Activity 3.3 | Self-actualizing and Interconnectedness

Derman-Sparks, LeeKeenan, & Nimmo (2015) assert that “uncovering and examining one’s fears about the potential for conflict is [another] important step. 

As part of being strategic, it is necessary to think realistically about the possible reactions to anti-bias change from various stakeholders and the broader community”. Consider the following reflective questions and document your thoughts in your journal: 

• What are some of your fears?
• What are these fears based on? (Past experiences? Assumptions?)
• What supports do you have?
• What more do you need to advocate for policy changes to solidify your commitments to anti-racist and anti-bias practices?

Derman-Sparks, LeeKeenan, & Nimmo (2015) emphasize that “Anti-bias work grows best in an environment where collegial, mutually respectful relationships among staff and between staff and the program leader are the norm and where a culture exists that fosters open conversation and dialogue, reflection, and risk taking”. Using your reflections from the activities in this module as a starting point, take time to consider how you might work with your staff to cultivate this type of environment and move this work forward.

Reference

Derman-Sparks, L., LeeKeenan, D., & Nimmo, J. (2015, May) Building Anti-Bias Early Childhood Programs: The Role of the Leader. National Association for the Education of Young Children. https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/may2015/building-anti-bias-programs