Tag Archives: inclusion

National Postdoctoral Association Unveils New Strategic Plan

ROCKVILLE, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- Today, the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) released a strategic plan for the coming three years to move closer towards its vision of "an inclusive community where all postdocs are empowered, valued, recognized, and supported in their current and future endeavors."

The 2021-2024 plan features a dozen strategies oriented around four pillars of NPA activity -- advocacy; diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); member development; and operational excellence. The pillars and strategies were developed through an inclusive, eight-month process that included surveys of postdocs and university offices, consultation with external stakeholders, and use of best practices.

"The pillars of this strategic plan represent the next logical steps in our growth," said Stephanie Eberle, M.Ed., NPA Board Chair, "diversifying our research community, advocating for equity and opportunities within it, and maintaining the intentional, dependable service this important community deserves."

Since 2003, the NPA has been dedicated to improve the postdoctoral experience by supporting a culture of inclusive connection. This new member-driven plan is designed to bring even greater focus to the NPA's efforts by honing in on areas of greatest value and importance to postdocs and the institutions that support them.

The release coincides with the NPA's 19th Annual Conference, also occurring this week, and which has itself shattered attendance records and positioned the organization to jumpstart work under the new plan. The 18,000 member association hopes to further engage with its members, partners, allies and other stakeholders as it builds out specific initiatives and activities to implement its new strategies.

"We are committed to excellence in helping our members succeed -- from developing career pathways to building more inclusive communities -- and to creating novel and collaborative ways of enabling such success," commented Thomas P. Kimbis, J.D., NPA executive director and CEO. "We encourage stakeholders to connect with us to create win-win scenarios under our new plan."

About National Postdoctoral Association:

The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) educational association headquartered in Rockville, MD. Founded in 2003, the NPA envisions an inclusive community where all postdocs are empowered, valued, recognized, and supported in their current and future endeavors. The NPA serves the entire postdoctoral community, including its 18,000 individual and 215 organizational members.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0916s2p-natpostdoc-logo-300dpi.jpg

Today, the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) released a strategic plan for the coming three years to move closer towards its vision of "an inclusive community where all postdocs are empowered, valued, recognized, and supported in their current and future endeavors."

Related link: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/

Apology and Truth and Reconciliation Resolution from the American College of Nurse-Midwives Board of Directors

SILVER SPRING, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Board of Directors (BOD) of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) is committed to creating a future that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion and supports the continuing process to become an anti-racist organization. As part of this process, the BOD tasked the ACNM Ethics Committee to develop a resolution on truth and reconciliation and make recommendations to the BOD for next steps in the process. The Ethics Committee convened a Truth & Reconciliation Task Force (T&R TF) to meet this charge.

The Truth and Reconciliation Resolution document developed by the BOD is based upon the extensive information and recommendations submitted to the BOD by the T&R TF. The document can be found at https://www.midwife.org/truth-and-reconciliation.

The BOD of ACNM would like to sincerely apologize for the systemic racism that has existed and continued in our organization since it incorporated in 1954. We recognize that the BOD, through many presidencies and CEOs, perpetuated actions that were racist, exclusive, discriminatory, and harmful to individual members of ACNM. Systemic racism is among the greatest long-term threats to our nation, the profession of midwifery, and the people we serve. For ACNM to be an organization to which everyone can feel they belong and can thrive, the BOD and our organization must hold ourselves accountable for our contributions to systemic racism.

Speaking the truth on our history and the harm caused by it through ACNM's denial, gaslighting, censorship, and exclusion is the first step in long-overdue restorative measures for our community of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), allowing us to promote inclusion, belonging, and a safe space for all midwives. For these reasons, ACNM is issuing its Truth and Reconciliation Resolution that acknowledges the harms caused by its previous actions and establishes a set of resolutions in response.

ACNM acknowledges that it can no longer continue to attribute the white washing of midwifery to a lack of qualifications or interest by Black and Indigenous people. This fails to acknowledge that white supremacy acted as suppressor, then law enforcer and "teacher", then eliminator and replacer of Black and Indigenous traditional midwives with white midwives.

ACNM leadership acknowledges and apologizes for past and present harms to BIPOC midwives and the organization's role in perpetuating and maintaining systemic racism in midwifery and healthcare. Historical facts clearly illustrate that the exclusion of Black and Indigenous midwives was intentional and by design, with the resulting whiteness of the profession of midwifery as the intended outcome. Unless efforts at inclusion are explicit, tailored, continuous, and well resourced, the result is exclusion. In the coming months, the BOD and ACNM is undertaking a full audit of actions and history and making changes to web pages, documents, and processes to ensure they are anti-racist and inclusive.

