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Take a look at a few of our past newsletters to see the impact of our DEIB initiatives in action. To receive our latest updates, resources, and upcoming events straight to your inbox, subscribe today and stay connected with our community!

Join Fellow Educators for Post-Election Reflection & Connection

Discover the transformative power of listening circles in fostering restorative justice within our schools.

We invite you to join Shanti Alliance, Punahou School’s Davis Democracy Initiative, and Hanahauʻoli School PDC for the Social Justice Educators Community Gathering of the school year. This special post-election Listening Circle offers a space for reflection, connection, and collective visioning as a community.
Interested? CLICK HERE!

Event Details:

Event: Post-Election Listening Circle
Date: Thursday, November 7, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Hawaii
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free
This gathering is inspired by the work of the International Institute for Restorative Practices and will focus on creating a space for deep listening, empathy building, and strengthening our community ties.

Why Join?
In the aftermath of the 2024 Presidential Election, many of us may feel the need to reflect on its impact on ourselves, our communities, and our schools. A Listening Circle offers an opportunity to share personal experiences, listen to others with empathy, and consider how restorative justice practices might be integrated into schools to foster healing, equity, and connection.
Interested? CLICK HERE!

This is a space to process the impact of the elections and connect with others who seek to reflect and look ahead together as a community.

What Are Listening Circles and Restorative Practices?

A Listening Circle is a structured, intentional practice where participants come together to share openly and listen deeply, free from judgment. It’s a key part of restorative practices, which emphasize healing harm, building trust, and fostering community. In schools, restorative justice practices can transform approaches to conflict, student support, and creating inclusive environments.

If you're new to these concepts, we encourage you to explore more about Listening Circles here and discover how they can help cultivate a more just and compassionate educational community.
Learn More about Listening Circles!
Copyright © 2024 Shanti Alliance All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
1015 Aoloa Pl, Apt 247
Kailua, HI 96734-5211

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Registration Now Open: Join Us & Apply for Assistance by 11/11!

📢 Registration Now Open for the 7th Annual Hawaiʻi DEI Conference! 🎉

We are thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the 7th Annual Hawaiʻi DEI Conference, hosted in partnership with the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS).


Mark your calendars for February 15 & 16, 2025, and join us for two days of keynote speakers, inspiring breakout sessions, transformative conversations, and immersive learning experiences.

🎟️ Financial Assistance & Travel Grants Available!

Applications due in ~2 weeks!

To ensure this conference is accessible to everyone, we are offering Financial Assistance and Travel Grants for eligible participants. Please take note of the application process and November 11, 2024 submission deadline.

Financial Assistance

Students who need support covering the registration fee are encouraged to apply for financial assistance. Funds are limited, so apply early!

Travel Grants

If you're traveling from outside Oʻahu, you may qualify for a travel grant to help with transportation and lodging costs. This process requires specific documentation, so please start early.

  • Deadline to submit application:  November 11, 2024

  • 👉 Download Travel Grant Application

  • How to Submit: Complete the application and submit an electronic folder following the naming convention: 'School Year SCHOOL NAME 7th HIDEI Conference Travel Grant Request' to conference@shantialliance.org.

Important: Incomplete applications will not be considered, and in-person submissions are not accepted for security reasons.

🌟 Why Attend the 7th Annual Hawaiʻi DEI Conference?

Connection & Growth

  • Engage in thought-provoking discussions and practical exercises designed to help you cultivate more inclusive environments. This year’s theme—'Cultivating and Growing Our Spheres of Belonging'—is all about exploring inner reflections and fostering meaningful change within your school community.


DEI Through a Hawai‘i-Based Lens

  • Explore diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from a unique Hawai‘i-based perspective. Honor local traditions, values, and cultural practices to create a sense of belonging that resonates with the island's rich heritage and diverse communities.

Interactive Experiences

  • Take part in hands-on workshops, collaborative exercises, and immersive activities that provide practical tools for fostering inclusivity.

Expert Insights

  • Learn from keynote speaker Kevin Kahakula’akea John Fong, founder of the Kahakulei Institute. Kevin is a leading voice in transformative justice and will share tools and perspectives to empower you to create inclusive, resilient communities.

Upcoming Community Events

Events for Students

Equity in Action: Stories from Our Fellows

An evening with the first cohort of the Equitable Future Fellowship to share their visions of equity. 16 incredible leaders from 14 different countries will be sharing about their work in equity. Pūpūs and light refreshments will be provided.

