continue to move closer toward Martin Luther King’s dream; indeed, it is the only way that his dream will be realized.

Lynne Wasley and Annan Paterson are co-founders of United for Safe Schools Novato (USSN). They both received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award. Both have children in the Novato Unified School District.


	“Whatever career you may choose for yourself — doctor, lawyer, teacher — let me propose an avocation to be pursued along with it. . . Commit yourself to the noble struggle for human rights. You will make a greater person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.” -- Martin Luther King Jr. In Novato, where we have spent much effort over the last half dozen years looking at ways to create a more inclusive community, King’s civil and human rights legacy touches many of us deeply. As we consider how we can incorporate Dr. King’s dream of equity in our own lives and the lives of our children, we can know that we have done much, but have more to do. Last June, Novato’s school board adopted six supplemental diversity materials. These materials, though varied in their scope and focus, all share a similar intent — creating safer, more respectful and more inclusive schools. Though the approval of the diversity materials was a significant and positive direction for Novato, their adoption hasn’t guaranteed their use. With the 2003-04 school year now half over, we at United for Safe Schools Novato (www.unitedsafe.com), hope that our schools will continue to avail themselves of the materials currently being used, and make a greater effort to use the ones which are either underutilized or not being used at all. In addition, we support our school district’s continued efforts to address any student groups which are underachieving. The needs of all student populations must be addressed with understanding and action. Being respectful, and inclusive to all, requires on-going education and awareness. Acceptance, understanding and compassion for our differences can be challenging. Oftentimes awareness of our own behavior, or of the behavior of those around us, is uncomfortable. But sometimes, it may only when we leave our ‘comfort zone’, that can we successfully confront our own prejudices and unhealthy biases. Novato (and the rest of our county), has an educational opportunity before us which can further our acceptance and understanding of one another. The “No More Scapegoats! and Anne Frank Exhibit” is a multimedia educational exhibit which explores stereotyping and discrimination by connecting the life and times of Anne Frank with the need to confront racism and intolerance today. Opening in Novato on March 1st, and running through June, the program challenges students and adults to explore their personal attitudes and promote human rights in their own schools and communities. The exhibit also offers docent and other volunteer opportunities for students to get more involved. Anne Frank was a young girl of 13 when she began her diary — a reminder of how very important it is to encourage and give opportunity to the positive power of the voices of our youth. The exhibit is co-sponsored by the Marin YMCA, City of Novato Multicultural Commission and The Osher Marin Jewish Community Center. For more information on the exhibit, scheduling field trips and docent opportunities, contact the YMCA at 459-9622. Let’s work together each and every day, on opening up our hearts and minds, educating ourselves, our students and our community so that we can continue to move closer toward Martin Luther King’s dream; indeed, it is the only way that his dream will be realized. Lynne Wasley and Annan Paterson are co-founders of United for Safe Schools Novato (USSN). They both received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award. Both have children in the Novato Unified School District.
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