Some of the programs listed below focus primarily on racism; others address a number of "isms."
All can contribute to anti-oppression multicultural education.
Anti-Bias Curriculum: Tools for Empowering Young Children by Louise Derman-Sparks and the A.B.C. Task Force. Focused on working with 2 ½-5 year-olds, this resource contains some theory, rationale, teacher/parent tips, and session plans. Available from National Association for the Education of Young Children, 1509 16th St., NW, Washington, DC 20006-1426. Telephone 202-232-8777 or 800-424-2460.
http://www.naeyc.org/
Roots and Wings: Affirming Culture in Early Childhood Programs, and Developing Roots & Wings Trainer's Guide by Stacey York. Establishes a context with good introductory material for the leader or parent and presents many specific activities for young children in classroom or other group settings. Published by Redleaf Press, a division of Resources for Child Caring, 450 North Syndicate, Suite 5, St. Paul, MN 55104. Telephone 800-423-8309.
http://www.redleafpress.org/
All Together Now! A guide to educational activities and resources on diversity designed to help young children participate fully in the exciting challenge of living in a multicultural society. The activities weave diversity into art, science, literature, music, drama, and nature. A publication of the Leadership Conference Education Fund, 1629 K Street. NW, Washington, DC 20006.
http://www.civilrights.org/
That's Not Fair! A Teacher's Guide to Activism with Young Children by Ann Pelo and Fran Davidson. An anti-bias curriculum that offers the skills children need to learn for survival and emotional health in their roles as activists in accepting differences, collaborating with others, paying attention to other people's feelings/ideas/needs, speaking out about fairness and unfairness, and taking responsibility for solving problems. Published by Red Leaf Press (2000), 450 North Syndicate, St. Paul, MN 55104. http://www.redleafpress.org/
Celebrating Our Diversity by Marti Abbott and Betty Jane Polk. Provides creative activities and critical-thinking questions to accompany multicultural literature. Helps children in grades K-2 discover the differences which make us unique and the similarities which bind us together. Available from Fearon Teacher Aids, PO Box 280, Carthage, IL 62321.
Rainbow Children: A Racial Justice and Diversity Program for Ages 5-8 by Norma Poinsett and Vivian Burns. A 12-session curriculum that affirms diversity and introduces racial justice issues in age-appropriate ways. Available from the UUA Bookstore, 25 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02108. Telephone 800-215-9076.
http://www.uua.org/bookstore/index.php
Start Seeing Diversity: The Basic Guide to an Anti-Bias Classroom by Ellen Wolpert for the Committee for Boston Public Housing. A basic guide to developing an anti-bias approach, this book/video set introduces teachers and other adults to bias as it emerges in the early childhood classroom, and it helps to establish a framework to respond effectively. Published by Redleaf Press (1999), 450 North Syndicate, Suite 5, St. Paul, MN 55104. Telephone 800-423-8309.
http://www.redleafpress.org/
Teaching Young Children in Violent Times: Building a Peaceable Classroom by Diane E. Levin. A violence prevention and conflict resolution guide for preschool-grade 3. Includes chapters on affirming diversity. From Educators for Social Responsibility, 23 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138. Telephone: 617-492-1764.
http://www.esrnational.org/
Words Can Hurt You: Beginning a Program of Anti-bias Education by Barbara J. Thomson. Forty-nine hands-on activities for preschool through grade 3 to be infused into existing curricula. Published by Pearson Learning Group (1992), Parsippany, N.J. 07054.
http://www.pearsonlearning.com/
Celebrating Diversity: Building Self-Esteem in Today's Multicultural Classrooms by Frank Siccone. A resource designed to build self-esteem in students and encourage them to appreciate cultural diversity. Contains over 75 multicultural activities. Published by Allyn and Bacon, 75 Arlington St., Suite 300, Boston, MA 02116.
