#Inclusive quality education for all

[noisycowboyglitter]

Tee – Uniting Hands for Love: A Powerful Symbol of Togetherness

The humble tee shirt becomes a powerful symbol of unity and compassion in the "Tee - Uniting Hands for Love" concept. This initiative transforms a simple garment into a canvas for human connection, bringing people together across divides to celebrate love in all its forms.

Buy now:19.95$

Imagine a tee adorned with an array of diverse hands, each unique in size, shape, and color, intertwining to form a heart. This design serves as a visual metaphor for the beauty of our differences coming together in harmony. The tee becomes more than just clothing; it's a wearable statement of inclusivity and acceptance.

Participants in this movement don these specially designed shirts, creating a ripple effect of positivity wherever they go. The tee sparks conversations, breaks down barriers, and encourages others to join in the celebration of universal love. It becomes a catalyst for community events, fundraisers, and social media campaigns, all centered around the theme of unity.

Buy now

The "Tee - Uniting Hands for Love" concept also extends beyond fashion. It inspires art projects, murals, and digital content, all featuring the iconic hand-heart motif. Schools adopt the symbol for anti-bullying programs, while corporations incorporate it into diversity initiatives.

This simple tee shirt evolves into a global emblem of hope, reminding us that when we join hands - literally and figuratively - we can create a world overflowing with love and understanding.

Buy now

Support, education, and awareness form a powerful triad in addressing social issues and fostering positive change. This interconnected approach begins with raising awareness, shining a light on often overlooked problems or misunderstood topics. Through various channels - media campaigns, community events, and digital platforms - information reaches a wider audience, sparking interest and concern.

Education follows, providing in-depth knowledge and context. It equips individuals with facts, statistics, and historical background, enabling them to understand the complexities of the issue at hand. This informed perspective cultivates empathy and motivates action.

Buy now

Support completes the circle, offering practical assistance, resources, and encouragement to those affected by the issue and those working to address it. This can take many forms, from financial aid and counseling services to volunteer programs and advocacy groups.

Together, these elements create a comprehensive strategy for tackling challenges, promoting understanding, and driving meaningful progress. By combining awareness, education, and support, communities can unite to effect lasting change and build a more informed, compassionate society.

[harmonyhealinghub]

Teachers on Strike in Saskatchewan: Advocating for Quality Education

Shaina Tranquilino

January 21, 2024

Teachers play a vital role in shaping the future of our society, nurturing young minds, and imparting knowledge. However, when educational systems fail to meet their needs and demands, teachers are left with no choice but to take a stand. Recently, educators across Saskatchewan have decided to go on strike, aiming to improve the quality of education for both students and teachers alike. In this blog post, we will delve into the reasons behind this strike and how it may impact education in Saskatchewan.

1. The Struggle for Fair Compensation: One of the primary concerns that led teachers in Saskatchewan to take this decisive step is fair compensation. Over the years, educators have witnessed stagnant wages and inadequate funding from the government, resulting in salary discrepancies and financial difficulties. This situation has not only demoralized teachers but also hindered attracting new talent into the profession.

2. Class Size and Support Staff Ratios: Another significant issue faced by teachers is large class sizes and understaffed schools. With limited resources and increasing student enrollment, educators find it challenging to provide individual attention and support to each student. Adequate staff ratios are crucial for creating an optimal learning environment where students' needs can be effectively met.

3. Insufficient Resources: The lack of necessary teaching materials, textbooks, technology tools, and other essential resources significantly impacts both teaching quality and student performance. Teachers recognize that without proper resources at their disposal, it becomes increasingly difficult to deliver engaging lessons or cater to diverse learning styles adequately.

4. Increased Workload: Teaching goes beyond classroom hours; it involves lesson planning, grading assignments, attending professional development sessions, parent-teacher meetings—the list goes on. The mounting workload often leaves teachers overwhelmed and compromises their ability to provide personalized instruction or engage in self-improvement initiatives.

Implications of the Teacher Strike:

While teacher strikes inevitably disrupt regular school routines, they also serve as a powerful means of drawing attention to critical issues and fostering discussion about necessary improvements. By standing up for their rights and advocating for quality education, teachers hope to create long-term benefits that go beyond their own immediate concerns.

1. Government Response: The strike has forced the government to address these pressing issues and engage in negotiations with the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation (STF). The outcome of these discussions will determine whether teachers' demands are met or if further action needs to be taken.

2. Student Impact: Undoubtedly, students are at the heart of this struggle. While strikes may disrupt academic schedules temporarily, it is essential to remember that teachers are fighting for better educational opportunities for their students. A fair resolution would ultimately benefit both educators and learners alike.

3. Public Awareness: Teacher strikes generate public awareness regarding the challenges faced by educators on a daily basis. This increased understanding can lead to greater support from parents, communities, and policymakers who recognize the crucial role teachers play in society.

Teachers in Saskatchewan have embarked on a strike to highlight persistent issues within the education system, including fair compensation, class sizes, resource shortages, and excessive workloads. By taking this stand, they demand an equitable environment where quality education can flourish. As we navigate through this period of disruption, it is crucial for all stakeholders involved to prioritize meaningful dialogue and find solutions that pave the way for a brighter future for both teachers and students in Saskatchewan.

[greenthestral]

Unlocking the Power of Quality Education: Goal 4 for a Brighter Future

Education is the key that unlocks the doors of opportunity, enabling individuals to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society. Recognizing the importance of education, the United Nations set forth Goal 4 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Quality Education. This ambitious goal aims to ensure inclusive and equitable education for all, promoting lifelong learning opportunities that empower individuals and foster sustainable development. In this article, we delve into the significance of Goal 4 and explore how quality education can transform lives and shape a brighter future for our world.

Understanding Goal 4: Quality Education

In today's world, access to quality education is not a luxury but a fundamental right. Goal 4 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognizes this and places great emphasis on providing quality education to all individuals, irrespective of their gender, socioeconomic background, or geographical location. The goal aims to eliminate disparities in education, promote equal access, and enhance learning outcomes for everyone. By prioritizing quality education, societies can bridge the gaps in knowledge, skills, and opportunities, leading to more inclusive and prosperous communities.

Education is the cornerstone of personal and societal development. It equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to lead fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Quality education goes beyond the mere transmission of information; it nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. It empowers individuals to question the status quo, seek innovative solutions, and actively participate in shaping their own destinies.

Unfortunately, numerous barriers prevent millions of people worldwide from accessing quality education. Gender discrimination, poverty, lack of infrastructure, and armed conflicts are some of the significant challenges that hinder equal access to education. Goal 4 aims to address these disparities and ensure that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to receive a quality education.

Gender equality is a key focus of Goal 4. Historically, girls and women have faced significant barriers in accessing education, perpetuating gender inequalities in many societies. By promoting equal access to education for girls and women, societies can break the cycle of discrimination and empower women to play active roles in their communities. Educated women are more likely to delay marriage, have fewer children, and contribute to the workforce, leading to economic growth and social progress.

Socioeconomic factors also play a crucial role in determining educational opportunities. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds often face limited resources, inadequate facilities, and a lack of qualified teachers. Goal 4 seeks to eliminate these disparities by advocating for inclusive education systems that provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of their socioeconomic status. It emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to support vulnerable populations, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Geographical location is another significant factor that affects access to quality education. In remote and underserved areas, limited infrastructure, distance, and a lack of resources create significant barriers to education. Goal 4 aims to bridge this gap by leveraging technology and innovative solutions to reach marginalized communities. By embracing digital learning platforms, online resources, and interactive tools, education can transcend physical boundaries and provide learning opportunities to those who would otherwise be left behind.

