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Hi Reader,

Yesterday I met with an old friend to talk about how we might collaborate in local anti-racism efforts.

He asked me how I was doing, with a sincere look that showed he really wanted to know. (I really needed someone to ask me.)

We talked about what's keeping each of us grounded right now. He talked about reading the words of our elders in movements for justice, and how it reminds him that none of the crises we are facing right now are new.

I thought about the courage of young people who aren't afraid to speak the truth, even when speaking up endangers them or when things seem hopeless.

Who am I to say this work it too hard to do when there are so many people, young and old, who've undertaken that work in times that were even more desperate that right now?

I share these thoughts with you not to lay on guilt if you're feeling stuck or scared right now. Instead, I hope you will feel encouraged that whatever you are doing to resist, there are many more who came before you and will come after you who are doing the same.

You are not alone.

With love,

Rebekah

​New blog post: 4 inspiring youth-led justice movements​

One of my pet peeves is when adults only talk about children being "the future" for humanity. We should value and can learn from children and youth right now, while they are young, not just later when they're adults.

I share stories often about young people who are justice seekers and peacemakers because kids need examples of people they can relate to. In my latest blog post, I share:

• A powerful and effective campaign by high school students to get book bans reversed in their district.
• Youth-led water protection projects, racial justice marches, and immigrant rights campaigns where young people took great risks and refuse to give up in the face of temporary defeat.
• Children's books you can use (both picture books and chapter books) to explore each of these areas of youth action.
• Videos of young activists from these movements speaking for themselves about their work.

A workshop to build your family's activism skills

​Save 20% on "what can I do about racism?" for the next two weeks​

"What can I do about racism?" is an honest, kid-friendly conversation about taking action against racism for children to take with a trusted adult. In this self-paced online workshop, kids ages 7 – 12, along with a parent or caregiver:

• use art, movement, and storytelling to understand what systemic racism is and why it’s a problem.
• learn about other kids and families who are challenging racism in their communities.
• complete an action project of their choice that helps them stand up against racism.
• learn how to harness their unique superpowers to challenge racism in everyday life.

​Learn more about "what can I do about racism?" or enroll for 20% off (sale ends March 26)​

​Educators, you can also save 20% on a parallel workshop on how to teach elementary age children about systemic racism. ​

Make this Ramadan a true celebration for Ameera's children

If you've been part of our community for a while, you've heard me talk about Ameera Skaik, a mother in Nothern Gaza who has been struggling to survive. At the end of 2024, the home next to Ameera's was bombed, making their home uninhabitable. The family had to flee with only a change of clothes.

When the ceasefire was declared, so many of us were hopeful that things would begin to change in Gaza. Unfortunately, much of the promised aid did not arrive, and now Israel has once again cut off aid to Gaza, along with cutting electrical power this week.

Ameera is still struggling to obtain the family's daily food. She also hopes to offer the children some simple gifts like new clothes and special treats like chocolates to mark the holy monthly of Ramadan and the Eid-al-Fitr celebration at the month's end.

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Her children Mansour and Rafif have not celebrated the way they used to in 2 years (see pictures above), and 2-year-old Mahmoud has never experienced Ramadan the way his family once marked this precious time.

Would you join me in donating to Ameera's GoFundMe so that her children can have the holiday they deserve? A gift of any size (even $5 or $10 helps) also helps them meet their basic needs for daily food and water.

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