It’s a beautiful thing to have all of who your child is represented at their core.
– Jessi, Parent

Today’s message is contributed by John Nimmo, associate professor of early childhood education at Portland State University and Dimensions Foundation board member.

Sometimes we forget that families are at the core of raising children in a complex world – navigating unique challenges and guided by deep values over a lifetime. “Families Embracing Anti-Bias Values,” a new 50-minute documentary about families who intentionally parent with an anti-bias lens, explores their hopes, fears, strengths, and the pivotal question: What kind of world do we want to create with our children? The film depicts these families in their everyday experiences at home, in communities, and in schools. It is available for free streaming today in multiple languages!

Early childhood educators across the country are confronting pushback against their diversity and equity efforts on behalf of children. Often under the guise of “parental rights,” we are seeing increasing prohibition of raising and discussing issues of identity and bias in schools. This new film provides a counter-narrative, making visible families who advocate for their children, and indeed all children, in their quest to build fair communities.

One parent in the film asks, “What does it look like to build a community where we don’t have all the answers?” Each family has their own vision for social justice based on their unique identities, histories, experiences and context. Another parent shares, “Being a mixed race family and having each of us look different, it’s like our super power.” These families help their children develop positive social identities, express joy with human differences, and form caring connections.

“Families Embracing Anti-Bias Values” is a companion film to, “Reflecting on Anti-Bias Education in Action: The Early Years” (2021), which has been streamed thousands of times across the world in professional development workshops, college classes, and community events.