Publisher: Green Writers Press

In 2015, social justice educator and activist Angela Berkfield held her first Parenting for Social Justice workshop. Dozens of parents and caregivers came together to learn how to talk with their kids about topics like racism, immigration, homelessness, and gender identity.

Now it is time to share the tools and inspiration and Parenting for Social Justice: Tips, Tools, and Inspiration for Conversations and Action with Kids was born. Caregivers will benefit from activities and suggestions that originated with informative, heart-centered workshops.

Using plain language, Berkfield, Pacheco, Colón Bradt, Parker and Martin write about race, class, gender, disability, healing justice, and collective liberation, initiating age-appropriate and engaging conversations with kids about social justice issues. Included are ideas for taking action as families - from making protest signs and attending a local march, to trying healing meditations and consciously connecting with people from different backgrounds. Woven throughout the book are stories from diverse parents who’ve brought social justice into conversations with their kids. Resources for further learning and activities that readers can engage in on their own or as part of a group.

About Angela Berkfield

Author Angela Berkfield, a social justice educator and activist, is a parent of 10- and 7-year-old boys who have privilege because of race, class, gender, and ability. In her words, “I have a tall task in raising kids who have privilege to move through the world honoring principles of equity and justice. I’ve aimed to center social justice in my parenting from day one - and the more caregivers I can partner with on this journey, the better!” Angela has taught in a variety of settings over the past decade and is a co-founder of the Root Social Justice Center, ACT for Social Justice, and Equity Solutions. She has an MA in Social Justice from the School for International Training.

About Chrissy Colón Bradt

Chrissy Colón Bradt is an educator and mom to a 4 year old, biracial, white-presenting child.  As an Afro-Latina in a biracial marriage, Chrissy is keenly aware of her family’s intersecting identities and privilege.  She strives to support her son in developing a positive racial and ethnic identity. Chrissy serves as an educator and Director of Equity and Inclusion  at an independent school, and is on the board of The Courage of Care Coalition and the Root Social Justice Center. She holds a BA in Comparative Ethnic Studies from Barnard College and an M.Ed. in Special Education from Hunter College.

About Jaimie Martin

Jaimie Martin has spent her entire life dealing with the consequences of being born into generational poverty; hunger, prejudices, and a lack of access to connections and capital that would facilitate an upwards movement of social class. One of Jaimie’s life goals is to raise her 3 children, ages 14, 12, and 4, with the knowledge necessary not only to propel themselves out of poverty but to help create a world in which all people have access to what they need; not just to survive, but to thrive.

About Romina A Pacheco

Romina A. Pacheco was born and raised in the Caribbean city of Maracay, Venezuela. Romina is an educator whose work focuses on teaching Social Justice Education and Critical Multicultural Education in institutions of higher education. Romina migrated to the United States in her mid-20s where she earned a Master’s in Social Justice Education from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction and Gender & Sexuality Studies from New Mexico State University. One of Romina's biggest joy is raising her kids, Asha and Pierre Aristides, along with her partner, Pierre.

About Rowan Parker

Rowan Parker has worked in early childhood education and early childhood development for over a decade. He is white and transgender; he has bipolar disorder and a chronic pain condition. Rowan currently works in Early Intervention as a Developmental Specialist, assessing young children for therapeutic needs, but his favorite part of the job is helping parents learn to understand and work with their children. He continues his work with children as a foster parent with his partner. Rowan has a Master's in Education from Western Governors University.