Enhancing learning outcomes is a core objective of Goal 4. It emphasizes the need for high-quality teaching and learning environments that foster student engagement, creativity, and critical thinking. Achieving this requires investing in teacher training and professional development, ensuring that educators have the skills and knowledge to deliver effective instruction. By empowering teachers and providing them with the necessary support and resources, educational outcomes can be improved, leading to better learning experiences for students.

Collaboration and partnerships are essential for the successful implementation of Goal 4. Governments, civil society organizations, educators, parents, and the private sector must work together to mobilize resources, share best practices, and drive systemic change. Collaboration can help in identifying innovative approaches, scaling up successful interventions, and advocating for policy reforms that prioritize education.

Goal 4: Quality Education is a vital component of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. It recognizes the transformative power of education in creating inclusive and prosperous societies. By eliminating disparities in education, promoting equal access, and enhancing learning outcomes, Goal 4 aims to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to receive a quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. Achieving this goal requires collective efforts, innovative solutions, and a steadfast commitment to making education a fundamental right for all. By prioritizing quality education, we can unlock the potential of individuals, bridge gaps in knowledge and skills, and build a brighter future for generations to come.

The Transformative Power of Quality Education

Quality education is not merely about acquiring knowledge; it is about empowering individuals to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and active participants in shaping their own destinies. When education is of high quality, it equips individuals with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of the world, fostering creativity, innovation, and resilience.

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

One of the most significant impacts of quality education is its ability to break the cycle of poverty. Education equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to secure gainful employment, enabling them to escape the clutches of poverty and build better lives for themselves and their families. By investing in education, societies can create a ripple effect that uplifts entire communities, as educated individuals contribute to economic growth and social development.

Empowering Women and Girls

Quality education plays a crucial role in promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls. When girls have equal access to education, they are more likely to delay marriage, have fewer children, and contribute to the workforce. Educated women are better equipped to make informed decisions, participate in civic life, and challenge societal norms, leading to more inclusive and progressive societies.

Addressing Challenges to Achieve Goal 4

While the vision of Goal 4 is inspiring, numerous challenges must be addressed to ensure its successful implementation.

Access and Equity

Ensuring equal access to quality education remains a pressing challenge, particularly in marginalized communities and conflict-affected regions. Barriers such as poverty, gender-based discrimination, and lack of infrastructure hinder educational opportunities for millions of children worldwide. To achieve Goal 4, governments and stakeholders must prioritize targeted interventions that address these disparities and provide inclusive and equitable access to education.

Teacher Training and Capacity Building

Teachers are at the heart of quality education. Investing in their professional development and ensuring their well-being is vital for achieving Goal 4. Adequate training, support, and resources must be provided to educators to enhance their instructional practices, promote inclusive classrooms, and foster lifelong learning among students.

 Innovation and Technology in Education

In the digital era, leveraging innovation and technology can play a transformative role in education. Access to digital tools, online resources, and interactive learning platforms can enhance the quality and reach of education, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Embracing technology-enabled learning methods can open new doors for students, promoting engagement, personalized learning, and the development of essential digital skills.

Collaborative Efforts and Partnerships

Achieving Goal 4 requires a collective effort involving governments, civil society organizations, educators, parents, and the private sector. Collaboration and partnerships are crucial for mobilizing resources, sharing best practices, and driving systemic change. By working together, stakeholders can foster an enabling environment for quality education, leveraging the expertise and resources of various actors to make education more accessible, relevant, and impactful.

Conclusion

Goal 4: Quality Education is a beacon of hope for a brighter future. By ensuring inclusive and equitable education, we can empower individuals, uplift communities, and pave the way for sustainable development. It is imperative for governments, organizations, and individuals alike to prioritize investments in education, address disparities, and embrace innovative approaches. By unlocking the power of quality education, we can create a world where every person has the opportunity to thrive and contribute their unique talents for the betterment of humanity. Together, let us build a future where education is a right, not a privilege.

[codthefishgod]

To all the people who think aspec people aren't LGBTQIA+ because we aren't "discriminated against enough", here's a lovely list of reasons why you need to educate yourself:

- We suffer from dehumanisation, people actively devaluing or even erasing our humanity because of our identities (The voidpunk community is heavily supported by aspec people because of this)

- We suffer from self hatred due to feeling as if and being told we are broken, that no one can be happy unless they're in a romantic/sexual relationship, because of allonormativity and amatonormativity that actively damages our mental health

- Amatonormativity shapes laws that put us at an active disadvantage, such as giving married people financial and legal benefits

- Aspec people have been victims of conversion therapy, correctional rape, a lower quality of life, and other effects of being a marginalised and oppressed group

- We suffer from our identities being pathologised and deal with medical stigma because of this, causing many of us to feel unwelcome in and even avoid health care settings

- We suffer from our identities being erased, which can range from people completely denying our existence and people equating it to celibacy, to an almost complete absence of aspec representation in the media (It's been getting better lately, especially for alloaces and aroaces, but I have yet to ever see a canon aroallo character, and representation for those on the spectrum rather than in the extremes is often ignored)

- YOU are creating a hateful, exclusionary space in a community meant to be about inclusion. The same thing that happens to us happens to bisexual people, to polyamorous people, and other identities that are "disputed." In a community meant to be about rejecting the norm, YOU are shoving us out because we don't fit the norm of being LGBTQIA+. Because we're not enough like you.

These are only a few examples of aphobia that people like me deal with. Discrimination and oppression against aspec people stretches far beyond this.

But even if it didn't, it is disrespectful and harmful to everyone involved to gatekeep membership in the community based on oppression and discrimination.

We aren't LGBTQIA+ because we experience oppression. We are LGBTQIA+ because our existence alone goes against heteronormativity and other societal norms forced upon us.

[odinsblog]

Lynda Carter, the original Wonder Woman actor, denounced her sister’s campaign for a competitive seat in the Arizona House, telling Mother Jones on Friday that she wouldn’t support her for any elected position.

The actor’s statement was included as part of Mother Jones’ exposé on her sister, Pamela Carter, the far-right Republican running to represent part of Maricopa County in the Arizona House of Representatives.

“On her website, Pam claims to have her ‘family’s full support,’” Lynda Carter told Mother Jones. “I have known Pam my entire life, which is why I sadly cannot endorse her for this or any public office.”

Pamela Carter did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for comment. Her platform includes being opposed to same-sex marriage, abortion in nearly all cases and transgender inclusion in sports. She supports arming teachers.

Lynda Carter, a vocal supporter of reproductive rights, also offered her support to the Democrats running against her sister in Arizona’s Legislative District 4.

“As a native Arizonan, I am proud to endorse Kelli Butler and Karen Gresham to represent LD4 in Arizona’s State House,” she told Mother Jones. “Kelli and Karen are both strong, experienced candidates, born and raised in Arizona. They are working mothers fighting for the rights that matter most to Arizonans, especially every child’s right to a quality education.”

(continue reading)

[djuvlipen]

Hey

I know there are many, many things happening in the world right now and there is only so much time, energy and money people can invest in social justice but with the advance of fascism in Europe - 84 fascists from 12 different countries were elected to the European Parliament this year - and with the news of a 15yo Romani teenager dying during a police confrontation in England last week, I have compiled a list of different human rights organizations dedicated to helping Romani people in Europe.

Please donate if you can!

💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️

🇪🇺 Roma Education Fund

The Roma Education Fund (REF) is an international foundation established in 2005 and dedicated to closing the gap in educational outcomes between Roma and non-Roma. With an active and growing network of representative offices across Central, Eastern, South Eastern Europe and Turkey, REF provides grants and scholarships to entities and individuals who share its belief in quality, inclusive education and desegregated schools and classrooms. The Roma Education Fund is active in countries such as: Hungary, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Albania, Croatia, North Macedonia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Russia.

