Central to AMI/USA’s dedication to children is our commitment to conscious and proactive inclusion of all people regardless of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sovereign tribal Nations status, ancestry, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, social class, socioeconomic status, marital status, language, disability or immigration status, etc.  AMI/USA considers it critical to continually strive to provide training centers, schools, families, teachers and administrators with what they need in support of all children having the opportunity to reach their full potential.

 

Human Rights and Social Justice Committee

Updates from the AMI/USA Human Rights and Social Justice Committee

September 8: Social Justice Webinar Series AMI/USA is excited to learn alongside our community through a series of four free webinars focusing on issues of race, bias and injustice through a Montessori lens. Listen, learn, share and connect with experts and peers as we work to make Montessori spaces more inclusive and accessible.

August 4: AMI/USA Announces Search for Human Rights and Social Justice Adviser

July 22: AMI/USA Announces Human Rights and Social Justice Committee

Equity and Inclusion Resources

Since the inception of its new website, AMI/USA has been continually curating a library of resources for parents and educators on equity and inclusion. We hope that these resources are beneficial to you and are happy to receive suggestions for additional resources to add to our ever-growing library. Please email us a montessori@amiusa.org if you have any suggested resources to share.

Equity and Inclusion Resources

News and Updates

AMI/USA Supports the Black Montessori Educational Fund

AMI/USA is pleased to be among the first major donors to the Black Montessori Educational Fund launched on July 3, 2020 by Mentors of Minorities in Education (M.O.M.I.E.) board member Dr. Ayize Sabater.  The initiative aims to raise one-million dollars to “drastically increase Black exposure, expenditure and expertise around Montessori.”  AMI/USA Board member KaLinda Bass-Barlow spoke at the launch ceremony where the organization made its “Ella Jo Baker – Transforming Systems Pledge.” Please click here to continue reading.

 

 

Statement from Board Chair – June 2, 2020

On June 2, 2020, former AMI/USA Board Chair, Gretchen Hall, issued a statement in relation to current events:

This is an extraordinarily difficult time for our nation. The deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbury, Breonna Taylor and so many who came before are tragic reminders of the systemic racism and injustice that continues to exist in our culture. We acknowledge the profound grief, pain, anger, and injustice felt across the Black community and in our AMI/USA community. The tragic deaths of our fellow citizens have laid bare racial inequity, challenged our humanity and left us emotionally raw. A call for systemic change is loud and clear, not just in the US, but also around the world.

AMI/USA denounces racism and stands beside all of those who work on behalf of social justice. We recommit to our mission and work to affect meaningful change — to unpack hierarchy, privilege, bias, and structures that benefit certain communities and disadvantage others through our programs and services. We stand unyielding in our commitment to critically interrogate systemic racism and unconscious bias in our organization and in our community. We recognize we have much work to do.

Please click here to continue reading.