  • Date: Thursday, November 7, 2024

  • Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM HST

  • Location: Hale Hālāwai, John A. Burns Hall Lobby on the East-West Center campus, 1601 East-West Center Rd., Honolulu, HI 96822

  • Cost: Free

  • Dress code: Aloha & Business Casual

    RSVP by Thursday, October 31

    Email leadership@eastwestcenter.org


DEI Social Justice Social

Join high school clubs & Educators for a fun, casual, community building pot-luck!

Food, Games, Networking

Special Guests from Spill the Tea Cafe: Kiki Rosario, Director of Operations & Kai Chung-Schultz, Youth Advisory Member

  • Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024

  • Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM HST

  • Location: Scudder @ Mid-Pacific, 2445 Kaala St, Honolulu, HI 96822

  • Cost: Free

RSVP via the QR Code

Events for Educators

Post-Election Listening Circle

After the 2024 Presidential Election, many of us may feel the need to reflect on its impact on ourselves, our communities, and our schools. Join Shanti Alliance, the Davis Democracy Initiative at Punahou School, and the Hanahauʻoli School Professional Development Center (PDC) for a meaningful gathering.


Inspired by the International Institute for Restorative Practices, this event will provide a space for deep listening, empathy-building, and community strengthening. A Listening Circle offers a unique opportunity to share personal experiences, listen with empathy, and explore how restorative justice practices can foster healing, equity, and connection in schools.

Pilina Circles & Hana Noʻeau Circles

Strengthen connections within the Waiʻanae community through our Pilina & Hana Noʻeau Circles. These gatherings are centered around building relationships (pilina) through storytelling, deep listening, shared meals, and Hawaiian art (hana noʻeau). Whether you're from Waiʻanae or simply wish to connect, join in fostering community wellness.


📅 Plan Your Attendance for the

7th Annual Hawaiʻi DEI Conference

For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, visit our FAQ Page.
Thanks for Attending! 3 Ways to Stay Involved

Mahalo for Joining Us!

Now, Let’s Keep Building Belonging Together

Oʻahu Regional Kick-Off 2024

Mahalo nui for attending our Regional Kick-Off event! We are so grateful for your presence and your commitment to fostering belonging and community within your school.

Below, you’ll find a link to the PDF slides from the event. We hope these resources will continue to support you and your team in the important work ahead.
Link to PDF Slides

As we move forward, we’d love for you and your students to stay engaged with the Shanti Alliance. In this newsletter, you’ll find three exciting ways to participate!

Thank you for sharing how you'd like to be involved. Stay tuned and check your email for upcoming opportunities to volunteer at our annual conference—we’re excited for your participation!

1. Share Your Voice: Be Featured in Our Belonging Video!

We’d love to hear from you! Please record a short video (5-10 seconds) answering one of these questions:

  • "What does belonging feel like to you?"
  • "I know I’m in a place I belong when..."

Guidelines:

  • Video format: MP4 or MOV
  • Orientation: Please film in landscape (horizontal)
  • Film in a quiet, well-lit space
  • Name your file as: “FirstLast_BelongingVideo” (e.g., ZoeChan_BelongingVideo)

Submission:
Please send your video in a separate email with the subject line: “Belonging Video Submission – [Your Name]” to info@shantialliance.org by Saturday, October 5, 2024.

2. Share Your Story: Contribute to Our Belonging Showcase!

We invite you to share your writing! Write a short poem, story, or reflection about:

  • A time you felt a strong sense of belonging
  • How you’ve helped create belonging for others

Feel free to be creative and express yourself.

Word Count:

  • Poems: 50-150 words
  • Stories or reflections: 200-400 words

Submission:
Please send your writing in a separate email with the subject line: “Belonging Writing Submission – [Your Name]” to info@shantialliance.org by Saturday, October 12, 2024.

3. Spotlight Your Club: Share How You Build Belonging!

We’re excited to feature your student club and highlight the amazing work you’re doing to build community and promote belonging! This is a unique opportunity to showcase your club on our Instagram, website, and newsletter.

To be featured, simply fill out the Google Form by Saturday, October 26, 2024 with details about your club, including:

  • Club name and mission
  • How your club fosters belonging and equity
  • Key activities or projects
  • A quote from a member on what belonging means to your club
  • Photos or a short video of your club in action!

