Students have received a few emails about the Racial Climate Community Group,  or maybe even seen flyers around the school, but what really is the RCCG? The group’s mission statement reads: “Formerly known as the Racial Climate Task Force Community Group, RCCG is a group of parents, community members, LS students, and faculty working together to build community and school partnerships. We are committed to fostering a racial climate that supports a sense of belonging and promotes inclusiveness for all in the LS community.” Lori Hodin, the L-S Safe School Initiative Coordinator, leads the RCCG alongside Wellness teacher Ashley Gomes, two parent representatives, and five student representatives. The RCCG focuses on bringing together not just students, but people all throughout the community.

Formerly known as the Racial Climate Task Force, the group changed their name this year while implementing new strategies, and Ms. Hodin has high aspirations for the group’s place in the school. “We’ve been working together for 4 years about community engagement, talking about the racial climate, and trying to build up partnerships between parents, community members, students, faculty members, administrators, so that we can have an open dialogue and form a place that’s safe to discuss racial climate”, Hodin says of the group’s goals. This year, the RCCG has shifted to monthly in-person meetings, differing from the previous model of Zoom calls, although there is a hybrid option for those unable to attend in-person.

There are many engaging opportunities the Racial Climate Community Group offers. For example, in prior years, the RCCG screened the film I’m Not Racist… Am I? for all 9th and 10th grade students at L-S. After the screening, trained staff and community members facilitated meaningful discussion and reflection amongst student viewers. The documentary features ten diverse students from New York, and follows each as they explore their identities in regards to race, ethnicity, gender, and religion, humanizing the impact of racism on students of color. The film was a tremendous community partnership in and out of school, as additional discussion opportunities were available for both students and community members. 

The group kicked off their first meeting of the year in October, attracting twenty nine student, parent, faculty, and community member attendees. Principal Andrew Stephens was in attendance as well, and Ms. Hodin deemed the gathering “very successful.” The meeting featured lively conversation, plenty of delicious food, and incredible student panelists. “The student panel was really impressive and what I really appreciated about the panel was that students were very honest and vulnerable about talking about their experiences,” Ms. Hodin reflects. The meeting ended with attendees writing down takeaways, learnings, and hopes for the year, notes which were compiled into an inspiring collage and vision board for the year. 

For anyone looking to get involved with the group, email [email protected] to join their mailing list. Please join them at their upcoming December meeting for food and discussion, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the group with any questions!