Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity

The National SEED Project partners with communities, organizations, and schools to train leaders who facilitate their peers in conversational communities to drive personal, organizational, and societal change toward social justice. SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) seminars, facilitated by formally trained SEED leaders, are what make SEED such an effective force for personal growth and institutional transformation. During SEED seminars, participants explore our own (formal and informal) education in relation to race, gender identity, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual identity, ability, and age, and how these factors currently impact our community, organization, or institution. We talk about differences and similarities between our lived experiences and the experiences of others, and we consider how wider social and academic ideas balance with our experiences and ideas. We examine how we are all shaped by social systems and recognize how our identities shape systemic impact and our responses to it. Finally, SEED participants develop next steps: now that we know better, we can do better, both individually and collectively, to create a more equitable environment for all. 

Each year, Shady Hill offers one SEED group for employees of the school, and another SEED group for parents/caregivers at the school. Each group meets once a month for a couple of hours (with occasional “homework” assignments between meetings). Signing up for SEED is a commitment to yourself, your own personal and professional growth, and the individuals and institutions you live, work, and play with. If you are an adult member of the Shady Hill community, keep an eye out for SEED sign-ups in the fall newsletters from the school. It is an experience well worth the time. 

Our next steps for SEED include formalizing a facilitator training calendar to ensure that SEED seminars can continue to be accessible to committed Shady Hill community members.

Back to Equity and Inclusion