The Village Method (TVM)

#Keepbuilding ?????????

At The Village Method, we are committed to ensuring that every child has access to enriching, culturally affirming educational experiences—especially during the summer when learning gaps widen. This year, Summer Camp G.R.A.C.E. will serve 150 K-6th graders, providing full-day enrichment (8 AM - 6 PM), meals, STEM, arts, cultural learning, and leadership activities. Due to school district funding cuts, we’ve partnered with local churches to host camp—but we need the support of our community to make this affordable for families. Our goal is to cut tuition in half and provide scholarships so that no child is left behind. By donating, you are investing in our future leaders, ensuring they have a safe, supportive space to grow, explore, and succeed. ?? Will you help us create opportunities for our youth this summer? Donate today or share this post! ?? Give now: https://gofund.me/76d10e1c #ItTakesAVillage #SummerCampGRACE

“Let’s be clear: pictures don’t make change. Equity isn’t a marketing strategy. It requires intentional investment.” TVM Co-Founder, Mark G. aka “Brother Mark”

We are lifting up community at the Black Joy Parade in Downtown Oakland, CA today! Thankful to be in collaboration with Paulette Smith who knows the value and the collective power generated by cultivating spaces for Black joy! #WeOriginatedFromAfricans

The rising consumer price index and inflation exacerbate the challenges already faced by underserved communities, particularly in education. These economic pressures deepen the barriers to access, opportunity, and success for the youth and families we serve at The Village Method. Families already struggling with generational poverty now face heightened financial strain, which can lead to greater disengagement from schools and fewer resources to support their children’s education. Our work at The Village Method is critical in this climate. By fostering family #engagement, culturally affirming #education models, and holistic support systems, we provide a stabilizing force for those most impacted. However, inflation also affects our ability to sustain and expand this work. Rising costs challenge our budgets, increase operational expenses, and strain the families and partners we rely on. Yet, this moment reinforces our commitment. The Village Method’s emphasis on breaking generational curses, empowering #families, and bridging gaps between home, school, and community becomes even more essential. Our team adapts and perseveres, knowing that the work we do not only alleviates immediate pressures but builds a foundation for long-term, systemic change. #keepbuilding

#FlexFriday: This Is the Time to Build Community—More Than Ever In 2019, The Village Method set out to do more than host events—we set out to redefine what it means to build community within educational settings. We filled a theater with over 200 attendees, watched the movie "Harriett", listened to the wisdom of Baba Wekesa sharing stories we never heard about Araminta, showcased Black excellence in food, music, and culture, and created a space where families could see themselves reflected and valued. We also launched the Youth Voice & Leadership Summit at Cal State East Bay, with representation from every single school district in Alameda County. With Glenn Singleton and Charles Cole as keynote speakers, we ignited a conversation about racial equity, leadership, and the power of youth voice. Where Black students shared their lived-experiences growing up in cities like Union City, Fremont, Hayward and Castro Valley. We did this because we knew something then that is even more urgent today: ? Our schools can’t do it alone. ? Our children need to feel safe, seen, and culturally affirmed. ? Our communities must reclaim the village that strengthens families and sustains success. In a time when education is at a crossroads—facing political pressures, shifting policies, and widening equity gaps—this work is more critical than ever. The question is no longer IF we should build community—it’s HOW FAST we can do it. This is the moment for educators, leaders, and organizations to lean in. We must build spaces where young people feel welcomed, affirmed, and prepared to lead. This isn’t just an initiative—it’s a movement. If you are in education, policy, or community engagement, I challenge you to ask yourself: ???? How are you making sure the voices of families and students are centered? ???? How are you strengthening community-school partnerships beyond a transaction? ???? How are you investing in relationships that will outlast any single initiative? At The Village Method, we are committed to this work—and we’re just getting started. If you’re ready to build with intention, with urgency, and with purpose—let’s connect. #FlexFriday #TheVillageMethod #EducationLeadership #BuildingCommunity #YouthVoice #ParentPower #CulturalAffirmation #WeAreTheVillage

We’ve applied for this incredible opportunity before, and we’re gearing up to try again! The 1954 Project Luminary Award offers $1M in funding, personalized mentorship, and access to a catalytic network—all geared toward bold leaders transforming education for Black students and communities. We’re sharing this not just for us, but for anyone in our network who aligns with this vision. If you’re creating impact in education, we encourage you to apply. Let’s celebrate your wins together! Imagine the boost our movement can achieve with the transformational support that comes with this award. Together, we can continue to build and uplift communities for generations to come. Let’s #keepbuilding!

The school-to-prison pipeline continues to harm students, particularly Black youth, by pushing them out of classrooms and into the justice system through inequitable policies and systemic bias. Let’s keep the conversation going—with renewed commitment and energy to take action. Together, we can dismantle these harmful practices and create schools that affirm, nurture, and empower every student. #EducationEquity #SchoolToPrisonPipeline #EquityInEducation #TheVillageMethod?#HealingCentered

This post explores how relationship-centered schools improve academic success and attendance by fostering authentic connections between students, families, and educators. Learn how The Village Method bridges the gap between home and school to help students thrive. #thevillagemethod

“Education begins at home—and thrives when the classroom feels like an extension of it.” Mark G. At The Village Method, we know the secret to unlocking a child’s potential lies in the connection between the kitchen table and the classroom. By bridging this gap, we create spaces where students feel seen, heard, and supported—not just as learners, but as valued members of a thriving community. Recently, our TVM Scholars came together to celebrate Kwanzaa, immersing themselves in culture, traditions, and collective learning. These moments are about more than education; they’re about belonging, empowerment, and building a foundation that inspires children to lean into their educational journey with pride and purpose. How do we do it? ? By fostering meaningful partnerships between parents and educators. ? By creating culturally responsive programs that reflect the identities and values of our scholars. ? By building community-driven, family-centered strategies that break down barriers to success. If you’re an educator, administrator, or community leader, let’s work together to bring this vision to your schools. Together, we can empower students, support families, and transform outcomes—one partnership at a time. Curious about how we can partner to build stronger communities through education? Let’s connect! Send us a message or email [email protected] #TheVillageMethod #FamilyEngagement #EquityInEducation