I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to attend this morning’s session, Leadership and ALSC. What a great chance to meet some new people and start having important conversations about the steps that we’ve taken and need to keep on taking in regards to diversity and racial justice. This morning’s keynote speaker, Debbie LeeKeenan, raised so many important and thought-provoking points—it’s hard to know where to start! I would happily listen to the entire presentation again, as it was packed with such important stuff.
Here are a few of the takeaways that I will be pondering long after this conference has come to a close:
• Being fair is not the same as being equal. Equality is everyone getting the same thing, but equity is everyone getting what they need. This could look different for all of us and the people we connect with, but it’s a vitally important concept for us to keep in mind as we think about how to conduct programs and conversations.
• Let’s get our kids talking about these issues. Ask questions, listen to their answers, don’t say “We don’t talk about that.” Sometimes these questions and discussions are uncomfortable, and that’s okay.
• Let’s build our collections with books that upset the status quo. We need for kids to see people challenging the status quo so that they can become critical readers and thinkers.
• Kids know a lot! Even from a young age, they see difference. They notice, they are aware, and they have questions. Let’s create safe spaces where we can explore those questions.
• How can we get started? Baby steps, but always moving forward. Start with a book group, or maybe just a single book. Ask, “What makes us comfortable in this book?” and “What makes us uncomfortable?” Make this a habit. Questions spark conversations, and we want that!