November 29, 2016
Hello Friends,
Looking back on the past year, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the amazing people who are part of the School Reform Initiative community. Working in schools is challenging, but each time I meet or talk with an SRI community member, I’m reminded that there are thousands of people who will do whatever it takes to serve students – and I am re-invigorated to do everything I can to support them! I am writing to ask for your help.
Once again, SRI is participating in #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving. Last year, more than 45,000 organizations came together to celebrate #GivingTuesday to inspire giving around the world, resulting in greater donations, volunteering, and activities that bring about real change in communities. This focus on giving allows SRI, and other nonprofit organizations, the opportunity to highlight the work we are doing and to encourage philanthropy during a season that often gets overrun by consumerism.
On this National Day of Giving, please consider a tax-deductible donation to SRI. While our support comes largely from foundation sources, the individual gifts from colleagues and friends who share our mission, and value the work of SRI, demonstrate that what we do matters to lots of people both in and out of schools.
As I reflect on the past year, I’d like to share five reasons I am proud to work for the School Reform Initiative.
- I’m proud that as a community, we are expected to have difficult conversations, including conversations about race and equity. Through SRI collaborative and reflective practices, we are committed to helping educators and communities build the capacity to stay in the most difficult equity-focused conversations – not just to understand inequities, but also to work to actively dismantle them.
- I’m proud of our annual Winter Meeting where all are welcome. Whether you are new to the work or very experienced, we make it possible for everyone to engage in challenging work as colleagues. Our conference doesn’t look like other conferences, and that uniqueness is a highlight of SRI. The 2017 Winter Meeting is just six weeks away and we have amazing experiences lined up for participants.
- I’m proud that we have a community that steps up to support one another. Because of the generosity of the SRI community, our Dream Big campaign has continued to raise funds for scholarships – and we have awarded over 60 scholarships for educators to attend Winter Meeting and other SRI learning events.
- I’m proud of the many volunteers who work diligently to both support and grow SRI. From our Board of Directors to the many people who volunteer their time as facilitators at Winter Meeting, to serve on committees and workgroups, to offer free learning opportunities for SRI affiliates, writing and sharing their work, and who work to support the learning of others in their schools and communities. The work of SRI is very broad and each and every SRI affiliate helps keep us growing and moving to support more students in schools across the world.
- I’m proud that we are working to transform schools for all students. Although challenging, ambitious, and complex with no single solution, we continue to strive to realize our mission.
Please consider a tax-deductible donation to SRI. Your contribution to SRI allows us to continue to support the work and conversations that make a difference in our schools and communities. Thank you for your ongoing support of SRI and for allowing me to be a part of this significant work we do together.
With gratitude,
Kari Thierer
SRI Executive Director
P.S. – Please consider a tax-deductible donation to SRI! We appreciate your continued support!
