Spring Break Resources
Dear Windward Community,
Our transition to remote learning over the past two weeks does not change our commitment to inclusivity and diversity and making sure that each member of our community feels a sense of belonging while we are apart. At the start of the school year, Head of School Tom Gilder charged the student body and faculty and staff with making sure Windward is welcoming to all; now, this charge is more important than ever. We must stick together not only during the good times but the difficult ones as well. Indeed, we are measured by our impact on and service to others, particularly when confronted with such an unprecedented challenge.
Below you'll find a compilation of resources for those seeking help in these times of uncertainty, information about how to give back to the community, and support for vulnerable and underrepresented groups. Please know that you’re not going through this process alone; you will always have the help and support of the entire Windward School community. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can be of support in any way. Please stay tuned for information about virtual Diversity and Inclusivity discussions and gatherings via Zoom.
Tyrone and Ashley
Co-Directors of Diversity and Inclusivity
Please click the links below for resources that provide assistance and support:
LGBTQ Community
• GLSEN chapters are hosting virtual GSA meetings to keep these engines of advocacy running, and ensure that LGBTQ students don’t fall prey to social isolation.
• They are also hosting weekly virtual GSA meet-ups at the national level.
• The Day of Silence and “Breaking the Silence” end-of day events on April 24 will be completely digital.
- Trans Lifeline: A peer support crisis hotline for trans folks, call 877-565-8860; more info here.
- Queer Anxiety Virtual Support: Queer Healing Oasis is offering an anxiety virtual support non-clinical space to share & cope. For more info email marcos.emdr@gmail.com or call 818-233-1079, more info here.
- Donation-based and no one turned away for lack of funds. As of March 17, 2020, they are taking on 3 free clients.
- QTBIPOC are prioritized
- The Trevor Project: Support network specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention. Text START to 678678 for the 24-hour text line or call 1-866-488-7386
- Teenline: Teens helping teens. Non-emergency local hotline for advice, listening ears, or just someone to talk to. Call 1-310-855-4673 from 6pm-10pm or text text TEEN to 839863
- GLBT National Youth Talkline: provides phone, online private on-to-one chat and email peer support, as well as information and local resources for cities and towns across the US. Call 1-800-246-7743
Reporting Racism/Xenophobia:
- 211 is now taking reports of racism/xenophobia related to coronavirus. If you have been the victim of or witness to an act of violence, bullying, harassment, threat, or other act motivated by hate, please fill out the Hate Incident Report Form or call 2-1-1 to file a report and be connected to support services.
- Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council (A3PCON) and Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) have launched a reporting center to allow community members to report incidents of hate they have experienced. Learn how to file here.
To learn about ways to help in the community during these challenging times, please see the links below. Options include meal deliveries, donations to shelters and food banks, support of nonprofit organizations, and more.