Equity and Diversity
Join us on a path towards understanding and dismantling racial and ethnic biases. Together, we build an inclusive and compassionate community.
What We Do
At Readiness To Learn, we're committed to creating an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected and heard. Recognizing the importance of diversity in all its forms — be it racial, cultural, socioeconomic or educational — we actively work to level the playing field for every member of our community. Our goal is to bridge gaps, foster understanding and promote equity so that all families have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
Pamoja Place
Pamoja Place is committed to fostering a sense of belonging and resilience for BIPOC individuals on Whidbey Island. Through various programs to empower youth and connect community members, we seek to create safe spaces that promote joy, safety and liberation.
At Pamoja Place, the needs and aspirations of the BIPOC community are at the core of all we do.
Readiness To Learn is proud to be the fiscal sponsor of Pamoja Place.
An Investment in Our Community
Advocate for more inclusive practices.
Foster relationships that uplift and educate.
Host workshops for community members interested in racial justice.
Offer support to educators in creating equitable classrooms.
Build community among BIPOC folks.
Inform for diverse, equitable and inclusionary practices in all Readiness To Learn programming.
Our Commitment to Equity and Diversity
Readiness To Learn has a history of promoting an inclusive and equitable community. Our past actions reflect our investment in a healthy, vibrant South Whidbey.
Real Actions Create Equity (R.A.C.E.)
What is R.A.C.E.?
Watch our introductory video What is R.A.C.E? and subscribe to our YouTube channel, which includes interviews with our Equity, Inclusion & Diversity Awards recipients.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Awards
The R.A.C.E. Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Awards recognize South Whidbey school leaders and teachers who have made a difference in how children understand equity, history and racism.
The 2020 R.A.C.E. Champions
Jennifer Gandarias
Sarah Gillett
Susie Richards
Laura Spear
Michael Swenson
Debra Davies Vogel
Their individual efforts and commitment create the nurturing, anti-racist community and education that our students deserve.
Past Events
Early Childhood Educators’ Book Gifts
Family Fun Day Book Giveaway, sponsored by Goosefoot Community Fund - see reading list HERE.
Educators’ Forum on Race & Equity
Ethnic Hair Care Workshop
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Mikah Macarro Scholarship Fund
Mikah Ashwut Temet Macarro, a 2019 South Whidbey graduate, lost his life in February of 2021 at the young age of 19. As a 5th generation Norwegian on Whidbey Island, as well as having an immigrant grandfather from the Philippines and a Mexican grandmother, Mikah embodied cultural diversity.
The Mikah Macarro Scholarship Fund was created in Mikah’s honor. This scholarship opportunity is granted to graduating seniors who demonstrate a strong sense of equity and diversity through their community service activities. Your donation will help create a more just and equitable future. The Macarro family and the entire South Whidbey community are deeply grateful for your support.
To make a donation by check, please make your check payable to Readiness To Learn, write “Mikah Scholarship” on the memo line, and mail to: Readiness To Learn, PO Box 280, Langley, WA 98260.
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The Beloved Community Challenge
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Beloved Community is a global vision in which all people can share in the wealth of the earth. In the Beloved Community, poverty, hunger and homelessness will not be tolerated because international standards of human rights and decency will not allow it. Racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood.
The Beloved Community Challenge is a 6-week, community-wide event. Each week, we present a different ‘challenge’ in the truest sense of the word, asking each of us to take action in ways that compel us to seek the truth about our own racial and ethnic biases and deepen our understanding of systemic inequity.
Testimonials
Words of Appreciation for the R.A.C.E. Program
“Thank you so much for hosting such a useful and enjoyable training. Please keep me posted about upcoming events.”
-Laura Berkley Boram
“Thank you! Today was so fun...the crafts, the kids, the decorating. The circle time was most enjoyable ❤.”
-From an adult chaperone, when students came to decorate for Holiday House, and we opened with a circle.
Thank you all SO MUCH for your presentation yesterday! Our staff was grateful — and some great ideas were discussed at the end of our meeting. Super excited about this partnership!”
-Susie R
Past R.A.C.E Newsletters
Need Support or Want to Get Involved?
Email (race@readinesstolearn.org) or call 360-221-6808 ext. 4321
All are welcome here!