Deeper Learning Boston

How do we collectively raise the next generation of democratic citizens? How can adults support positive youth development in their quest for social change?
Traditional teaching of civics too often centers only the “great man” version of history and reciting of the U.S branches of government-  leaving out the development of tangible civic skills and dispositions along with the history and stories of resistance that are behind social movements for change both in the past and present. Inside or outside of the classroom, place based civic learning opportunities connecting students to activism within their own communities are few and far between. How do we fix this?
In this den talk- we’ll explore these questions and more! Marianela and Kassie will share more about their experiences as communty organizers, educators and former elected school board members for education justice, and how their experience led them to launching HomePlace Collective- a consultancy group that helps educational institutions, community spaces, and non-profits drive social change by building transformational civic skills and critical socio-political literacy.
Homeplace Collective is named after late author bell hook's concept of building critical sites of resistance and practicing, as she iterated, education as a practice of freedom.
We facilitate powerful civics learning rooted in social justice while connecting adult participants to resources to develop standards-aligned lessons and/or other facilitative materials. Our coaching model empowers them to cultivate democratic spaces that build community.