Ubuntu Spirit: High Touch not High Tech

Ubuntu means, "I am because WE are."

Sometimes innovation doesn’t require technology. Through lo-tech, hi-touch initiatives, we seek to foster understanding and reduce anxiety in our schools by emphasizing community and communication. We are changing our schools into spaces where diversity is celebrated, where our students feel valued for what makes them unique, and where they can grow into dynamic, empathetic citizens of the world.

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Overview

Information on this page is provided by the innovator and has not been evaluated by HundrED.

Web presence

2019

Established

3.5K

Children

1

Countries

Target group

Students basic

Updated

May 2024

The change that we hope to see is that all schools lead with inclusion and belonging instead of content. In essence, we want to elevate Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and place less emphasis on Bloom's Taxonomy. We believe students should feel safe and welcome while maintaining freedom in thought, culture, appearance, and personality. They should see themselves in their teachers and peers.

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

As a way to make all schools culturally-affirming, safe spaces for all students, faculty and staff.

What does your innovation look like in practice?

You can see it all via the following video.
https://youtu.be/nMxhVbhS5DU?si=rbO4bUqoswBhjLU5

How has it been spreading?

Our innovation has been spreading via our social media, traditional media, partnerships with other schools, and workshops with folks. The following are links to articles about our work.
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/west/2020/12/18/South-Fayette-students-SHOUT-for-diversity/stories/202012180009

https://www.kidsburgh.org/raise-your-voice-the-stories-of-shout-inspires-diversity-and-inclusion-among-pittsburgh-kids/

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/chuckherring_shout-sflionpride-handprintshealfootprints-activity-7184032263179796480-vvzV/

If I want to try it, what should I do?

Please reach out to us at www.handprintsHEALfootprints.org. Or, Dr. Chuck Herring - ccherring@southfayette.org or Dr. Payal Mital - pmital@southfayette.org

Implementation steps

Initiate a SHOUT (Social Handprints Overcoming Unjust Treatment) organization

Identify a group of students interested in fostering a culture of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EIB) throughout the school community and secure a meeting to inform administrators and faculty of their interest.

Have organization members learn the Handprints Heal Footprints framework.

Members must understand that Footprints are intentional or unintentional acts that cause harm to others; Handprints are intentional acts that overcome/offset the footprints.

Establish guidelines for the organization.

The organization must have a culture of acceptance including:
1) encourage each other to realize mistakes when offending others and to be vocal when others say something that upsets you
2) be open-minded that others will make mistakes and educate, not isolate, them when that happens
3) acknowledge that we live in different worlds on the same planet and should spend more time trying to understand one another's points of view

Create a list of EIB concerns in YOUR community.

Make sure your organization's mission is specific to that of your individual community and addresses the issues that are most relevant to your students.

Establish your organization.

Based on the goals you've established, determine the vision for your organization based on your specific school district.

Share responsibilities.

Determine committees and positions to diversify skill sets and share leadership responsibilities such as public relations, event coordination, treasury, social media, etc.

Create an open, team-oriented environment.

Establish a routine of completing activities such as game and/or movie nights, as well as cultural events (e.g., Garba, community iftars, Religions of the World panels, etc.) that bring your organization and community members together. Be sure to include ice breakers for new members to feel open and able to hear and share ideas.

Host an annual organization event.

Find an event that represents your organization that invites all students throughout the school to participate. For example #handprintsHEALfootprints "hand-printing" event in which students apply paint to their hands and leave their handprints on a surface to be viewed by all.

Plan and participate in an annual BIG event that aims to foster EIB across the region.

Such an event allows your organization to establish strong relationships with other schools and throughout your community. For example, a conference celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing the cultures and traditions that comprise your community.