About
Welcome to the 2021 Essex County Learning Community Summer Institute! We meet again virtually this year due to the continuing uncertainty around the pandemic. It is our hope that meeting virtually also give you as much flexibility as possible, honoring the demands on your time and energy as you prepare for a new school year.
This year’s theme is “Lift Every Voice.” First and foremost, it is a tribute to the racial awakening that was catalyzed by the death of George Floyd last summer – and it is a reference to the song, "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often referred to as “The Black National Anthem,” which was written as a poem by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) and then set to music by his brother John Rosamond Johnson (1873-1954) in 1899. We will open the 2021 Summer Institute with a gorgeous rendition of the song, which will be performed by two talented Essex County-based vocalists, Aleah and Abiah Floyd. We will also welcome several nationally acclaimed educators whose work focuses on amplifying the voices of those who have struggled in America due to stigma and systemic racism.
“Lift Every Voice” has other meanings as well. For many of you, the pandemic sparked the realization that much of what happens in traditional schooling can muzzle the voices of those whom we most want to serve: our young people. The call for relevance in the curriculum and for greater youth engagement in shaping the educational experience—especially for students who have been historically marginalized and minoritized—is growing louder. Many of you have also discovered new ways to reach the families of your students, which required a deeper listening to voices that are often minimized or negated.
“Lift Every Voice” might also refer to those inside schools whose voices may be taken for granted—paraprofessionals, cafeteria workers, custodians, secretaries, and others—but whose contributions are vital to the rhythm of everyday life in schools. During the pandemic, we were reminded every day just how vital.
Finally, “Life Every Voice” is a reference to the importance of inclusivity in our communities. At a time of social unrest and division, it is critical for us to remind one another that every voice matters—and that every human being is entitled to feel a sense of belonging wherever they live. Voice signals agency, participation, and freedom--three values that are inextricably linked to the democratic ideals that gave birth to our country. Today, while public education may focus on college and career, it is also undoubtedly a space for students to develop their voices so that they can fully participate in American life—now and in the future.
As you all know, the ECLC was conceived to meet the needs of young people whose voices may go unheard—or are perhaps misunderstood—in our schools: students with learning disabilities or learning and attention issues, students who have been exposed to trauma, as well those who have not been served well under past and current systems because of structural inequities based on race, culture, income, language, and gender.
We invite you to consider this year’s ECLC Summer Institute a space for listening to a symphony of voices, and for expressing your own voice in pursuit of a more inclusive world.
ECLC and the Summer Institute have been made possible by the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation, to whom we extend our heartfelt appreciation.
The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation
The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation is a family foundation that supports and collaborates with nonprofit organizations and community partners that share its mission of helping children, adolescents, and young people affected by intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health issues, and substance use disorders. Their work is focused in Western New York and Eastern Massachusetts, areas that are important to the Tower family.
In keeping with the Tower Family’s original vision, the foundation believes that every young person deserves a chance to reach their highest potential and a chance to overcome barriers to their version of success. We know that many of the individuals who are impacted by these issues are often overlooked and stigmatized, creating additional challenges.
We see our role as more than just a funder. In addition to financial support, we help organizations build their capacity to help people, we create connections between collaborators and resources, and we leverage our assets with other funders. Our goal is to make the greatest possible impact on young people striving to achieve their own definition of success.
The Tower Foundation envisions equitable communities where all young people are included, accepted, and valued; and are confident in themselves. The Tower Foundation highly values: Diverse Voices – The foundation listens to and learns from those with different points of view and perspectives. They seek to be proximate with the communities they serve – continually engaging in respectful conversation and incorporating what they hear into our work. Collaboration – The foundation understands that in order to make progress, they must build relationships with their partners and share knowledge, resources, expertise, and strategies. Innovation – The foundation embraces change and is willing to take risks, recognizing the potential for transformative effect. They look for opportunities to try new and creative strategies and encourage others to do the same. Perseverance – The foundation recognizes that change work can be slow and challenging. They are committed to the long-term improvement of organizations and communities. Picture
Essex County Community Foundation
Essex County Community Foundation inspires philanthropy that strengthens the communities of Essex County by managing charitable assets, strengthening and supporting nonprofits, and engaging in strategic community leadership initiatives. Our ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life in the 34 towns and cities of Essex County.
We are also grateful to the Van Otterloo Foundation and to Linzee Coolidge for their magnanimous support of the Essex County Learning Community, and specifically, the 2020 ECLC Summer Institute.