Diversity Notes: Felicia Wilks, Friends Diversity Coordinator Am I willing to speak from deep reflection, sharing my own insights? Do I see and celebrate the differences among those I meet? Friends School Faith and Practice A central tenet of
Quakerism is that there is that of God in every person. This concept is at the core of Friends School’s diversity work. If all of us seek the Light in others, we will encourage the development of an even more accepting and inclusive community. Finding the time in our daily lives to foster community is a challenge; our weeks are a whirlwind of school, work and social commitments. Creating space within ourselves—to be open to others, to share our experiences and to learn more about people, cultures and perspectives different from our own—is essential to this work. In my new role of Diversity Coordinator, I look forward to cultivating attitudes and behaviors that build such a community at Friends. My work will be guided and informed by the Board of Trustees’ 2008 Diversity Plan to Enhance Multiculturalism and Inclusion at Friends*. This plan, which outlines the School’s goal to “enhance campus diversity in all its forms: racial, ethnic, social, cultural, economic, financial, spiritual, and re-
ligious,” notes that increasing diversity representation on campus does not go far enough; we must also work toward being a true community, where all perspectives and backgrounds are welcomed and everyone is appreciated. I am working with the Admission Office and division principals to further our student and faculty recruitment efforts and to develop a more inclusive curriculum. I also consult with the School’s Administrative and Diversity Councils, Board of Trustees and Parents Association to formulate a range of structured activities focused on diversity topics, including cultural competency training for students and faculty, reading groups, film screenings, speakers and parent affinity groups, to name a few. In addition, our Diversity Council** meetings are a great way to become more involved in advancing diversity programs and initiatives at the School. Newcomers are always welcome. Beyond participation in such structured diversity work, there are dozens of informal ways in which
we can become a more inclusive environment. In the classroom, on the sports fields and even on the parking lot, we can practice openness, curiosity, kindness and respect toward one another, especially when we encounter those whose backgrounds and perspectives are different from us or the views we hold.
Meanwhile, if you have ideas on ways to make Friends an even more diverse community, I’d love to hear them. Send me your thoughts at fwilks@ friendsbalt.org. * The Diversity Plan to Enhance Multiculturalism and Inclusion at Friends is available online at friendsbalt. org/news/pub/diversityplan.pdf. If you would like a
Diversity Coordinator Felicia Wilks (front row, second from right) with Friends seniors (front row, l.–r.): Julia Rodricks, Etosha Lankatilleke, Jack Gibb; (back row, l.–r.) Fiona Caplan, Jason Schon, Mila Caplan and Jeremy Gann.
Making our campus one where everyone feels comfortable sharing his or her unique gifts is a responsibility we share. I invite you to be actively involved in the school’s diversity efforts. Look to this column in future issues of COLLECTION and in the e-Update for stories, ideas and information about diversity in its many forms.
Collection Magazine
copy of the plan mailed to you, contact Heidi Blalock at 410.649.3216 or hblalock@friendsbalt.org ** The remaining Diversity Council Meetings for 20102011 will be held on January 10, February 7, April 11 and May 16 (all Mondays). Meetings take place in the Zamoiski Alumni Center from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Childcare and dinner is provided.
Friends School of Baltimore
Fall 2010
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