Beyond Heroes and Holidays: A Practical Guide to K-12 Anti-Racist, Multicultural Education and Staff Development, edited by Enid Lee, Deborah Menkart, and Margo Okazawa-Rey. Offers lessons and readings that show how to analyze the roots of racism; investigate the impact of racism on all our lives; examine the relationship between racism and other forms of oppression such as sexism, classism, and heterosexism; and learn to work to dismantle racism in our communities and the wider society. Published by Network of Educators on the Americas (1998), PO Box 73038, Washington, DC 20036. Telephone 800-763-9131.
http://www.teachingforchange.org/
Open Minds to Equality: a Sourcebook of Learning Activities to Promote Race, Sex, Class, and Age Equity by Nancy Schniedewind and Ellen Davidson. Some good background material and many session plans addressing many of the isms for use with grades 4-8. Published by: Prentice-Hall, Inc.; Englewood Cliffs, N.J. 07632.
Building Cultural Bridges [Leader's Guide and Student Book] by Joby Robinson and Robert Bowman [Tod Ewing, Janice Hanna, and Ana Lopez-De Fede]. A curriculum designed to address diversity within school or community organizations by helping students and staff to become more skillful in positively relating to others whom they might perceive as "different" by exploring multicultural concepts and strategies and practicing cross-cultural communication and conflict resolution skills. Published by National Educational Service (revised 1999), 304 West Kirkwood Avenue, Suite 2, Bloomington, IN 47404. Telephone 800-733-6786.
http://www.nes.org/Public/index.asp
Celebrating Racial Diversity by Kathleen McGinnis. An adaptable curriculum for older children and teenagers, this new resource presents multiculturalism as both affirming differences and fighting injustice. Includes lessons on seven justice heroes from different cultures. Published by Institute for Peace and Justice, 4144 Lindell Blvd. #124, St. Louis, MO 63108. Telephone: (314) 918-2630.
http://www.ipj-ppj.org/
Educating for a Just Society by Kathleen McGinnis. For grades 7-12, this program addresses a number of justice issues including conflict resolution, ageism, ableism, sexism, racism, poverty, and multiculturalism. Good background material and many lesson plans. Available from the Institute for Peace and Justice, 4144 Lindell Blvd. #124, St. Louis, MO 63108. Telephone: (314) 918-2630.
http://www.ipj-ppj.org/
Growing Together: A Guide for Building Inspired, Diverse, and Productive Youth Communities by Greg Gale. An indispensable resource for youth coordinators, teachers, religious leaders, and community members who want an easily transferable and adaptable approach to creating dynamic, diverse, and productive communities. Available from the UUA Bookstore, 25 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02108. Tel: 800-215-9076.
http://www.uua.org/bookstore/index.php
Race to Justice: A Racial Justice and Diversity Program for Junior High by José Ballester and Robin Gray. A 12-session curriculum for UU junior high youth that celebrates diversity and addresses individual, cultural, and institutional racism in age-appropriate ways. Available from the UUA Bookstore, 25 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02108. Tel: 800-215-9076.
http://www.uua.org/bookstore/index.php
What Do You Stand For? A Kid's Guide to Building Character by Barbara Lewis. Activities, stories, quotations, and dilemmas to help children and teens explore and practice honesty, kindness, empathy, integrity, tolerance, respect, and more. Check It Out Sections point the way toward character-building organizations, web sites, videos, audios, and books. Available from Free Spirit Publishing, 217 Fifth Avenue North, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55401. Telephone 800-735-7323.
http://www.freespirit.com/
Resistance in Paradise: Rethinking 100 Years of U.S. Involvement in the Caribbean and the Pacific by American Friends Service Committee and Office of Curriculum Support, School District of Philadelphia. Engages participants in the history and impact of American rule in the Pacific and the Caribbean, showing the very real connections of history then to history now. Available from Teaching for Change Catalog, Telephone 800-763-9131.
