Dear Friends,
From our beginning in 2006, reGeneration Education has worked for children – regardless of race, religion, and nationality – to have a safe and wholesome childhood. Children deserve to grow up without fear of violence, knowing that they can wholeheartedly walk out into the world to manifest their dreams.
Cumulative adversity, especially when experienced during childhood, leaves a legacy of toxic stress that undermines a child’s joyful stride. The countrywide protests and signs bearing George Floyd’s last statement, “I can’t breathe,” give voice to generations of trauma and pain from poverty, racism, and other structural inequalities.
The toxic stress generated by these adversities harms every generation’s greatest asset, its children, in many ways: brain development, academic achievement, mental and physical health.
Every child is precious. Without exception the values of our democracy need to reflect this truth. The current protests are a dire call for all of us to recommit ourselves to make this world far more just and peaceful for today’s children.
Much change and healing is needed. And we must all learn to work together to pass on to the next generation the skills and tools needed to address these challenging times.
Recently President Obama wrote, “How to Make this Moment a Turning Point for Real Change” in which he stressed that aspirations have to be translated into specific laws and institutional changes. reGeneration Education couldn’t agree more. This is a time when we must think systemically and realize that we are all interconnected. What affects one affects the other.
Our task as adults is to protect and nourish the bodies and spirits of children in safe and healthy communities so today’s children can grow up to imagine and create a world far better than the one we are leaving them.
Below are some links that you might find helpful as you ponder your own next steps in making this a more fair and equitable society.
To learn more about the impact of toxic stress and the legacy of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) please click on this link to go to reGeneration Education’s Knowledge Center.
To learn more about President Obama’s Toolkit for Fair, Safe and Effective Community Policing click on this link.
To read President George Bush’s statement on the need to end systemic racism in America click on this link.
To watch former Thousand Oaks Police Chief Tim Hagel offer his vision for today’s police force click on this link.
In peace,
Shepha Schneirsohn Vainstein MA LMFT,
President of reGeneration Education Board of Directors
Adrienne Erlick-Sigmund,
reGeneration Education Board of Directors
Richard G. Novak, Esq.,
reGeneration Education Board of Directors
Karen Sorenson,
reGeneration Education Board of Directors
Muneer Waheed,
reGeneration Education Board of Directors
Imam Jihad Turk,
reGeneration Education Board of Directors
Mark Zucker,
reGeneration Education Board of Directors