🇪🇺 European Roma Grassroots Organization (ERGO)

ERGO Network mobilizes and connects grassroots, national and international organisations and individuals who share a set of core values to create the courage, capacity and  opportunities to combat antigypsyism and Roma poverty; strengthen Roma civil society participation in decision-making at grassroots, national and European level and commit governments and European institutions to effective social inclusion and anti-discrimination policies, standards and funds for Roma.

🇪🇺 European Roma Rights Center (ERRC)

The ERRC is the largest transnational Romani rights organization in Europe. They provide judicial and financial help to Romani people facing poverty, police brutality and racist violence all across Europe

🇷🇴 Resource Center for Roma Communities Foundation (RCRC)

The operational activity of RCRC includes training programs, consultancy and comprehensive community development in Roma communities. The grantmaking activity of RCRC has involved managing grants and scholarship programs, including the administration of the European Union’s and EAA grants programs focused on health, vocational training, small infrastructure and income generating activities.

🇨🇿 Cesta Von

Cesta von (This Way Out) organization is based in Slovakia. Their Omama program works with the very youngest Romani children in particular. Their aim is a big and important one – extricating the inhabitants of the segregated settlements from the vicious circle of intergenerational poverty. The program targets the development of the intellect, motor skills and social skills in an attempt to increase the chances of children from socially excluded localities at living better adult lives. One of the main conditions for choosing the Omamas is that they must be Romani women who know the excluded locality well (source).

🇪🇸 La Fundación Secretariado Gitano (FSG)

The FSG develops all kinds of actions that contribute to achieving the full citizenship of Roma persons, improving their living conditions, promoting equal treatment and preventing all forms of discrimination, as well as promoting the recognition of the cultural identity of the Roma community.

🇪🇸 La Asociación Nacional Presencia Gitana

Presencia Gitana is dedicated to confronting and correcting negative opinions about Spanish Romani people. They promote all kinds of initiatives and projects to ensure that Spanish Romani people's basic needs and fundamental rights are met and guaranteed, work to promoting Romani culture and advocate for the providing of historical reparation for Spanish Romani people.

🇫🇷 ANGVC

The ANGVC (association nationale gens du voyage citoyens) is a French Romani-led organization whose goal is to fight anti-Romani racism and to improve the living conditions of French Romani people and travellers. They provide judicial help to Romani people victims of environmental racism and police brutality, organize workshops to raise awareness about anti-Romani racism and are now leading a project dedicated to educate people about the Romani genocide, which still hasn't been recognized by France.

🇬🇧 Roma Support Group

The Roma Support Group offers free advice for Roma communities on financial inclusion, debt, welfare benefits and housing. They promote Romani arts and culture, fight for the improvement of mental health within the Romani community and helps Romani people victims of racism.

🇬🇧 Romano Lav

Romano Lav is a grassroots Roma community organisation based in Govanhill, Glasgow. They organize youth-led events including artistic and cultural performances, workshops, exhibitions and educational events.

🇬🇧 Luton Roma Trust

The Luton Roma Trust provides advice to British Romani people about housing, employment and education, helps them find jobs and accessing healthcare.

💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️

[bfpnola]

Abolition For Beginners (2023 Edition)

In honor of Tyre Nichols and all others we have lost to policing and imprisonment. In honor of Black History Month. In honor of Better Future Program's mission to educate and serve marginalized youth globally... Let's break down abolition, again. (As usual on Tumblr, tap for better quality.)

Better Future Program's Linktr.ee | Donate | Liberation Library | Open Leadership Positions | Staff Application | Discord Server

Image description below. Written by @reaux07. Proofread by the volunteers and supporters of @bfpnola.

Image Description:

[ID: All of the following slides use a wrinkled, black fabric as their background with black text (bolded red added for emphasis) on top of white boxes with rounded corners. “@bfpnola” is written in the top right corner and the sources for the slide are in the bottom left corner. 

Title Slide (No. 1):

Written in red text, “UPDATED FROM 2021 EDITION.” The outlines of the word “ABOLITION” is written line by line 8 times in light grey with the year “2023” written on top in bold, white lettering. Below, written in red within a white bubble and red arrow, it reads “FOR BEGINNERS*.” Across from the bubble, “@BFPNOLA” is in red. Below, in red again, the asterisk mentioned before leads to the following note: “This post is heavily text-based so if you do not learn best by reading, feel free to utilize our Abolition Study Guide in our bio under "Social Justice Resources" instead!” Lastly, white stars and outlines of grey circles can be seen in each corner of the slide.

Slide No. 2 reads:

Abolition is an anti-capitalist, intersectional framework that aims to not only destroy the cages created by various “industrial complexes,” but to create inclusive, effective alternatives for addressing harm. As defined by Dr. Jennie Wang-Hall, an “industrial complex (IC) is a system that creates profit through embedding into social inequities and providing an ineffective product that keeps consumers under-resourced and returning for more.”

The most common examples of such systems? Prison and policing, psychiatry, foster care/family policing, the military, and even the Family (as an institution, not kinship altogether).

Despite common misconceptions, abolition is not just a negation of what currently exists, but an active evolution of what community-based support can and has looked like. Abolition is about the radical working-class imagination, about Black and Indigenous imagination.

If individualistic, reactive, punishment-based strategies are maintained, true accountability and rehabilitation will never exist. Instead, we can choose to be proactive, analyze the circumstances that perpetuate violence, and address harm at the root! Of course, no one is saying that harm will completely cease to exist, but to paraphrase butch anarchist Lee Shevek, wouldn’t it be a profound improvement to expand our capacity to respond to harm and challenge our abusers, rather than being restricted to system-granted authority? Especially when such systems deliberately ignore the suffering of marginalized communities (e.g. people of color, queer and trans folks, women and femmes, Mad and disabled folks, and so on) to begin with?

Sources: @Dr.JennieWH, @ButchAnarchy, Stella Akua Mensah, Erin Miles Cloud, @WokeScientist

Slide No. 3 reads:

Before we continue any further, let’s destroy the myth that cops actually stop violence. First off, we can’t depend on crime stats at face value because this begs the question of who exactly gets to define what counts as a “crime” and why (e.g. drug possession and sleeping in public vs. tax evasion of the wealthy and wage theft). Continuing, crime rates often only reflect violations that have actually been reported, chosen to be shown, and deemed out of line. By this logic, crime rates are simply reflections of cops’ perceptions, not of the material and emotional realities of the proletariat (i.e. the working-class).

As for perpetuating violence, “US law enforcement killed at least 1,183 people in 2022, making it the deadliest year on record for police violence.” (And those are just the deaths that were reported. In our home state of Louisiana, turns out the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, as of January 12, 2023, has been unlawfully destroying records of officer misconduct for at least 10 years.) Many (69%) of these murders were cases in which no offense was alleged, were mental health or welfare checks, or involved traffic violations and other nonviolent offenses.

This is, of course, without even touching on the involuntary servitude (i.e. enslavement) and maltreatment ongoing in American prisons. How many more deaths must occur before the general public says enough is enough? Or is this acceptable since these are working-class, disabled, Mad, non-white, queer, and trans lives being lost?

Sources: @InterruptCrim, The Guardian, Mapping Police Violence, @VeriteNewsNola

Slide No. 4 reads:

So we agree police are harmful. Why abolition instead of reform? Historically, reforms have either provided further funding to the prison, foster care, and psychiatric industrial complexes and/or just reinforced harmful ideologies surrounding policing as a whole. And trust us, these systems already have more than enough money. In the fiscal year of 2021, at least $277,153,670,501 were spent on federal law enforcement and prisons as well as on police and prisons by state and local governments. Can you even conceptualize a number that large? We could end all American medical debt with that much money. We could even provide clean water and waste disposal to everyone on Earth!