About ACNM

With over 6,500 members, ACNM is the professional association that represents certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) in the United States. ACNM promotes excellence in midwifery education, clinical practice, and research. With roots dating to 1929, our members are primary care providers for women throughout the lifespan, with a special emphasis on pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecologic and reproductive health. ACNM provides research, administers, and promotes continuing education programs, establishes education and clinical practice standards, and creates liaisons with state and federal agencies and members of Congress to increase the visibility and recognition of midwifery care. Learn more at https://www.midwife.org/.

MEDIA CONTACT
ACNM Membership & Communications
240.485.1813; membership@acnm.org

The Board of Directors (BOD) of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) is committed to creating a future that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion and supports the continuing process to become an anti-racist organization.

Related link: https://www.midwife.org/

The Vaccine for Racism, Inequality, and Hate Has Arrived in The Form of a New Children’s Book Series

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Author/Educator and Chiropractor based in Santa Monica, Dr. Todd Gewant, today announced the release of his 2nd book in the "What I Wish I Was Told" children's book series, "What I Wish I Was Told: Part 2: A Poetic Guide To Unite Us All" (ISBN: 979-8696235394).

Jane Elliott, renowned American diversity educator, endorsed "What I Wish I Was Told Part II," saying, "This book should be taught three times before college, and become the future bible of unification."

The book helps educators (primarily grades 4-12) and parents use illustrated poetry to promote and encourage dialogue with children around topics such as equality, acceptance, unity, and anti-racism. The included curriculum/activity guide helps young people explore their feelings, experiences, and opinions based on current societal issues of life.

"Poetry is an incredibly powerful tool for learning. Children will be taught how to write poetry and socialize appropriately, through the lenses of creative and free thinking, self-directed learning, and reading/writing comprehension. They will learn so much more of 'what I wish I was told' when I was young," says the author, Dr. Todd Gewant.

Each lesson in the book creates a highly unique platform for children to develop important qualities of self-esteem and an appreciation of diversity in all areas of life.

As stated by Dr. Todd, "We can help our children to become positive, caring, and creative adults through this curriculum."

Dr. Todd has been a frequent guest speaker at schools and social organizations, and has consulted with a variety of education administrators and teachers to develop a robust core curriculum around the true values of diversity.

Learn more about this original and timely journey of multicultural themes and modalities at https://whatiwishiwastold.com/.

Both books in the "What I Wish I Was Told" children's book series can be purchased on Dr. Todd's online shop or on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KZ47BW9.

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-1203-what-i-wish-book-300dpi.jpg

*Caption: Cover, "What I Wish I Was Told: Part 2: A Poetic Guide To Unite Us All."

Author/Educator and Chiropractor based in Santa Monica, Dr. Todd Gewant, today announced the release of his 2nd book in the "What I Wish I Was Told" children's book series, "What I Wish I Was Told: Part 2: A Poetic Guide To Unite Us All" (ISBN: 979-8696235394).

Related link: https://whatiwishiwastold.com/

Six PBS Stations Join A National Initiative to Break The Stereotypes of Individuals with Disabilities

ROCHESTER, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- July 2020 marks the 30th anniversary of President Bush signing into law the Americans with Disabilities Act. In celebration of this civil rights law, WXXI Public Media (Rochester, New York) is leading a pilot project to expand its innovative "Move to Include" initiative into five additional communities. Funded through a grant from the Corporation of Public Broadcasting, this national initiative will use the power of public media to inform and transform attitudes and behavior about disabilities.

WXXI is partnering with PBS affiliates WFYI (Indianapolis), OPB (Oregon), WGCU (Southwest Florida), WCNY (Syracuse), and Iowa PBS to spotlight disability issues and people with differing abilities through television, radio, news, special events, and social media.

"We're proud to pilot Move to Include in five additional communities, using public media's many platforms to promote equity and inclusion," said WXXI President Norm Silverstein. "Through Move to Include, we hope to build more inclusive communities by inspiring and motivating people to embrace different abilities and include all people in every aspect of community life."

The six PBS stations will work to organize community partnerships, create content, and provide outreach specific to their own communities. They will also contribute content to the PBS LearningMedia collection used by teachers, families and students free of charge.

To learn more about this initiative, the work of all six stations, and more, visit: https://movetoinclude.us/.

Below are a few highlights of what stations will be doing in their communities:

WXXI (Rochester, New York)
* The WXXI News Inclusion Desk: WXXI's News team will produce a variety of stories, from the arts to transportation issues to how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected those with disabilities. The stories will broadcast on AM1370 and FM 88.5 and online at WXXINews.org throughout July.
* WXXI LIVE Forum: The Impact of COVID-19 on People with Disabilities / Premieres July 23 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV

WXXI hosts a virtual town hall style forum that looks at how COVID-19 has affected those with disabilities.

