Learning Space Update
The last six months have been a whirlwind. The hearts of trans families and their allies were broken again and again as anti-trans legislation was signed in our state and across the country. And the warmth and pride we felt in our congregation grew as you all lent your voices and your finances to our Learning Space campaign. You said these children deserve a safe space to learn and grow.
So, where are we now? What’s happening with the Learning Space?
Over the course of the spring and summer, as we got the word out about the Learning Space, we felt confident that we would be serving more than a dozen students when school began in August. Based on meetings, conversations with families, emails full of questions and support, we even thought we’d have as many as 20 students joining us in August.
Thanks to the funding we received through our Faithify campaign, we were able to train volunteers in Youth Mental Health First Aid, Trans Inclusion in Congregations, and other needed skills. We were also able to do the administrative, advertising, and safety work needed to open the Learning Space.
When the first day of school came, we were surprised that our numbers were less than half of what we anticipated, with six students registered with the Learning Space. It emerged that many students wanted to begin the school year in public schools. Families shared that having the Learning Space as a backup if things didn’t work was, and continues to be, an enormous relief. With only three students actively attending the Learning Space, in late September, Rev. Diana Smith and Nic Kaplan met with the families to discuss their needs and how we could best support them despite the low enrollment and participation.
The families, having nothing but good things to say about UUS and the program, volunteered to reduce the operating days of the Learning Space down to only Mondays and Wednesdays in an effort to reduce the strain on our small number of volunteers. That way, the students would still be able to join together in a space that welcomed all of who they each are and UUS would be able to keep providing this option to other families in our community.
As the fall has progressed, students are enjoying learning, building community, and receiving support from caring adults in the Learning Space. Emily Pritchard, UUS’s music director, also regularly spends time with the students in the Learning Space.
Rev. Diana and Nic continue to receive feedback from families in the community who “are so relieved that [the Learning Space] is an option.” There have also continued to be inquiries from families about joining the Learning Space, so we are grateful that we can continue to make this joyful, safe space available.
We are hoping to bring more volunteers on for the winter and spring, so please contact Anne Schons or Winnie Ganshaw if you are interested and please reach out to Nic Kaplan or Rev. Diana Smith if you have questions about the Learning Space. Thank you, once again, for your support!
