(VPA member benefit)
Just a quick note to thank you for your leadership with the VPA Affinity Group for Leaders of Color. It was, by far, one of the most supportive, inspiring, and informative 90 minutes I’ve ever had in my professional career. We’re talking top 2-3 here- and my career is 28 years old. I am truly grateful to you.” (VPA Affinity group member)
“This group was so important to me when I was struggling with issues in my district. It felt great that folks understood my situation without me having to explain every detail. Just the heads nodding was so reassuring. Thank you” (VPA Affinity group member)
Our affinity group offers BIPOC administrators working in predominantly white schools a dedicated space to connect, build community, and share experiences. Together, we celebrate successes, navigate challenges, and learn from one another through meaningful conversation, mutual support, and plenty of laughter. By sharing our stories, ideas, and perspectives, we foster healing, personal and professional growth, and a collective commitment to advancing racial equity in education.
In addition to building community, this affinity group provides opportunities to expand professional networks, develop connections with colleagues across the state, and contribute leadership and insight on issues of educational equity.
The group is facilitated by Bonnie Johnson-Aten, a longtime educator, principal, and retired district leader in Burlington. We meet based on the needs of the group, with quarterly in-person gatherings to deepen our connections.
We hope you’ll consider joining us. I look forward to connecting with you.
Sincerely,
Bonnie Johnson-Aten bjaten@bsdvt.org
(A VPA member benefit)
“I want to share with you that during a segment of our Leadership Team meeting, I ended up finally “outing” myself to all my district colleagues. I share this with you because the confidence, level of social-emotional safety, and security I have been experiencing as a result of being in the affinity group paved the way for this to happen today. I was able to leave day one of this week-long meeting feeling more empowered and secure in my own inner truth than I have in my last two years.” (VPA Affinity group member)
Our group provides an opportunity for LGBTQIA+ administrators and athletic directors, to come together and share experiences, learn from and support each other. The sharing of stories, experiences, ideas, successes, challenges, and lots of laughter, provide a safe and secure place. We have found that similar issues come up, no matter where we work in Vermont. Additionally, our affinity group has become a wonderful place to network and make state-wide connections, as well as provide leadership and guidance on LGBTQIA+ issues.
The group is facilitated by Kevin Dirth, former Superintendent of the Maple Run Unified Schools and long-time educator in Vermont. We generally meet virtually once a month and hope to occasionally meet in person several times a year. We hope you will consider joining us.
Kevin can be contacted at: kad43@aol.com