WFYI (Indianapolis)
* Veterans Coming Home: Healing Arts / Airs July 23 at 7:30 on WFYI-TV
This 30-minute WFYI documentary tells the inspiring stories of local veterans who are using art to help transform their war experiences into hope and healing.
* No Limits / Airs July 30 at 9 p.m. on WFYI-TV
o This half-hour documentary from 12 Star Media follows high school students from the Indiana School for the Blind and Vision Impaired as they work with an Indianapolis arts organizations to design more accessible experiences. The piece will air with audio descriptions.
OPB (Oregon)
* Fairview Resident Profile: The Fairview Training Center admitted nearly 10,000 Oregonians over the course of its 100-year existence, most of whom were people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. One longtime resident describes what it was like to live there as an "inmate" who wore a uniform, slept in barracks-style quarters and worked every day on the site's 700-acre farm. Air date TBA.|
* People First: Several residents of the Fairview Training Center helped launch the global People First movement in the 1970's. At its first meeting in Oregon in 1974, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities gathered to speak up for themselves to advocate for improvements in their own lives and for more opportunities for independent living and growth. Air date TBA.

WGCU (Southwest Florida)
* Digital Storytelling digital segments: WGCU teamed up with Best Buddies of Southwest Florida for a digital storytelling workshop that launched the initiative. The workshop provided an opportunity for buddy teams to become filmmakers and story tellers.
* Gulf Coast Life: WGCU's locally produced radio talk show, will feature local organizations that provide services/programs to the disable community, and will talk with people living with disabilities to discuss issues around accessibility.

WCNY (Syracuse)
* Connect NY: The ADA Today / Premieres July 27 at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV
Three decades after the American with Disabilities Act was passed, nearly 70% of individuals with disabilities still cannot land a job. WCNY speaks with one Syracuse agency who is trying to break the stigmas attached to the word disabled, and introduces viewers to a grassroots advocate who shares what is lacking with the ADA in 2020.
* Capitol Pressroom, WCNY's live weekday radio broadcast from the Legislative Correspondents Association Pressroom at State Capitol in Albany, will present four themed Move to Include segments in July.

Iowa PBS
* The Life Autistic / Airs July 13 at 8 p.m. CT on Iowa PBS
This Iowa PBS produced documentary explores the challenges and successes of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), at different stages in life and range on the spectrum. Host Tyler Leech, a member of Iowa's community of people with autism, guides us through all twelve stories from the original Iowa PBS web series.
* Accessibility Now / Airs July 20 at 8 p.m. CT on Iowa PBS
Told firsthand by Iowans with disabilities, this half-hour documentary examines how the Americans with Disabilities Act has helped improve their lives and how they continue to face barriers to equality.
Nationally, the WORLD Channel will broadcast a collection of films from its America ReFramed series. WORLD is making this collection free-of-charge to public media stations across the country (check local listings). Selected films for Move to Include are:
* Vision Portraits: Acclaimed director Rodney Evans takes viewers on a personal journey as he ponders how the deterioration of his vision will impact his life. Airs: July 4 at 10 p.m. ET
* Enter the Faun: A choreographer and an actor with cerebral palsy collaborate to prove that everybody can transform. Airs: Tuesday, July 7 at 8 p.m. ET
* Deej: The story of DJ Savarese ("Deej"), a gifted, young writer and advocate for nonspeaking autistics. Airs: Tuesday, July 14 at 8 p.m. ET
* Intelligent Lives: Pioneering teens with intellectual disabilities work for increased inclusion and independence. Airs: Tuesday, July 21 at 8 p.m. ET
* Perfectly Normal for Me: An after-school dance program for kids with physical disabilities prepares for a spring recital. Airs: Tuesday, July 28 at 8 p.m. ET

WORLD will also showcase content created by the six stations in a special two-hour block of Move to Include documentaries and programs on Sunday, July 26 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Move to Include was launched in Rochester, New York in 2014 as a local partnership between WXXI and the Golisano Foundation, the nation's largest private foundation devoted to supporting programs for people with intellectual disabilities. The Foundation, which also donated $20 million to build Southwest Florida's Golisano Children's Hospital, has provided more than $1 million in funding to date for Move to Include in Rochester. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) awarded the initiative a $645,000 grant to help expand the multimedia initiative to these five public media organizations over 16 months.