http://www.teachingforchange.org/
Gender Justice: Women's Rights Are Human Rights by Liz Fisher & Linda Gray. This six-session study/action program is a timely, accessible, and comprehensive resource to bring the empowerment and equality message of the Beijing Conference into everyday lives of women and girls. Available from Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (1997), 130 Prospect Street, Cambridge, MA 02139-1845. Telephone 617-868-6600. http://www.uusc.org/
Hate Hurts: How Children Learn and Unlearn Prejudice by Carly Stern-LaRosa and Ellen Hofheimer Bettman. This is the Anti-Defamation League's definitive handbook for adults and children on confronting and conquering bias and encouraging appreciation for our differences. A guide for any person responsible for children of all ages, this book offers practical tips, sound advice, and role-playing for difficult situations. Published by Scholastic Inc., New York, NY.
http://www.scholastic.com/
How Open the Door? Afro-Americans' Experience in Unitarian Universalism by Mark Morrison-Reed. This eight-session adult curriculum gives participants an opportunity to explore the history of race and UUism, as well as their own experiences and perspectives. Includes an award-winning video, audio tapes, and leaders' guide. This program, published in 1989 by the UUA, is OUT OF PRINT, and is therefore not available for purchase. However, many congregations and districts have copies, and there is a copy available for loan from the Curriculum Office in Lifespan Faith Development of the UUA. Telephone 617-948-4371.
Journey Toward Wholeness: From Racial and Cultural Diversity to Anti-Oppression and Anti-Racist Multiculturalism by Anita Farber-Robertson and Leon Spencer, from the work of the UUA Board's Racial and Cultural Diversity Task Force. Recommendations, the current initiative, and a collection of new resources and tools to help congregations develop an antiracist identity and become more racially and culturally diverse. (UUA, 1996) Available from the UUA Bookstore, 25 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02108. Telephone 800-215-9076. http://www.uua.org/bookstore/index.php
Weaving the Fabric of Diversity: An Anti-bias Program for Adults by Jacqui James and Judith Frediani. (UUA, 1996.) This eight-session, highly participatory program engages people in examining their own experiences, beliefs, and values related to racism, ableism, heterosexism, ageism, and classism. Participants work together toward the goal of increasing the diversity of their congregation. Available from the UUA Bookstore, 25 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02108. Telephone 800-215-9076.
http://www.uua.org/bookstore/index.php
The Welcoming Congregation: Resources for Affirming Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and/or Transgender Persons, edited by Scott Alexander, Keith Kron, and Meg Riley. This resource contains 14 workshops and many other resources for congregations to create their own process for becoming more inclusive and affirming of diversity in sexual orientation and identity. Published by the UUA (2nd edition, 1999); available from UUA Bookstore, 25 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02108. Telephone 800-215-9076.
http://www.uua.org/bookstore/index.php
Books
Celebrate! An Anti-Bias Guide to Enjoying Holidays in Early Childhood Programs by Julie Bisson. Provides tools for families, religious educators, and UU congregations to celebrate in respectful, creative, and anti-bias ways. (St. Paul, MN: Red Leaf Press, 1997)
Educating for Human Dignity: Learning About Rights and Responsibilities, by Betty Reardon. A K-12 teaching resource. Comprehensive guidance, support materials and resource lists for human rights education programs. (Philadelphia: University of PA Press, 1995)
Multicultural Religious Education, edited by Barbara Wilkerson. Supports the reality of multiculturalism in religious education through a Christian perspective. (Birmingham, AL: Religious Education Press, 1997)
Multicultural Teaching (fifth edition) by Pamela L. Tiedt & Iris M. Tiedt. A handbook of activities, information, and resources. (Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1999)
Together and Equal: Fostering Cooperative Play and Promoting Gender Equity in Early Childhood Programs, by Carol Schlank and Barbara Metzger. This handbook is a treasure of ideas, examples, activities, and resources to promote gender equity and cooperation. (Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1997)
What Are You? Voices of Mixed-Race Young People by Pearl Fuyo Gaskins. In-depth interviews with 80 mixed-race young people. In their own words they address issues such as dating, family life, prejudice from white and minority groups, and identity struggles. At the same time, they celebrate the unique hope and possibility that come from living life in multicolors and multicultures. (New York: Henry Holt and Company, Inc., 1999)
Additional Print Resources
Children's Book Press
Multicultural books and audiocassettes for children, including folktales and contemporary stories.
