By: Kim Whittle, EEA Coordinator
Sean Green is a caregiver to a Wilmington Learning Collaborative school student. Sean currently works for the Center For Structural Equity (CFSE), a non-profit and community-based initiative that works with high-risk students. He is passionate about issues like combating substance disorders, fighting for police transparency and accountability, and assisting formerly incarcerated individuals with the reentry process. Sean bridges the gap between school, family, students, and his larger community through his commitment to community advocacy and mentorship.
Education Equity Ambassador coordinator, Kim Whittle (KW), sat down with Sean Green (SG) to get more insight into how the EEA program has better equipped him with the tools to advocate for his students and community.
KW: How do you incorporate the tools you've gained through the EEA program into the many advocacy roles you play within your community?
SG: The EEA program has been invaluable to me. The training sessions have helped me gain the knowledge to more clearly express problems I have been aware of but unable to communicate. The action plans are directly related to my focus on advocating for children and families. I have had the opportunity to connect with other EEAs so we can maximize our impact as a team. Participating in school board meetings and gaining awareness of different school district events has allowed me platforms to make my voice heard.
KW: What do you enjoy the most about being an EEA?
SG: I enjoy being involved more with the school and staff and being aware of what's going on with school curriculums and data. A major barrier preventing many families from getting more involved is simply having access to and awareness of the data out there. Awareness provides us with the evidence and firepower to be heard, empowered and motivated.
KW: Why should other parents and caregivers become an EEA?
SG: Parents and caregivers should 100% get involved! Some parents find it hard to get involved for various reasons, but I believe the EEA program is a pipeline to give parents a seat at the table, a blueprint to get more involved. Once involved, EEAs empower each other to stay involved and continue effective advocacy. We’re a team. We have our own merch, go to events, and communicate almost daily. When we work together people stop and listen! The meetings are convenient and we always eat good. The stipend is a double bonus!
We are currently recruiting the next cohort of the Education Equity Ambassador program. To apply, visit aclu-de.org/eea or sign up for our newsletter.
For questions or to learn more contact Shannon Griffin at [email protected].
