Today we are living change as we never could have imagined. COVID-19 has touched every aspect of our lives and rocks the mind space filled by expectations, assumptions and dreams. The tragic death of George Floyd, the most recent victim of abuse of power, in the midst of the stresses of the pandemic, and the protests and calls for change, force us to face the prejudices and inequities pervasive in our society. Issues around health and social justice are intertwined—much of what we may have wished to be true is not the way things are. We are compelled to see truth and determine our own actions. Overwhelming. Yet, there it is. And here we are. We have hope in our hearts, and we are listening, thinking, and planning for change. We have intentions and next steps, ideas and inspirations, because this is who and what we are—no matter what. 

At the same time that much of what we are experiencing is shared, there are differences based on race and privilege that are not shared and often not understood, acknowledged or valued. This is a critical time; we are shaping our future. 

Children are watching. Consequences of the pandemic and public discourse and demonstrations around inequity are not something that is only happening around them; it is happening to them. Living all day, every day with family, yet distanced physically from extended family and friends, teachers and classmates, they have plenty of time to observe and absorb how resilient and just we are as the adults in their lives. How are we living through life as it is right now? How do we respond to what we see and learn? What are we saying about social justice? What compels us to action? And what does that action look like? 

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Right now we have a powerful opportunity to live what it means to be courageous and positively responsive, with all of the challenges and responsibilities that come with confronting truth—along with all the emotions of anger, grief, sadness, fear. It is important that children see us struggle, hear our frustration, and see our tears—it is okay for our authentic selves to be visible. We cannot hide the impact on each and all of us; so, let’s invite children into our thinking. Let’s engage them as we process and apply what we are learning about what can no longer be ignored. 

• Children need to see resilience lived every day as reflected in the meaningful actions of the adults who surround them—both teachers and family members.
• Children need to see that we, their teachers and family, intend to find solutions, that we see opportunities, and that we are changing.
• Children need to be by our sides, their teachers and family members, so they see us responding with authenticity, willing to learn, ready to work for social justice. Their courage and character will be strengthened by what they see in us. 

This is a powerful time for children to experience life and learn how adult humans respond in real time. They need to feel safe to think, question, wonder and explore with us in an environment where they are enveloped in the spirit of energy and hopefulness. They need to know what anti-racism, equity and social justice look like so they live lives of empathetic action.

We cannot overwhelm them, nor can we shut them out. They know there is a lot going on; that is reality. But in every situation lives opportunity if we look for it, if we are willing to change our way of seeing things. Empowerment and resilience live side by side. Children can feel safe in meaningful conversations and experiences that deal with age-appropriate facts, in relationship with trusted adults who are just, generous, courageous, curious, creative and hopeful.

We, as advocates for children and families, have and will continue to work for what we know to be right and true. Let’s show the children who we are and what we can do.

As the World Forum community, we will continue to address inequities and prejudice around the world. We invite you to join us as we develop platforms and actions for change.