CULTIVATING COMPASSIONATE EDUCATION
July 6, 2006

“Education should be a source of nurturance for the spirit as well as a means of reaching understanding.” Linda Darling-Hammond

I’m sensing it is time to make a quantum leap. Daily I hear, see, feel and experience the
unrest and concerns of parents, families, educators, students, organizations and our community regarding the dehumanizing trends in our educational systems. The impact on
the next generation is alarming.

Perhaps you have wondered, “What can I do?” “How can I make a difference?” Many of us have also wrestled with and questioned our role as change agents and beacons for the future often leading to hopelessness, isolation or inaction.

NOW is the time for us to join hands in transcending the limits of our separate actions to
foster a unified vision. By building connections and community, we are able to strengthen our voice and multiply our effectiveness.

You are invited to unite with like-hearted community in forming partnerships and networks for transforming current educational conditions, policies and practices into life-serving, compassionate environments where students love learning, teachers love teaching and
parents are confident their children’s needs are being met. We will begin with establishing sharing and caring communities of support committed to deepening our awareness and understanding of the truest needs of youth and related topics through courageous conversations (NOT gripe sessions). How the community evolves will be in response to identified needs and consensus.

If your heart is singing, you are rejoicing or even just curious, please email or call me with questions or comments. If you are certain you’d like to participate, email the following information: Your name and contact information, city location (i.e. north Scottsdale, south Phoenix, etc.), time availability for gatherings (likely to be monthly), educational concerns/interests, and any other information you perceive to be relevant.

Our initial connection will be held in a central location (to be determined). In attempt to meet
the diverse needs of participants’ life schedules, the intention is to organize future gatherings according to geographic location.

I am excited about this unique opportunity for connection, community, compassion, creativity and contribution. Won’t you join us?

CULTIVATING COMPASSIONATE EDUCATION
July 16, 2006

Most Sunday mornings I rise early for a long distance bike ride. This has been my pattern for many, many years. Midway through the ride I find a sweet space to stop for a short break of rest and nourishment. One of my favorite places is a person-made, peace-full neighborhood lake that provides an abundance of shade and nature’s beauties to treasure.

This morning, I observed a young duck behaving differently than the many others. A flock of several dozen ducks were resting, grooming and feeding along the shore but this fledgling
had isolated itself and was now facing me. It appeared to be quacking but no sound was detectable. Repeatedly it opened and closed its bill, stretching and straining, yet I could not hear a single quack. I cautiously inched my way closer out of curiosity and concern. Still, no perceptible sound. Yet, this precious creature tried and tried and tried. And then I asked, “Where’s your voice, sweetheart?” “You are talking, but I can’t hear you.” “What is it that you
are trying so hard to put a voice to?” Immediately tears began to well as I gently and tenderly realized that this feathered friend was merely a reflection of me.

Truly it is time to put a voice to what is alive and stirring in my heart regarding the well-being and value of children. The duck’s strained silence gifted me with a message to stop playing small and to align with and proclaim my own voice and purpose. At the moment I am allowing the beauty of this experience to percolate within, bubbling forth perfect opportunities for living more fully in this new awareness.

Ten days ago I emailed you an invitation to unite with me and like-hearted community in forming partnerships, networks and community for transforming current educational
conditions, policies and practices into life-serving, compassionate environments where students love learning, teachers love teaching and parents are confident their children’s
needs are being met.

I’ve listened to your expressions of hopelessness, frustration, concern, and pain regarding
the unmet needs of children. NOW is the time for us to join hands and hearts. Together we
can foster a unified vision, transcending the limits of our separate actions. By building connections and community, we are able to strengthen our voice and multiply our
effectiveness. If you are a parent, educator, child care provider, teacher assistant, administrator, coach, social worker, or simply interested in supporting or cultivating compassionate learning environments, please attend this important meeting.

We will begin by establishing a sharing and caring community of support committed to deepening our awareness and understanding of the truest needs of youth and related topics (NOT gripe sessions). How the community evolves will be in response to identified needs
and consensus. Our first meeting is scheduled this week at a central location.

Lovingly,
Adrian Reznik

Copyright © 2006 Adrian Reznik