246 First Street, Suite 820, Oakland, CA 94105; 415-995-2200.
http://www.cbookpress.org/
Witness for Justice
A weekly e-mail list and column that appears in many community newspapers nationwide. Articles are also online.
UCC Commission for Racial Justice, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44145-1110; 216-736-3704.
http://www.witnessforjustice.org
MAVIN
A quarterly print magazine dedicated to the celebration of the mixed race and transracial experience in America.
MAVIN Foundation, 600 First Avenue, Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98104; 206 622 710; 1.888.77MAVIN.
http://www.mavin.net/
Multicultural Folktales, Story Collections, and Storytelling Resources
Libraries Unlimited (A Division of Greenwood Publishing Group), 88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881; 1-800-225-5800.
http://www.lu.com/
Teaching for Change
A catalog of multicultural education resources
Network of Educators on the Americas, P.O. Box 73038, Washington, DC 20056-3038; 202-238-2379.
http://www.teachingforchange.org/
Multimedia Resources
Multicultural Kids
A website of books, videos, arts and crafts, music, dolls, and educational resources, as well as resources on related subjects such as self-esteem, adoption, and differently-abled kids. P.O. Box 575, Palatine, IL 60078-0757; orders 800-711-2321.
http://www.multiculturalkids.com/
Roots & Wings Educational Catalog
P.O. Box 3348, Boulder, CO 80307; 800-833-1787.
http://catalog.rootsandwingsbooks.com
Syracuse Cultural Workers Catalog: Tools for Change
This educational and cultural organization works to help sustain a culture that honors diversity and celebrates community; that inspires and nurtures justice, equality, and freedom.
P.O. Box 6367, Syracuse, NY 13217; 315-474-1132.
http://catalog.rootsandwingsbooks.com
Women's Educational Media
This national organization produces documentary films and videos that offer a perspective on economic and social justice to inspire diverse audiences to put their values into action. Videos include It's Elementary: Talking About Gay Issues in School and That's a Family! Resource for Kids on Family Diversity.
http:// www.womedia.org/
Organizations - Information and Advocacy
Cross Cultural Communication Centre
965 Bloor Street, W. Toronto, Ontario M6H 1L7, CANADA; 416-530-4117
Cultural Connections
P.O. Box 1582, Alameda, CA 94541; 510-538-8237
Diversity Resource Center
Resources include Talking to Our Children About Racism and Diversity, a brochure that helps parents and children talk together about racism, prejudice, and diversity, and All Together Now, a diversity curriculum for teachers of young children.
1629 K Street, NW, 10th fl, Washington, D.C. 20006.
www.civilrights.org
Early Childhood Equity Alliance
Bilingual educational organization that nurtures and connects people engaged in racial and social justice education and action with and for young children, families, and communities.
1403 34th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122; 206-324-4744.
www.RootsForChange.net
Educators for Social Responsibility
Catalog and resources for children, youth and adults
23 Garden St., Cambridge, MA 02138; 1-800-370-2515.
www.esrnational.org
Information Center on Children's Cultures
US Committee for UNICEF, 331 E. 38th Street, New York, NY 10016; 212-686-5522.
www.unicef.org
Oyate
Anti-Indian Biases Resource Center & Clearinghouse
Workshops, resource library, and resource materials by and about Native peoples for children and adults.
2702 Matthews Street, Berkeley, CA 94702; 510-848-6700.
http://www.oyate.org
Teaching Tolerance
National education project dedicated to helping teachers foster equity, respect, and understanding in the classroom and beyond. Publishes a semi-annual magazine.
Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104.
http://www.teachingforchange.org/
World of Difference
Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith
Provides workshops, videos and materials to help parents raise non-biased, non-prejudiced children, focusing on developing positive inter-group relations.
823 United National Plaza, New York, NY 10017; 212-490-2525.
http://www.adl.org/awod/awod_institute.asp
Information:
info@uua.org