"Public media's mission is to make high quality programming free and accessible to all, and Move to Include is an important part of ensuring inclusion for people with disabilities," said Pat Harrison, president and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. "CPB is proud to support this effort by local public media stations to strengthen our civil society by building more inclusive communities."

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government's investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations of more than 1,500 locally owned and operated public television and radio stations nationwide. CPB is also the largest single source of funding for research, technology, and program development for public radio, television, and related online services.

For more information, visit https://www.cpb.org/ and follow us on Twitter @CPBmedia, Facebook, LinkedIn, and subscribe for other updates.

WXXI Public Media is the essential, life-long educational media resource for the Greater Rochester area in New York State. WXXI puts the community first with programming that stimulates and expands thought, inspires the spirit, opens cultural horizons and promotes understanding of diverse community issues. WXXI also has a long-term affiliation with Little Theatre, which helps enhance the cultural life of the community and strengthens two of Rochester's most vital arts institutions. Log on to https://www.wxxi.org/ for more information about our services and programs.

*IMAGE LINK for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0629s2p-move-to-include-300dpi.jpg

Twitter: #MovetoInclude @CPBmedia #MTIpublicmedia @WXXIrochester

July 2020 marks the 30th anniversary of President Bush signing into law the Americans with Disabilities Act. In celebration of this civil rights law, WXXI Public Media (Rochester, New York) is leading a pilot project to expand its innovative "Move to Include" initiative into five additional communities.

Related link: https://www.cpb.org/

Just Like Me: Natalie Gonchar’s Book Improves Diversity in Children’s Media

DALLAS, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- It is not a secret that young kids are very impressionable, and what they see on children's media will most likely make a big impact on how they will see and act out in the world, says author Natalie Gonchar. On October 24, Natalie's book, "Mr. Gringle's Magical Wheelchair" (ISBN: 978-1612543154), was released, and it is now on the shelves at Barnes & Noble stores across the U.S. Natalie, a high school student, wrote the book after noticing a lack of children's books featuring lead characters who have disabilities.

"When disabilities are portrayed in the media, storylines often focus on what a character can't do, instead of what they can do. I believe it's important to avoid those stereotypes and focus on realistic experiences, challenges, and victories instead," Gonchar said.

Unfortunately, the media has had a history of vastly under-representing minorities and people with disabilities. Until recently, very few books, television shows and movies featured characters who were not white, straight, and able-bodied. A study of award-winning children's books published from 1975 to 2009 revealed a disproportionately smaller percentage of children with disabilities and ethnic diversity compared to those shown in actual classroom numbers. Today the situation is a little better, but still, when people with disabilities are included in plotlines, they are often marginal characters-or, they are stigmatized with sad or dramatic stories.

Having a casual, reoccurring character, who also happens to have a disability, in children's media could help stop casual ableism found in kids and would mean so much to children with disabilities.

"We need more inclusionary books, where a character who has a disability is included, but the story is not about the disability," says Dr. Joan K. Blaska, a retired professor and author of "Using Children's Literature to Learn about Disabilities and Illness." Reading stories that include characters with mental or physical challenges, who are portrayed in a positive light, helps expand children's concepts of what is "normal," building empathy and acceptance.

"Mr. Gringle's Magical Wheelchair" has already won the Gold Mom's Choice Award, a national award honoring excellence in family friendly media, and is currently under review for the Schneider Family Book award by the American Library Association (ALA). It is a wonderful story about a girl who finds strength to stand up to bullies and protect her friends.

Natalie is donating proceeds from the book's sales to Big Dreams Children's Foundation (BDCF), a nonprofit organization that provides financial and emotional support for kids with disabilities around the world.

If you're shopping for children this holiday season, consider "Mr. Gringle's Magical Wheelchair," available at any Barnes & Noble. It's just one book, but it has the potential to impact many children-through its message, and its mission.

Learn more: https://www.nataliegonchar.com/

Buy online: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mr-gringles-magical-wheelchair-natalie-gonchar/1130975328#/

Follow on social:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrgringlesmagicalwheelchair/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mr_gringles_magical_wheelchair/

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.send2press.com/300dpi/19-0905s2p-mrg-magical-wheelchr-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: Cover, "Mr. Gringle's Magical Wheelchair" by author Natalie Gonchar.

It is not a secret that young kids are very impressionable, and what they see on children's media will most likely make a big impact on how they will see and act out in the world, says author Natalie Gonchar. On October 24, Natalie's book, "Mr. Gringle's Magical Wheelchair" (ISBN: 978-1612543154), was released, and it is now on the shelves at Barnes & Noble stores across the U.S.

Related link: https://www.nataliegonchar.com/