AmazeWorks

At AmazeWorks, we believe in the power of brave conversations to bridge divides and build belonging. As emotions run high after the election, it’s easy to feel stuck in disagreement. But we’re committed to a future where everyone is seen, heard, and valued—especially those who have been historically overlooked. Over the next few weeks, Director of Programs and Partners Andrew Zhao will share insights and tools to help you navigate hard conversations with dignity and care. Together, we can imagine a world where hope fuels connection and belonging transcends our differences. #BraveConversations?#BelongingMatters?#AmazeWorks #DiversityEquityInclusion #BelongingForAll #WorkplaceCulture #InclusiveWorkplace #Belonging #InclusionMatters #DEI #EquityinAction #LeadershipTips #InclusiveLeadership #WorkplaceWellness #InclusionAndBelonging

We are thrilled to share that we met our goal—together, we raised $15,190 for AmazeWorks!?Your support fuels our mission to create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. We couldn’t be more grateful for the fierce hope of this incredible community.??? November has been a whirlwind. Our bodies are still holding onto weeks of stress, grief, and action. Now that we’ve acted on fierce hope and supported the causes we care about,?let’s take a moment to?release. Shout,?dance, stomp, or shake?like a gazelle—seriously!?This simple act helps your body let go of tension and reset for whatever comes next. Didn't get a chance to give yesterday? It's not too late to act on fierce hope with a donation!?Click here to donate to AmazeWorks:

Today is #TransDayOfRemembrance, a day to mourn and remember our lost siblings. Join us in remembering the trans lives lost in 2024 and throughout our history. Remember that bias is not just a buzz word—bias and gender oppression lead to senseless violence and loss. There are so many ways to support the trans community and change the ways our culture harms those who have and express identities outside the gender norm. One way is to look inward to assess our own biases, behaviors, and practices. Here are some questions to reflect on how your socialization may be impacting the ways you show up today: 1. Thinking back to your childhood, what did you learn about different expectations for different genders? How did you feel about those different expectations and gender roles? 2. Thinking back to your childhood, what did you learn about gender identity and expression? How did you conform or not conform to stereotypical expressions of gender? 3. How have your understandings of gender expression, gender stereotypes, and gender identity changed as an adult? 4. What are your beliefs and biases about gender identity, expectations, and expression? How might your views and understandings influence how you show up at work, home, or in community? 5. What language do you use to address groups of people? Do you tend to use gendered language? How might you be assuming the gender identities of those around you? #TransDayOfRemembrance2024 #BelongingForAll #DiversityEquityInclusion #EquityInAction #ReflectionQuestions #GenderDiversity

A message from our Executive Director: Rebecca Slaby is?#FiercelyHopeful?a world where we can see each other’s humanity in all its messiness. Please help us cultivate fierce hope in belonging for all by donating to AmazeWorks for?#GiveToTheMaxDay. Support AmazeWorks here: https://lnkd.in/dTW5B6sh #GTMD24?#BelongingForAll?#HopeInAction #InclusionAndBelonging #EquityForAll

At AmazeWorks, we try to walk our talk and cultivate a workplace of belonging through intentional conversations. For messages on fierce hope, check out the comments in Andrew Zhao's post, shared by Rebecca Slaby.

I am basking in the glow of celebration and filled with gratitude for the success of our Biggest Keyhubs Mixer (yet)! So many members of our community stepped up to support and take ownership, ensuring that everything flowed beautifully and effortlessly. Because of their incredible support, the Mixer was everything I hoped for and more. We had fun mixing and mingling while bridging communities. I also felt blessed by a higher power, which appeared in the form of a beautiful full moon during the event. Here’s to the power of community — I’m deeply grateful for the connections, the support, and the collective energy. Let’s keep growing, supporting, and building together! Thank you, Liz Otteson (she/her), Nyia Harris, Pedro Senhorinha Silva II, Rashawnda Scott, Rasheem Harris, Mai Vang, Fardowza Sheikh Osman, Ruby Singh, Vivek Narula, Steve Koenig, Mauricio Montes de Oca, Clara Radloff, Magarita Jules, MOL, Marina Aguirre-Anthony, Estefania Borns, and many more! #Keyhubs #Community #Gratitude #Leadership #Networking #Belonging #Inspiration #FullMoon #PowerOfCommunity

It's #TransAwarenessWeek, and Leela is reading When Aidan Became a Brother. This is a universal and relatable story for any child concerned about being a good big sibling. It also offers readers a glimpse into the everyday life of a trans child and his family. This LEE & LOW BOOKS award-winning picture book by Kyle Lukoff & illustrated by Kaylani Juanita tops our We Are Stronger than Censorship campaign list of known banned or challenged books. But this book needs to be readily accessible across communities. Gender is experienced by people in many different ways. It is important for children to see different gender identities reflected positively in order to affirm each child’s own identity and build respect across different identities. This creates empathy and understanding for gender diversity. This book provides an example of self-advocacy when it comes to a child’s gender identity. It also provides an example of the responsibility felt by a child as they become an older sibling and the consideration for the well-being of a new sibling. Follow the link to read the AmazeWorks discussion guide on When Aidan Became a Brother. #TransAwarenessWeek2024 #BannedBooks #PersonaDolls #WhenAidanBecameABrother

Persona Dolls like Choua are amazing tools to support the growth of social-emotional skills in young children. They provide positive representations, reinforcing healthy identity development and respect across differences. Educators help students build relationships with the dolls through storytelling and asking children for advice. Choua speaks three languages: English, Hmong, and American Sign Language.?She's also learning to play the Hmong flute. Choua might ask children questions like, "Does anyone else here like music?" Thank you Kao Kalia Yang and Ryan Kersey for helping Choua introduce herself! Check out Choua in our shop here: https://lnkd.in/gwZWf8YM

Hope isn't just a word—it's a commitment. This Give to the Max season,?we’re inviting you to join AmazeWorks in being #FiercelyHopeful. When we talk about hope, we don’t mean toxic positivity or turning a blind eye. We don’t mean passivity, or wishful optimism. Hope is hard work. Hope means investing in the strength?of our communities, even when the future is uncertain.?Hope is fierce. For 28 years, AmazeWorks has championed belonging for all.?While our work is constantly evolving,?our dedication to lifting every voice remains unwavering.?We know the power of community in transforming lives, especially during dark and challenging times. One way to stay fiercely hopeful is to support the causes that sustain our communities,?like creating spaces where every story is valued and every person feels they belong.?This year, we’re setting a goal to raise $15,000 to continue uplifting the voices and stories of all identities and lived experiences. Join us in making hope more than a feeling—let’s make it a powerful action. Donate to AmazeWorks for #FiercelyHopeful. Thank you for standing with us and for being part of this work.?Together, our fierce?hope can fuel belonging for all.

News by kids for kids—we're celebrating 25 years of Scholastic Kids Press! Read the latest articles here: https://lnkd.in/eE33EWFE