From our Executive Director: We are deeply saddened by the recent terrorist attacks on Jewish worshipers at their synagogue in Pittsburgh, Muslims shot while praying at two New Zealand mosques, and just last week, hundreds of Christians killed during the church bombings in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday. At this time of sorrow, we find hope in the following words:
“Have we not all one father? Hath not one God created us?” (Hebrew scriptures, Malachi 2:10)
“God hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth.”
(The Bible, Acts 17:26)
“O mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes.” (Muhammad, Qur'an 49.13)
“Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust?” (Baha'i Writings)
Dear UnityWorks friends, isn't it time to recognize that we are all members of one human family? This is one point on which science and religion both agree. Please help us to spread this positive message of unity and hope! - Randie Gottlieb
New Advisory Board Appointed!
In order to increase our connection to the local community, we have just appointed a new local Advisory Board, consisting of eight people from diverse ethnic backgrounds and with a wide variety of professional and life experiences. This new board will provide the guidance and inspiration needed to grow and strengthen the UnityWorks Program. The members are:
Dr. Rodrigo Renteria-Valencia, Assist. Prof. of Cultural Anthropology, Central Washington Univ.
Steve Mitchell, Executive Director of OIC of Washington
Ester Huey, Retired bank executive, community volunteer
Lorenzo Alvarado, Assistant Principal, Davis High School
Peter Choi, Local business owner, community volunteer
David Morales, Attorney and Vice Chair of WA State Commission on Hispanic Affairs
Dr. Cheryl Young, Retired Science Professor, Space Geologist
Highlights from Recent Events
Diversity and Inclusion Workshop:
Pictured here is a stereotyping activity from this daylong training on February 26 at ESD 105 in Yakima. The enthusiastic participants from six school districts also discussed prejudice, institutional racism, unconscious bias, and how to create a culture of inclusion.
Culture and Communication Workshop: Educators from nine different school districts joined us on March 26 for a full day of hands-on activities, including this community-building link-up exercise, which can be used with students of all ages,from K-12 and above.
They also shared their own cultural objects, discussed the different experiences of mainstream and marginalized students, practiced some communication exercises and defined culturally-responsive teaching.
To schedule a workshop at your location in a district nearby,
contact Heather Hudson, hhudson@unityworks.org.
TEDx talk on "Unity Works!" Over 200 people attended our March 7th presentation at the Yakima Valley Museum. On the left is UnityWorks Executive Director, Dr. Randie Gottlieb, with poetry slam master and attorney, Mr. Rod Nelson, who inspired us all with his original poems. Click on the TEDx link to watch, like, comment and share.
Panel Discussion on Race and Racism:
UnityWorks also participated in this well-received panel discussion at the Yakima Valley Library on March 12.
The three panelists addressed the following questions:
Why, in 2019, is this conversation about race and racism still needed?
Why do conversations about race make people uncomfortable?
Does racism exist in our valley and if so, what are some examples?
Do you think a post-racial America, where prejudice no longer exists, is possible?
If not, what is preventing us, and if so, how do we get there?*
Panelists from left to right:Mr. David Morales, Dr. Randie Gottlieb, Dr. Rodrigo F. Renteria-Valencia. (See Advisory Board descriptions above.)
UnityWorks Sponsors Booth: Heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Jonathan Gottlieb (emergency medicine physician and UnityWorks Board member) and medical student Borna Vajdi, for staffing our free “Talk to a Doc” booth on January 26, at the Skid Row Carnival of Love in downtown L.A. What a wonderful service to some of the most needy among us.
Summer Diversity Training Institute
June 24-28, Yakima, WA
You don't want to miss this!
Space is limited. Register early to guarantee your spot.
The first 20 people who register are in.
“Best professional development I ever attended!” ‒High School Principal
“I left feeling empowered, energized and hopeful!” ‒Elementary Teacher
35 Washington State clock hours available.
Join us for our annual 5-day, action-packed UnityWorks Summer Institute, designed for K-12 teachers, administrators, counselors, librarians, community leaders and other educators. Training aligns with TPEP criteria and PESB cultural competency standards. Come with questions; leave with answers, tools, strategies and your own Diversity Action Plan.
"Thank you for putting so much good into the world!" ‒Patricia Ritchie, YWCA Board Member and conflict resolution specialist
"Thank you for all your efforts for Unity Works. It's a ray of hope in this dark world." ‒John Zorich, Electrical Engineer
Support What You Believe In
All these activities can only be sustained through the generosity of our donors.
Your gift makes a difference, and so do you. Please make your contribution today!
Donations can also be made on our Facebook pagewith no processing fees.
Want to support UnityWorks in a way that costs you nothing? Simply bookmark this link and support us every time you shop. Tell your family and friends too. Every little bit helps. Thanks for your support!
Our activities are supported by the Yakima Valley Community Foundation, the Rabbani Charitable Trust, and the generous contributions of many families and individuals.
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Join us in our efforts to reduce prejudice and to promote understanding of
the oneness of humanity, the value of diversity and the need for unity.
UnityWorks is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization.