Continuing, reforms like body cameras are pitched as making officers more accountable, that if “done right” policing will actually keep people safe, and that those who do not use excessive force are suddenly no longer guilty of perpetuating centuries worth of systemic oppression. In reality, body cameras require further funding and increase surveillance!

Similarly, civilian oversight boards and the push to “jail killer cops” reinforce the belief that cases of murder, assault, falsifying information, and so on are exceptional occurrences rather than intrinsic to the very nature of policing itself. This is where the phrase “All Cops Are Bastards” comes into play, stating that while the individual character of some officers may be morally permissible, all cops are part of a “bastardized,” or corrupt, system.

Sources: Security Policy Reform Institute, Matt Korostoff, @CriticalResistance 

Slide No. 5 reads: 

Even laws don’t prevent police violence, e.g. the murder of Eric Garner despite the NYPD passing a policy against chokeholds, or the murder of Daunte Wright despite the passing of the George Floyd Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act and a separate Justice in Policing Act of 2020.

Alternatively, we can advocate against the expansion of policing “responsibilities,” i.e. not allowing officers to address Mad individuals in vulnerable states, the housing crisis, or people who use drugs (PWUD). We can reroute funding into non-coercive, peer-led initiatives for harm reduction, de-escalation, first aid, and self-defense. And maybe most importantly, we can reaffirm that EXTENSIVE power can, in fact, be found amongst everyday folks like you and me!

Abolition is not a one-and-done sort of deal but rather a progression of steps toward an infinite future of improvements. The act of building parallel infrastructures and modes of governance while the previous ones still exist is known as dual power. Abolition must begin as dual power. We can start today!

And in building such, these steps cannot: legitimize or expand oppressive systems we aim to dismantle, create divisions between “deserving” and “underserving” people, preserve existing power relations, or utilize exclusionary, one-size-fits-all, standardized treatments.

Sources: @ProjectLets, @HarmReductionCoalition, CrimethInc., Survived & Punished NY

Slide No. 6 reads:

One of the main questions brought up, though, is what abolitionists plan to do in the case of homicide, rape, domestic violence, and other harms. While this is entirely valid, this question seems to imply that 1) police are already effectively responding to such harms rather than perpetuating and/or ignoring them and 2) that there is one collective abolitionist response.

For one, the majority of sexual assault, for example, goes unreported and less than 0.5% of perpetrators are incarcerated. (And this assumes that through the reporting process and incarceration, survivors will somehow find healing, perpetrators will find understanding, and that sexual assault does not continue within prisons.) Meanwhile, let’s use our hometown as one example of many, a complaint of sexual violence is filed against a New Orleans Police Department officer every 10 days and nearly 1 in 5 NOPD officers have been reported for sexual and/or intimate partner violence. 

And secondly, we have a plethora of organizations like Critical Resistance and cultures like that of the Diné (Navajo) to learn from and build upon. We don’t have to be stuck within this false dilemma fallacy, that there is only policing or total chaos. Don’t you see that that is the state’s way of constricting communal power?

Sources: @RAINN, @CopWatchNola, @WokeScientist

Slide No. 7 reads:

To expand this conversation, abolition heavily aligns with the political ideal of “anarchism.” Anarchism supports the absence of government and absolute freedom of the individual. And despite its negative connotations, anarchy also reflects an evolution of community-based care rather than just a deconstruction of what currently exists.

A simplified version of its 6 agreed-upon principles are:

Autonomy and Horizontality: define yourself on your own terms, we stand on an equal footing

Mutual Aid: bonds of solidarity form a stronger social glue than fear, support your community

Voluntary Association: associate or don't associate with whomever you wish

Direct Action: accomplish goals directly rather than depending on representatives or authorities

Revolution: overthrow those in power who enforce coercive hierarchies (ex. white supremacy)

Self-Liberation: you must be at the forefront of your own liberation, freedom must be taken

While being an abolitionist does not require alignment with anarchism, it is worth considering how the state plays such an enduring role in various social harms. Concurrently, whenever you treat other living beings with consideration and respect, come to reasonable compromise rather than coercion, and decide to share or delegate tasks, you are already living by anarchist principles.

Sources: Peter Gelderloos, David Graeber

Slide No. 8 reads:

So, how can you get involved? How do we continue the efforts already being made by activists worldwide? After such an overload of information and even more to learn, we understand how political frameworks like abolition can seem daunting, but they don't have to be! Here are some general next steps:

Read the "8toAbolition" steps.

Look into "podmapping" so you know whom to run to when you have been harmed or perpetuate harm.

See if there are any pre-existing mutual aid networks in your community, and if not, start one with your neighbors or peers!

Begin to research issues affecting communities other than your own. Abolition is intrinsically tied to all of us as we are all surveilled. For example, do you understand how prison and policing further ableism, transphobia, or the sex trade? What about policing internationally (see our allies in: the Kingdom of Hawai'i, Palestine, Artsakh, Kashmir...)?

Research the differences between capitalism, socialism, and communism. Abolition and anti-capitalism are foundational to one another as well.

Look into the other industrial complexes we named in the beginning (psychiatry, foster care, the military, the Family...).

Volunteer (remotely or in-person) with organizations like Better Future Program (@bfpnola) to both educate yourself and directly serve your community!

And if you're looking for further reading/listening, BFP offers over 3,000 FREE social justice, mental health, and academic resources in our Linktr.ee, including study guides for beginners. While we can't promise that the struggle for liberation will always be easy, BFP will always do its best to support you in whatever way we know how.

End ID.]

[offside-the-lines]

Safe Sex Resource

A lot of the time, in our writings online, we don’t always show our characters practicing safe sex (whether for narrative flow or other reasons) and will just add in our author’s notes to practice safe sex in your real life. It can be hard to find good and concise information online so I have compiled this for authors to link in their notes. I recommend everyone take a look, there might be something in here you didn't already know.

This post is largely inspired by @fakejuly who shared a lot of their knowledge and advice from their years in the sw industry, and from my own experience creating curriculums for and teaching sex & relationship education.

I have tried to make it as inclusive as possible, please let me know if you have any feedback. If you spot something I missed, please let me know. I will be updating this periodically. My inbox is also always open if you have any questions/concerns/etc.

Last update: Jan 16, 2024

wrap it up

"Condoms prevent STIs and pregnancy in the vast majority of cases, when used correctly." 

Using a condom correctly and consistently can increase its efficacy from 87% to 98%. Most surveyed individuals are not using it correctly or consistently so make sure you are well-informed. We hear this all the time, but what does “used correctly” actually mean?

Familiarize yourself with the steps.

Using the right size: if it's too big, it can slide off or leak; if it's too small, it can break or come off. Condoms usually come in 5 sizes (there are options like MyONE that have 52 sizes).

Condoms can be damaged by heat. They should be kept somewhere cool (not in wallets, or sat on in back pockets, or kept in your glovebox). They also have an expiry date. 

Sex can also lead to friction (heat) so condoms should be changed between activities and after about 15 minutes of any vigorous activity.

Never double up (i.e. wearing two condoms or using both an external and an internal condom).

Use lube 100% of the time (except oral sex), even if you think you don't need it, even for "lubricated" condoms (the lube mainly stops it sticking to itself). Lube should be applied to the outside, but a drop in the tip of the condom before putting it on is also a good idea.

NEVER use oil-based lube or any type of oil (e.g. lotion, vaseline, coconut oil). Water based lube is the best option. Silicone based lube can be good for sex in water (e.g. shower, pool, bath) or providing more sustaining slip, but be careful near your sex toys (more on this later).

