May Newsletter: Nothing & Everything Matters
Greetings Community,
In a moment of frustration and overwhelm the other day, I was strangely comforted by something my colleague said: Nothing and everything matters. "Nothing and everything matters" to me encapsulates the paradoxical nature of this moment where significance seems both amplified and diminished simultaneously. While our individual actions may feel inconsequential or overwhelming in isolation, I trust we are collectively contributing to a larger reality that supports and loves children.
Here are some highlights and learnings we’ve curated for this month’s newsletter:
Freedom Schools Campaign Updates and Gratitudes
Estelita’s Library X WA-BLOC book drive partnership
Blog Feature: What Madrona elementary students have taught me about circle
WA-BLOC in Chicago: Staff Retreat!
Community and Educational Resources
We've raised $5,400 and there's still time to GIVEBIG!
We are so grateful for all of you who have participated in this year’s Give BIG event and our Freedom Schools Campaign. Thanks to your generosity we are more than 50% of the way to our $10,000 goal! And guess what? There is still time to donate! Give BIG will continue through the rest of May and so will our match opportunity with the Seattle Rotary Service Foundation! Every donation brings us closer to a fully funded program for more than 60 youth in our community and 10 college-aged students.
Did you know that you can also support our campaign by purchasing school supplies and/or books for this summer's programming? Click and order directly from our wishlist or drop off donations at our office (5609 46th Ave S Unit B Seattle WA 98118).
Estelita's Library x WA-BLOC Book Drive for Freedom Schools!
We have exciting news! The one and only Estelita's Library (a beautiful justice-focused library and bookstore, community center, and organizing hub in Seattle) is collaborating with us on a Freedom Schools book drive. If you've ever wanted to help us supply books for our Freedom Schools scholars, this is your moment! Here's what to do:
Visit tinyurl.com/FSBookDrive
Order any of the books from this list to donate to our Freedom Schools Program
That's it! All of the books that you purchase for donation will automatically be sent to our office.
By donating directly through this wish list you will be putting books in the hands of our scholars AND financially supporting Estelita's! Thank you to Edwin and the rest of the Estelita's fam for your partnership, it's a dream to be able to do this work alongside y'all.
We'll be running this drive until Friday, June 14!
School Partner Spotlight:
What Madrona Elementary Students Have Taught Me About Circle
Yesterday I sat in my last student circle of the school year. Me and a group of fifth graders I’ve been holding circles with all year sat in my tiny office, around a centerpiece of various snacks and trinkets. We all laughed as they made a concoction of pickle slices wrapped in fruit roll-ups, drenched in fresh lemon juice, and topped with Tajin (apparently it’s a TikTok trend? And apparently it's pretty good!?). Between giggles and crunchy bites of pickles, we passed around the talking piece one last time to share reflections on our circles this year.
Watch the video of student reflections about circle
Someone shared how they felt this group was a warm place where they could express their emotions, someone said they appreciated a place to talk through their problems together, another mentioned they felt they could be more honest here, and talk about things truly going on at school. I shared how I want school to feel more like these circles felt; more free, more honest, more able to hold tensions when they arise and trust that we will come back together again. We came a long way in these circles, and I want to take a moment to reflect on what I’m leaving with- what all the wisdom and brilliance of these 5th graders, and all the kids I got to be in community with this year taught me.
Oh! Chicago: Our Spring Staff Retreat
Last month, thanks to a capacity building grant from Inatai Foundation, our entire staff had the opportunity to travel to Chicago for our Spring Staff retreat. Since we provide year-round, school-based programming, it’s not often we have a chance to rest, reflect, play, and learn together. Why Chicago? Not only does one of our beloved staff have deep roots in Chicago, but we also wanted to learn from several incredible organizations that are doing transformative, systems change work in their communities outside of Seattle.
Partner Events & Resources
Upcoming Braided Seeds and their partner family events include:
June 2: StoryTime with Mermaid Storie with Families of Color Seattle at Seahurst Park
June 8: National Get Outdoors Day Family Hike with Trailhead Connect
September 28: Schurman Rock Bouldering at Camp Long
Well-Resourced Schools SPS Community Meetings (RSVP for May and June)
