Resources
We believe that learning is essential to transformation.
So we have pulled together a working archive of some of our favorite readings, activities, media and tips & tools. As we learn about and gather more resources, we will upload them here. You can filter by subject and then resource type below (activities, media, readings, tips & tools).
Suggested Best Practices for Supporting Trans* Students
These “best practices” were developed by the Consortium of Higher Education’s Trans* Policy Working Group, in consultation with various relevant national student affairs associations, to assist colleges and universities in providing services and support to trans* students. Though they are aimed at institutions of higher education, the records and housing policies are a particularly useful guideline for experiential education institutions.
DownloadThe trouble with wilderness
William Cronon gives a brief overview of the idea of the wilderness and then discusses some of the inherent contradictions that lie within the concept. He notes that the concept of the wilderness is imbued with cultural values, which have resulted in the exclusion of indigenous peoples’ voices in environmentalism.
DownloadDramatizing the “death” of environmentalism doesn’t help urban people of color, or anyone else
A summary of research on the racialization of wilderness and how it impacts perceptions of nature among communities of color, and specifically the black community. Outdoor and environmental organizations seeking to be more “culturally relevant” often do not think that the very premises of their existence–wilderness and conservation–are words steeped in White privilege and a racialized history.
Read here.
Even Babies Discriminate
A summary research on children’s’ attitudes toward race that debunks the myth that “colorblindness” is even possible (let alone desirable). Research shows children can distinguish race as young as six months old, start developing race-based preferences at toddlers and ultimately have racial biases. Research also showed parents are generally hesitant to talk about race, and that this hesitance exacerbates children’s biases.
Read here.
Why do millennials not understand racism?
In 2014 MTV (yes, MTV) polled millennials on their understanding of racism, and the results were astounding. Compared with previous generations, they’re more tolerant and diverse and profess a deeper commitment to equality and fairness. At the same time, however, they’re committed to an ideal of colorblindness that leaves them uncomfortable with race, opposed to measures to reduce racial inequality, and a bit confused about what racism is.
Read here.
Learning in and out of school in diverse environments
This report outlines the basic principles of multicultural education, i.e., setting students up for success and achievement regardless of their identity and background.
Read here.
Sex redefined
The idea of two sexes is simplistic: Biologists now think there is a wider spectrum than that. This article is useful in establishing that gender is not binary, not even biologically assigned gender (i.e., sex).
Read here.