Penetrative partners should hold the base of the condom when they pull out immediately after they ejaculate so the condom doesn't leak or come off as the penis gets flaccid.

For oral sex (vulval or anal), you should use a barrier. You can make one out of a condom. (There are also companies like Loral that make latex “underwear” that have great sensation transfer and are a very good barrier for AFAB individuals).

Sharing sex toys: Most of the sex toy safety recommends "don't share them ever" which unfortunately is impractical for some people.

If more than one person is going to use the toy (within a session or between different sessions), use a condom.

Condoms are often coated in a thin layer of silicone lube. This can react with low-quality silicone toys - there are unlubricated condoms for those - but higher-quality (platinum cured) silicone should be fine. When in doubt, spot test on the base of the toy.

As with above, always use water-based lube. 

Condoms have not been proven to protect you from mold that the toy may be harboring or toxic chemicals from low-quality materials (e.g. jelly toys).

prevention is the best cure

Due to the variable efficacy of condoms, for individuals where pregnancy is a concern, it is recommended to also be using the pill, injection, IUD, etc.

Condoms (internal or external) are the only prevention for STIs. This isn't meant to be stressful - the most common STIs are treatable and often curable (more on this later).

STIs can be transmitted via fluids AND skin contact, so use condoms when you’re engaging in oral sex, hand stuff or sharing sex toys, in addition to penetrative sex.

STIs can be transmissible via any of your fluid membranes, that includes your mouth, throat, nose, and eyes.

Condoms are extremely effective against HIV, and reasonably effective against chlamydia and gonorrhea. Contracting chlamydia and gonorrhea is not the end of the world, it is curable with antibiotics but you can also be asymptomatic.

Condoms aren’t as effective at preventing herpes (symptomatically will manifest as open sores) and HPV (symptomatically will manifest as genital warts). 

Everyone who is able to should get the HPV vaccine, regardless of gender or sexuality. HPV is the most common STI. Most cases resolve on their own within 2 years, but for those that don’t, it can lead to cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus and throat. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. The vaccine is extremely effective.

Even if you believe you have been safe and are asymptomatic, get tested regularly. At least once a year. (Even if you are in a long term monogamous relationship).

In summary:

Try your best to be safe but in real life, shit happens, so at least stick to these three things: 1) know your safety boundaries prior to sex and don't change them for anybody, 2) talk/ask about STI status before anything begins, and 3) get tested regularly.

CONSENT IS MANDATORY.

Communication is what makes sex good. Talking about sex is sexy. :) 

[downsyndromeday]

5 recommendations for the global community to improve the lives of people with Down syndrome by addressing stereotypes and misconceptions.

The international community, led by the United Nations, can continue to improve the lives of people with Down syndrome by addressing stereotypes and misconceptions. Here are five recommendations for the global community:

Work with people with Down syndrome and their representative organizations to raise awareness about Down syndrome, in line with Article 8 of CRPD. In particular, there is a need in many countries to raise understanding of the cause of Down syndrome so that families are not faced with discrimination and shame arising from a false belief that they or their ancestors in some way caused the genetic variation.

Adopt best practices in life contexts through the implementation of evidence-informed guidelines, such as Down Syndrome International’s International Guidelines for the Education of Learners with Down Syndrome.

Provide opportunities for people with Down syndrome to take part in projects, advocacy campaigns and events. Down Syndrome International, in collaboration with Inclusion International, has developed guidelines to assist organizations with inclusive participation.

Provide employment opportunities for people with Down syndrome. Employers, from small organizations to large corporations to civil society groups, need to make workplaces accessible and welcoming.

Use easy-to-understand communication options for all information, ensuring accessibility for people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities, as well as for people with limited literacy or those who are reading in a different language, in line with General Assembly resolution 77/240, adopted on 16 December 2022.

All people deserve the opportunity to live life to the fullest. For people with Down syndrome to do so, it is past time to dispense with the myths and stereotypes that for too long have led to low expectations and diminished quality of life.  

[hellyeahscarleteen]

A few days ahead of our 25th on Friday, we started letting people know that we need major financial help. Scarleteen is now and has always been wholly independent -- you know, the kind of indie feminist media whose near-extinction we have been witnessing -- and so always needs funding, including in the form of individual donations, to exist. One thing donors and other folks who know about media costs and nonprofit operating expenses have often said is that Scarleteen has always done a truly remarkable and impactful amount of work with the small budget it has. They're right. Our annual budget these days is just $250,000 USD, and for most of our tenure, it was much, much smaller than that. Yet we run 24/7 help and information direct services, and produce quality, wholly original editorial content, and do all this to provide smart, comprehensive, inclusive, and wholly opt-in sex and relationships education to millions of young people, at no cost to them, every year. You may have seen us say that we need 750 recurring $10 a month donors or the financial equivalent to get through 2024 and into the coming years. In the last week, a bunch of folks have helped us knock that number down to 613. Yay! We still need a lot of help to meet our goal: we need to meet 100% not just under 20%. That goal is what we need to reach to fill a current funding deficit we must resolve before summer of 2024 to keep doing all we do and give us a tiny bit of momentum towards meeting more than just our minimum needs. If we can't meet this goal, we’re so sorry to say it, but for as hard as we have been working to solve this, things just won't look great for us and our future. We really need your help. If you can become a monthly donor, that’s fantastic. Thank you! Or maybe you already are and want to help more, or can’t donate but still want to help: sharing posts like these on your socials, setting up a personal online fundraiser, telling people you know about us and the kind of help we need: these are also great helps! 💗

[justinspoliticalcorner]

In recent months, LGBTQ+ rights have faced significant setbacks in many countries, with populist and authoritarian governments passing draconian laws curtailing LGBTQ+ rights. Countries as varied as Uganda, Ghana, Iraq, Russia, Hungary, and the United States, among others, have sought to limit the fundamental freedoms of expression, association, and assembly of LGBTQ+ individuals. They have done so by suggesting that the mere existence of LGBTQ+ people in the public sphere poses a threat to children, misusing the rhetoric of protecting children to restrict fundamental human rights. This tired and offensive stereotype is damaging to the LGBTQ+ community, who are demonized in the public imagination and deprived of basic human rights. It also harms all children, who are deliberately kept in the dark about essential topics in the world around them, ranging from family diversity to current events to comprehensive sexuality education. But most of all, these laws harm LGBTQ+ children, who are made to feel alone and kept from seeing how they might flourish as they grow up. Many of the laws that pretend to protect children are downright draconian.  [...] LGBTQ+ children have the same needs for safety, privacy, health, education, and a sense of belonging as other children do, and governments are consistently failing them. What would law and policy look like if we prioritized the needs of all children? One guiding principle from international human rights law is a concern for the best interest of the child – and not only cisgender, heterosexual children but LGBTQ+ children as well. Viewed through that more holistic lens, many recent laws and policies are insufficient and discriminatory at best. LGBTQ+ children deserve the same rights and opportunities as their cisgender, heterosexual counterparts. Governments should safeguard their well-being with inclusive curricula, resources and support, and access to quality health care. By acknowledging and supporting LGBTQ+ children, we can dismantle discriminatory attitudes and foster a more inclusive society for all children to have access to thoughtful care that meets their needs.

Ryan Thoreson for The Advocate on how anti-LGBTQ+ extremists' demonization of the LGBTQ+ community based on the faulty premise of "protecting children" hurts children (06.28.2024).

Ryan Thoreson wrote a piece in The Advocate that anti-LGBTQ+ policies enacted on the faulty basis of “protecting children" do lots of actual harm to children.