Don’t miss out on this chance to share your story and inspire others! If you have any questions, reach out to us at info@shantialliance.org.
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Copyright © 2024 Shanti Alliance, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

Our mailing address is:
Shanti Alliance
1015 Aoloa Pl Apt 247
Kailua, HI 96734-5211

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Member School Registration Extended to Sept 20th!

Your Guide to Upcoming Shanti Alliance

Events and Registration Deadlines

Don’t Miss Out! Exciting Opportunities and Deadlines Ahead!


Dear Shanti Alliance Community,

We’re thrilled about the exciting opportunities available for our members this year! Whether you're a faculty advisor, student, or educator, there are several ways to get involved and make the most of your Shanti Alliance membership. Make sure to check out all the details below and mark your calendars!

Become a Member School and Unlock Exclusive Benefits!


Joining as a member school comes with a host of benefits:

  • Early Access: Be the first to register for our annual conference and apply for travel grants.

  • Spotlight Opportunities: Feature your school and students on our Instagram to showcase the incredible work being done.

  • Student Involvement: Encourage your students to participate as conference facilitators or volunteers, earning valuable service hours.

  • Recognition: Receive a prestigious Shanti Alliance certificate and be featured on the conference T-shirt and our Instagram!

📝 Faculty Advisors: Register Your School by September 20th!

Don’t forget to remind your students to submit their liability waivers to info@shantialliance.org.

📅 Upcoming Regional Kick-Off Events: Register Today!


Join us for our exciting Regional Kick-off Events! These events are great opportunities for networking, learning, and connecting with fellow educators and students.

  • O'ahu:
    Date:     Saturday, 9/28/24, 9 AM-12 PM
    Location:     Hawaiʻi Technology Academy Waipahu Campus
    Registration Deadline:     9/21/24

  • Big Island:
    Date:     Sunday, 9/29/24, 10 AM-1 PM
    Location:     Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy Big Island
    Registration Deadline:     9/22/24

  • Northern California:
    Date:     Thursday, 10/3/24, 10 AM-1 PM
    Location:     Crystal Springs Uplands
    Registration Deadline:     9/26/24

  • Kaua'i:
    Date:     Saturday, 10/19/24, 10 AM-1 PM
    Location:     Hawaiʻi Technology Academy  Kauaʻi
    Registration Deadline:     10/12/24

How to Register: Faculty advisors or lead educators can register themselves and their students to attend these events.

📧 Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!


Email us at info@shantialliance.org with any questions or for more information about registration and upcoming events.


Thank you for being a vital part of the Shanti Alliance community. We look forward to seeing you at our events!


With aloha,
The Shanti Alliance Team

 

Transformative Virtual Event with Kevin John Fong
Join Shanti Alliance’s Expert Practitioner Kevin John Fong for a Virtual Gathering for Educators!

Aloha Educators,

In a time when fear and division seem to dominate our discourse, it's more important than ever to come together and reconnect. Our schools and educational communities are vital spaces for building bridges and fostering unity.

We are excited to invite you to The Second Circle event with Kevin Kahakula’akea John Fong, a nationally recognized leader in transformative justice and community healing, serving as Shanti Alliance's Expert Practitioner. This virtual gathering will take place on
Thursday, September 19, from 6:30 - 8:00 pm PT | 3:30 - 5:00 pm HT
and 
Tuesday, October 22, from 6:30 - 8:00 pm PT | 3:30 - 5:00 pm HT

Event Highlights:

  • Reclaim Shared Stories: Rediscover and affirm our common experiences as educators.
  • Name Reactive Habits: Explore and challenge the reactive patterns that drive us apart.
  • Collaborate for Unity: Engage in collective steps to build a nurturing and inclusive educational community.
Register for The Second Circle: Sept 19th
Register for The Second Circle: Oct 22nd
About Kevin John Fong: Kevin is the founder of the Kahakulei Institute, dedicated to cultivating communities of belonging. His work, influenced by many of his teachers, including Grace Lee Boggs, Aunty Puanani Burgess, and Dolores Huerta, focuses on fostering compassion and effective communication. Kevin’s expertise in transformative justice and community healing makes him an inspiring facilitator for our event.

Together we can make a difference. We invite you to a gathering that will address these topics, Face to Face.

Our expert practitioner is a nationally known and respected expert who does this very work with communities in crises throughout the country.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Shanti Alliance Team
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Copyright © 2024 Shanti Alliance, All rights reserved.
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Our mailing address is:
Shanti Alliance
1015 Aoloa Pl Apt 247
Kailua, HI 96734-5211

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