If you’re not sure how to talk to your kids about racism, we can help.
FORJ Families generate understanding and curiosity about differences in our society, and work together towards racial equity.
ABOUT
FORJ is a coalition of families in and around Newton, MA who believe change starts at home and in our own communities.
WE LEARN
We are a learning community educating ourselves, our children, our schools, and our communities about race, racism, culture, and identity.
WE CONNECT
We strive to achieve safe and welcoming environments that enhance the well-being of all people. We promote healing and connection between individuals and communities.
WE SUPPORT
We speak out against injustice, support our kids to be upstanders, and take action to address bias and inequity.
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How we challenge ourselves to improve our society
From lectures on race and diversity, to discussion groups, community events, Dynamic Diversity trainings and more, we follow the lead from our communities and help families like ours foster inclusion in our city and schools.
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If you’re not sure how to talk to your kids about racism, we can help.
FORJ Families generate understanding and curiosity about differences in our society, and work together towards racial equity.
LEADERS
FORJ is a coalition of school-aged families coming together to teach our children
– and ourselves –
how to stand up for racial equality.
Amy Behrens, FORJ NPS Coordinator and FORJ Leader at Zervas Elementary
And the FORJ Planning Team:
Erica Streit-Kaplan – FORJ 1 Coordinator
Karen Carroll Bennett – FORJ 1 Coordinator
Vineeta Vijayraghavan – Community Connection Liason
Rebecca Schulman-Havemeyer – FORJ Co-Leader at Ward Elementary
Tamika Olszewski – FORJ Leader at Burr Elementary
Amy Behrens
NEWTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Amy assists FORJ Parent Leaders from each school to coordinate diversity initiatives across the Newton Public School District.
She advocates for community connection as a parent coach, education consultant, and a Newton parent leading Zervas Community Connections.
Erica Streit-Kaplan
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Erica boosts FORJ events and notices on social media for members across Newton as a leader of the FORJ planning team.
She advocates for upstanders to take action in local events throughout the city.
Tamika Olszewski
BURR ELEMENTARY
Tamika connects the FORJ planning group with Newton Community events and liaisons with the PTO at Burr Elementary.
She advocates for exploring implicit bias in school staff and diversifying faculty in Newton Public schools.
Vineeta Vijayraghavan
CABOT ELEMENTARY
Vineeta creates family-friendly resources on anti-racism as a leader of the FORJ planning team.
She advocates for district funding of diversity, narrowing the achievement gap and affordable housing in Newton.
LEARN MORE
There is so much more to be done – you can help us shape diversity work for families across Newton.
Get resources, discussion guides, and notifications for upcoming community events near you.
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