[why-am-i-not-fictional]

Things to script - nature or status of realities

This is something I recently started inputting into my DRs to make them better and safe. I got much help from ChatGPT too to categorize all these things. I wanted to share it with you guys too :) feel free to use anything for your scripts. Happy Shifting!!!

All of the below discriminations does not exist in any of my DRs

Misogyny

Racism

Homophobia

Transphobia

Classism

Ableism

Ageism

Xenophobia

Islamophobia

Anti-Semitism

Colorism

Nationalism

Casteism

Environmental injustice

Sexism

Sizeism

Religious discrimination

Ethnic discrimination

Discrimination based on immigration status

Discrimination based on language

Discrimination based on nationality

Discrimination based on indigenous status

Discrimination based on political beliefs

Discrimination based on marital status

Discrimination based on parental status

Discrimination based on veteran status

Discrimination based on HIV/AIDS status

Discrimination based on neurodiversity

Discrimination based on mental health status

Discrimination based on physical appearance

Discrimination based on cultural practices

Discrimination based on regional or geographical origin

Discrimination based on caste or social status

Discrimination based on educational background

Discrimination based on housing status

Discrimination based on criminal record

Discrimination based on economic status

Discrimination based on access to healthcare

Discrimination based on access to education

Discrimination based on access to employment opportunities

All of the below issues have been solved many years ago and they do not exist in the times of any of my DRs

Poverty

Economic inequality

Environmental degradation

Climate change

Pollution

Deforestation

Political instability

Armed conflicts

Civil wars

Humanitarian crises

Global health challenges

Infectious diseases

Pandemics

Inadequate healthcare systems

Lack of access to essential medicines

Educational disparities

Limited access to quality education

Illiteracy

Child labor

Child marriage

Gender inequality

Women's rights violations

Child labor

Human trafficking

Forced labor

Modern slavery

Corruption

Lack of transparency

Ineffective governance

Authoritarian regimes

Suppression of free speech

Violations of human rights

Arbitrary detention

Torture

Persecution

Indigenous rights violations

Land grabs

Cultural appropriation

Technological and digital divides

Ethical dilemmas in technology

Privacy concerns

Data breaches

Cybersecurity threats

Food insecurity

Malnutrition

Water scarcity

Access to clean water

Sanitation issues

Homelessness

Housing affordability

Urbanization challenges

Aging population

Elder abuse

Mental health stigma

Lack of access to mental health services

Substance abuse

Addiction

Disability rights violations

Accessibility barriers

Stigmatization of disabilities

LGBTQ+ rights violations

Discrimination based on sexual orientation

Discrimination based on gender identity

Family rejection

Reproductive rights violations

Access to reproductive healthcare

Maternal mortality

Child mortality

Access to clean energy

Energy poverty

Fossil fuel dependence

Renewable energy transition challenges

Wildlife conservation

Endangered species protection

Animal rights violations

All the DRs I shift to are abundant of the following things 

Compassion

Empathy

Cooperation

Collaboration

Sustainability

Environmental stewardship

Peacebuilding

Conflict resolution

Dialogue

Reconciliation

Education

Knowledge-sharing

Critical thinking

Cultural diversity

Cultural respect

Inclusivity

Equality

Justice

Ethical leadership

Integrity

Accountability

Service to others

Health promotion

Well-being

Healthcare access

Mental health support

Social support systems

Innovation

Creativity

Social justice

Fairness

Equity

Human rights

Freedom of expression

Freedom of assembly

Democratic governance

Rule of law

Transparency

Accountability mechanisms

Community empowerment

Grassroots activism

Civic engagement

Volunteerism

Philanthropy

Sustainable development

Responsible consumption

Renewable energy adoption

Conservation

Biodiversity protection

Animal welfare

Gender equality

Women's empowerment

LGBTQ+ rights

Disability rights

Indigenous rights

Racial equity

Anti-discrimination policies

Social welfare programs

Poverty alleviation

Economic empowerment

Access to education

Access to clean water

Sanitation infrastructure

Housing rights

Food security

Global cooperation

International aid and development

Humanitarian assistance

Conflict prevention

Diplomacy

Multilateralism

Solidarity

Tolerance

Forgiveness

Resilience

All of the DRs I shift into are currently successfully overcoming the following challenges as they rise

Sustaining Progress: Maintaining the momentum of positive change and preventing regression into previous discriminatory attitudes and practices.

Ensuring Equity: Addressing lingering disparities and ensuring that the benefits of progress are equitably distributed across all communities.

Adapting to Changing Circumstances: Remaining flexible and responsive to evolving societal needs, dynamics, and challenges over time.

Balancing Interests: Navigating competing interests, values, and priorities among diverse stakeholders in society.

Preventing Backlash: Mitigating potential backlash from individuals or groups who may resist or oppose efforts to eliminate discrimination and promote positive change.

Addressing Unforeseen Consequences: Anticipating and addressing unintended consequences or side effects of interventions aimed at addressing societal issues.

Managing Complexity: Dealing with the complexity of interconnected social, economic, political, and environmental systems, which may require interdisciplinary approaches and collaboration.

Maintaining Engagement: Sustaining public engagement, participation, and support for ongoing efforts to promote equality, justice, and well-being.

Ensuring Accountability: Holding individuals, institutions, and governments accountable for upholding principles of fairness, transparency, and ethical conduct.

Resisting Entrenched Power Structures: Challenging and dismantling entrenched power structures, systems of privilege, and institutionalized forms of discrimination.

Addressing Global Challenges: Collaborating internationally to address global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and conflict, which require coordinated action across borders.

Cultural Sensitivity: Respecting and accommodating diverse cultural norms, values, and perspectives while promoting universal principles of human rights and equality.

Managing Resources: Efficiently allocating resources and managing competing demands to sustain progress and address ongoing needs in society.

Promoting Inclusivity: Ensuring that marginalized or vulnerable groups are included in decision-making processes and benefit from positive changes in society.

Building Trust: Fostering trust, cooperation, and solidarity among individuals, communities, and institutions to sustain positive social transformation.

Addressing New Challenges: Remaining vigilant and adaptive to emerging challenges and threats to equality, justice, and well-being in an ever-changing world.

[beautifullache]

🦄The Sims 4🦄

🍟Fast Food Careers🍔

💕EARLY RELEASE: 5.31.2024💕

McDonald's

3 days of PTO

McDonald’s is proud to be one of the most recognized brands in the world, with restaurants in over 100 countries and billions of customers served each year. As the global leader in the food service industry, we have a legacy of innovation and hard work that continues to drive us. Today, we are growing with velocity and are focused on modernizing our experiences, not to make a different McDonald’s but to build a better McDonald’s.

We are a people business just as much as we are a restaurant business. We strive to be the most inclusive brand on the planet by building diverse teams who create delicious, feel good moments that are easy for everyone to enjoy. Joining McDonald's means thinking big on a daily basis and preparing for a career that can have impact around the world.

Crew Member

Janitor Custodian

Shift Manager

General Manager

Allow Teen

Allow Young Adult

Allow Adult

Allow Elder

Taco Bell

3 days of PTO

Taco Bell restaurants have a variety of job opportunities to suit you. Whether you want to pursue a career with us or utilize our career opportunities to start chasing your dreams, we want to be a part of your story. Additionally, we continue to evolve our benefits for employees. Here's just a taste: free meals, competitive pay, flexible scheduling, paid time off, performance bonuses, education support, and career growth opportunities.

Taco Bell Corp., a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., (NYSE: YUM), is the nation's leading Mexican-inspired quick service restaurant. Taco Bell serves made to order and customizable tacos, burritos, and specialties such as the exclusive Doritos® Locos Tacos, gourmet inspired Cantina Power Menu and lower calorie Fresco Menu. The company encourages customers to “Live Más,” both through its food and in ways such as its Feed the Beat® music program and nonprofit organization, the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens. Taco Bell and its more than 350 franchise organization have nearly 7,000 restaurants across the United States that proudly serve more than 36 million customers every week.

