A Petition for the Harriet Tubman Young Women’s Leadership Academy in Portland, OR

(N.A.H.) reader and fellow social justice worker Jessica G. sent me this message about an important issue that is taking place in her neighborhood. I’m passing this along in hopes that anyone who is willing & able can help in their own ways.

“I know you got a lot going on, but I would love if you could give this some attention because I truly believe it’s very much in-sync with the mission of your work. I was hoping you could use your ability to reach an audience and get the word out about this school being closed down. It’s an all girls school that serves primarily low-income, and people of color. It gives girls/teens access to science, math, engineer, college intro etc classes, and is going to be shut down due to low numbers and the school district trying to balance its budget. Our city just recently eliminated the ability to transfer to other schools in other neighborhoods so now all of these kids have to try to get into another school with little time, and minimal access to anything equally beneficial. “

Read about it here:

http://theskanner.com/article/Tubman-Humboldt-Families-Fighting-for-Their-Schools-2012-04-13

http://portlandobserver.com/?p=11916

Here’s is the petition:

https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions#!/petition/help-bring-gender-and-racial-equity-keeping-harriet-tubman-leadership-academy-young-women-portland/4nnHjxgJ

http://www.pps.k12.or.us/depts/communications/docs/YWLA-Consolidation-Advisory.pdf

“Really appreciate you checking into this and doing anything you can.”

Tags: current-events education environment politics

— Aspiring Humanitarian, Relando Thompkins, MSW

Relando Thompkins is a social justice worker interested in conflict resolution, improving intergroup relations, and using peace as non-violent action. Through service, conflict resolution through non-violent communication, and social action, he works to build more equitable and inclusive communities and to increase intercultural understanding. Relando also maintains a weblog entitled "Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian" where he writes about issues of diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice. By exploring social identities through written word, film & video, and other forms of media, He hopes to continue to expand and enrich conversations about social issues that face our society, and to find ways to take social action while encouraging others to do so as well in their own ways.