CASHIER

KITCHEN / COOK / FOOD

FOOD SERVICE / FOOD PREP

SHIFT MANAGER / HOURLY MANAGER

GENERAL MANAGER

Allow Teen

Allow Young Adult

Allow Adult

Allow Elder

Wendy's

3 days of PTO

The Wendy’s Company (NASDAQ: WEN) is the world’s third largest quick-service hamburger company. The Wendy’s system includes more than 6,500 franchise and company restaurants in the U.S. and 29 other countries and U.S. territories worldwide. To learn more about the brand, visit our website: www.wendys.com When everyday people sort through all the ‘spin’ there is one quick-service restaurant that is ‘A Cut Above’… that’s Wendy’s … we stand for honest food … higher quality, fresh, wholesome food … prepared when you order it … prepared by Wendy’s kind of people … people that believe this is My Wendy’s … we do it Dave’s Way … we don’t cut corners. We work hard with honesty, integrity and a true sense of respect for one another. And we take time to give something back to our communities. We are looking for individuals with a track record of achievement who are seeking an opportunity to make an impact in an evolving, growing organization. We are committed to providing “A Cut Above” development experience to help star performers achieve their full potential, while providing a great employee experience.

Crew Member

Cook

Assistant Manager

Manager

Allow Teen

Allow Young Adult

Allow Adult

Allow Elder

DOWNLOAD NOW

[techtow]

Embracing Trans Rights: A Simple Guide to Understanding and Supporting Inclusivity

Introduction:

In recent years, conversations around trans rights have gained momentum, advocating for equal treatment and inclusivity for transgender individuals. Understanding and supporting trans rights is crucial for fostering a society that values diversity and respects the rights of all its members. In this article, we'll explore the basics of trans rights, why they matter, and how we can contribute to a more inclusive world.

Defining Trans Rights:

Trans rights refer to the fundamental human rights and freedoms that should be accorded to transgender individuals. These rights encompass various aspects of life, including legal recognition of gender identity, protection against discrimination, access to healthcare, and the right to live authentically without fear of prejudice.

Why Trans Rights Matter:

Transgender individuals, like everyone else, deserve to live their lives with dignity and respect. Trans rights are essential for creating an inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and express their identity without facing discrimination. Advocating for trans rights is a step towards dismantling harmful stereotypes and fostering a more compassionate and understanding community.

Key Aspects of Trans Rights:

Legal Recognition: Transgender individuals should have the right to legal recognition of their gender identity. This includes the ability to change their gender marker on identification documents, ensuring that official records align with their affirmed gender.

Anti-Discrimination Protections: Trans people should be protected from discrimination in various aspects of life, including employment, education, healthcare, and public services. A society that values trans rights actively works to eliminate prejudice and bias.

Access to Healthcare: Quality healthcare should be accessible to everyone, including transgender individuals. This includes gender-affirming care, mental health support, and other healthcare services that cater to the unique needs of the transgender community.

Safe Public Spaces: Trans individuals deserve to feel safe in public spaces. Advocating for trans rights involves promoting policies and attitudes that ensure inclusive and safe environments for everyone, regardless of gender identity.

Supporting Trans Rights:

Supporting trans rights is a collective effort that begins with education and understanding. Here are a few simple ways to contribute:

Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about transgender experiences, challenges, and the importance of trans rights. Understanding fosters empathy and helps dispel myths and misconceptions.

Be an Ally: Stand up against transphobia when you encounter it. Being an ally means supporting and advocating for the rights of transgender individuals, even if you are not personally affected.

Use Inclusive Language: Be mindful of the language you use and strive to be inclusive. Respecting people's chosen names and pronouns contributes to creating a more welcoming environment.

Support Inclusive Policies: Advocate for policies that protect trans rights in your community, workplace, and beyond. Support organizations working towards inclusivity and equality.

Conclusion:

In embracing trans rights, we contribute to building a world where everyone is valued, respected, and free to live authentically. By understanding the basics and actively supporting the rights of transgender individuals, we take a meaningful step towards creating a society that celebrates diversity and ensures equal rights for all.

[mariacallous]

Every child has a superpower. Yet, those with disabilities often do not have full access to quality education and other services that would enable them to use their superpower to positively and fully contribute to society. A recent workshop on inclusion in early childhood, held as part of the Center for Universal Education’s symposium on education systems transformation for and through inclusive education, asked whether focusing on the early years of a child’s life might offer a window of opportunity to catch, remedy, and maybe even reverse a child’s development trajectory so all countries can reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It brought together early childhood development (ECD) and inclusion experts and those who wanted to learn more about the topic. Two key messages emerged from participants: every child matters, and early means early. Participants also suggested that the global community needs to develop a global disability-focused ECD strategy and that governments should allocate at least 3% of education budgets for children with disabilities.

Children with disabilities are not a monolith and vary greatly in the challenges they experience and their abilities to fully and positively contribute to society. Some have physical, mental, social, or sensory impairments while others have a combination of multiple challenges. Globally, it is estimated that 15% of the world population, about 1 billion people, live with some type of disability. UNICEF estimates that about 1 in every 10 children has at least one disability, with children from South Asia, East Asia, and West and Central Africa having higher incidences. Moreover, globally, almost 53 million children under the age of 5 have developmental disabilities, and many others live with hidden disabilities that may go unnoticed and, therefore, unrecorded.

The global Convention on the Rights of the Child and the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) articulate the rights and equal treatment of children with disabilities. The CRPD provides a comprehensive international legal framework for the education rights of children with disabilities that has been ratified by 181 countries. These legal frameworks and the SDGs are resolute in leaving no one behind. Despite these legal frameworks, agreements, and aspirations, there are numerous challenges and insufficient investment for disabled children to enjoy full rights to education, health, and well-being. In most countries, children with disabilities face stigma and discrimination from their own governments, communities, and families. Their complex needs are often not included in policy and investment discussions. Investment in this cohort of children is usually not high on the policy or financing agenda, yet we know that increased investment and support for children with disabilities can accelerate countries’ paths to achieving the SDGs, particularly SDG 4.2. From 2007 to 2016, disability funding declined by 11.4% worldwide, and only 2% of the estimated $79.1 million invested in early childhood development was spent on young children with disabilities. Tim Shriver, Special Olympics’ Board Chair, maintains that if governments could commit even 3% of their overall education budgets to the inclusion of children with disabilities in existing classrooms, it could impact their abilities to thrive and contribute to our societies. 

2 key messages

Every child matters

All of society benefits when all children are uplifted. For the early childhood sector, that means developing inclusive classrooms that use a twin-track approach and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Instruction. Using this method, rather than having separate classrooms for children, disability-focused support is provided in classrooms that focus on equity for all, but also provide specific support for those with disabilities. Research indicates that this approach benefits all children; children with disabilities have better developmental outcomes (for example, language, social and academic skills, better behaviors), and typically developing children have increased empathy, tolerance, skills in sign language, and more. Establishing inclusive classrooms also requires investment in upskilling classroom teachers so they can support children of all abilities while working with special education teachers. These interventions cost money, yet exclusion has greater negative costs to society in reduced national GDP and higher spending for remedial programs, to name a few. It is estimated that the annual economic cost to society when a disabled child is not able to attend school or get a job can be high—more than 1% of GDP in some cases.

Early means early

The first five years of life are crucial periods of brain growth and development where about 90% of new neural connections (about 1 million neural connections per second) are made. After around 30 months of life, the brain’s ability to change in response to experiences requires greater effort than before this period. Since the brain is very malleable during this phase, evidence suggests that early screening, referrals, and intervention can halt, improve, and completely change the course of a child’s developmental trajectory. As children are mostly with parents and caregivers during the earliest months of life, investing in their ability to support their children can be important. Often support for parents and caregivers to aid their children is unavailable in communities or unaffordable. Research comparing urban and rural children’s access to early childhood education found that those with access to support before age 5 (mostly in urban areas) had higher academic achievement. For children with autism, research indicates that early intervention can greatly ameliorate symptoms, putting children closer to the development trajectory of those without autism.  

The way forward

Supporting children with disabilities is complex as their needs span multiple government and sectoral departments, there are finite resources in all government budgets, and underlying societal discrimination, even subtle, remains strong throughout the world. Yet, workshop participants suggested that supporting every child and doing so early provides the best chance for countries to meet the SDGs. Two suggested actions for supporting every child early that emerged from the workshop and recent literature include:

Establish a global, disability-focused ECD strategy: Global goals and road maps such as the SDGs, Nurturing Care Framework (NCF), and others include young children with disabilities yet provide inadequate strategy and concrete actions for how to ensure full rights and support for young children with disabilities. Thus, a strategy resulting from action by multiple sectors that complements the NCF is one agenda for progress.

Allocate at least 3% of education budgets for children with disabilities: Increasing investment will allow more to be done to support children with disabilities. These could focus on:

Supporting inclusive preschool classrooms that implement a twin-track approach and universal design for learning

Upskilling teachers that lead inclusive classrooms

Parental support so they have increased knowledge and skills to support their children

Strengthening early screening and referral systems

Research focused on young children with disabilities

Workshop participants were ready to join hands and tackle this complex challenge and suggested that commitment from stakeholders, including governments, donors, and families will be critical to light a path towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring a thriving society. 

[dipperdesperado]

I'm writing a plan for a solarpunk social revolution

I think at this point we all have an understanding that things in the world aren't good. That's useful information, but that's also only step one.

Next, is broadly to figure out, "what the heck do we do?"

I've been doing a lot of listening and reading about that, and I'm trying to formulate my thoughts, to create a guide of sorts. I'm gonna sketch out my framing for it, with the areas of focus and basic tenants. This is going to be an iterative process, so let me know what you think about this! If u have the stuff to add or change, I'm cool with that!

Basic Needs (Pillars for Life)

These are the things that people deserve to be provided in order to live a comfortable life. The brave new world should be able to provide these things.

Shelter: A safe and secure place to live is essential for a comfortable life. This could be a house, apartment, or another type of dwelling.

Food and water: Adequate nutrition and hydration are essential for maintaining good health and well-being.

Clothing and personal items: Clothing and personal items such as toiletries help people feel clean and presentable, and can also provide protection from the elements.

Health care: Access to quality health care is important for maintaining physical and mental well-being

Transportation: Having access to reliable transportation can make it easier to get to work, run errands, and participate in activities.

Communication: Being able to communicate with others, whether through phone, email, or other means, can help people stay connected and feel less isolated.

Education: Access to education can help people gain knowledge, skills, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Technology, electricity, and internet access: Access to technology and the internet can facilitate communication, education, and access to information and resources.

Art, Media, Entertainment, and Play: People often need activities or hobbies that provide enjoyment and help them relax and de-stress.

Social connections: Strong social connections and a sense of community can provide support, companionship, and a sense of belonging.

Financial stability: Having access to sufficient financial resources can help people meet their basic needs and feel more secure.

Personal safety and Defense: Feeling safe and secure in one's environment is essential for a comfortable life.

Levels/Spheres of Liberation

These are the levels at which liberation needs to occur. There's an interplay between each level: for example, you have to a reach certain standard of self-love before you can make meaningful connections with others. The more connected with yourself you are, the more connected with others you can be.

Internalized Liberation: Internalized Liberation is a state of radical self-love.

Interpersonal Liberation: Interpersonal Liberation is a state in which love is fully and freely given to all others. 

Institutional Liberation: Institutional Liberation is a state of radical inclusion, where all organizations see equity as their responsibility and use an equitable process framework in perpetuity.

Systemic Liberation: Systemic Liberation is a state in which we have reconfigured societal relationships to resources to allow for ingenuity and social protections to coexist, creating the interconnected circumstances under which all people have the resources, access, and opportunity to thrive.

Environmental Liberation: Environmental Liberation is a state of harmony with the environment. Reconnecting with nature and understanding our place in it.

Ideological Liberation: Ideological Liberation is a state in which we have fully transcended and have no need for social constructs such as race; a reality where we are unbound by identity defined in contrast to others; individuals are unconflicted and feel a full and authentic sense of belonging in all spaces.

Guiding Principles

These guiding principles are the values which underpin the revolution; these are the unarguable, foundational ideas that make up the basic requirements for the movement.

Grassroots/Direct democracy: people should manage their own affairs. If something only affects you, then you do what you want. Things that affect others should involve them in the process. The goal is to find the balance between individual and collective autonomy, where the combination of each is greater than the sum of its parts.

Social Ecology: Our foundational understanding of nature is based on hegemonic values that separate us from it. This thinking coincided with the domination of people by other people around the beginning of civilization. By trying to reconnect with nature and see ourselves as part of it, while also upholding the values of liberty, solidarity, and equality, we can work towards mending our environmental and social relations.

Decentralization: civilization is an extremely complex system, and the most successful complex systems balance order and chaos thru decentralized forms. Highly centralized systems like the prevailing ones simplify things and standardize things to make them easier to manage. Having unique communities that federate based on need and shared projects leads to more resilient, creative, and emergent societies.

Anti-hierarchy, domination, and coercion: revolutions have to be led by the people, for the people. Forcing a mode of operation onto others is a non-starter. Freedom with subjugation is no freedom at all.

Liberty: people should be free to live how they want, so long as those desires don’t harm others. Matters should be decided with a maximal preference for that balance.

Free Association: all relations should be voluntary. No one should have the power to force a relationship, whether it’s for work, play, or community.

Solidarity Economies: programs, organizations, and projects that prioritize the well-being of the community over other concerns.

Diversity as Power: intersectional understanding of different identities people hold and how that informs their experiences being alive. Along with this, a recognition that the diversity of experiences heightens the chance for emergent solutions to problems.

Levels of Organization

Organizing at different scales.

Affinity Groups: a small group that’s tightly knit and focused on very specific alignment. Similar thoughts on issues, and similar interests in projects and actions.

Communes/Neighborhood Pods: connecting with people in your geographical vicinity, uniting on shared issues to be solved, moreso than shared ideology.

Organizations (platform orgs, ideological orgs, social orgs): Groups trying to change the world for the better. There would be platform orgs that contribute to ideological orgs and social orgs to provide cohesion between different projects and strengthen community resilience through federation within the community and its disparate projects.

Prisons: writing letters to prisoners and creating specific programs to abolish the modern-day slave complex that is the prison system.

Schools and Educational Bodies: creating revolutionary unions for students, staff, and faculty, and making efforts to gain direct democratic control of education.

Workplaces (Unions and Cooperatives): starting revolutionary syndicates for traditional workplaces, and starting directly democratic, horizontally run businesses.

Cities/Counties: tying all of the above things together through assemblies to have citizens directly decide on things that affect the whole city/county geographical area.

Regions: tying multiple cities/counties together, making decisions on projects that affect the region (big infrastructure and the like). This will still be directly democratic. The people who are affected by the decision will be the ones to come to the decision.

"Nations": tying multiple regions together to make very large decisions that affect the whole landmass.

Those're pretty much the areas that I'm thinking about. Am I missing anything?