The Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint celebrates our fifth anniversary on Tuesday, March 26th. As part of the celebration, we asked a few of our volunteers to share their stories about how they became involved with AASR. Be sure to join our special live event on March 26th at 3:30 (ET). Also, please consider donating to our fifth-anniversary fundraiser so we can continue this vital work.
As a teacher and a parent, I have witnessed firsthand the need for change in our schools. The things I have seen in my workplaces and in schools my child has attended have really strengthened my drive to decolonize. Decolonization requires a commitment to creation just as much as a commitment to resistance and dismantling.
I began following AASR online in 2020. What constantly drew me to AASR’s livestreams, book studies, and blogs was the very same thing that eventually led to me becoming a volunteer: Guy’s focus on not just ending harmful practices but helping others create something new in its place, too.
Part of decolonization is unpacking the colonial mentality that has led to things like racism, ableism, behaviorism, neuronormativity, and more in our schools. It also means turning towards honoring every human’s neurobiological need for safety, connection, and co-regulation, as well as understanding what those can look like from a truly anti-bias and individualized lens.
AASR’s live streams, book studies, and blogs have helped so many parents, teachers, and other professionals begin this very same journey.
Over the years, AASR has helped many understand how our teaching practices and discipline protocols have become what they are today and how we can get them to where they need to be. AASR has helped many connect the dots between what children need and what adults need in order to provide that to them. AASR is making big changes in schools around the world by shifting the mindsets of individuals and growing a community committed to knowing better and doing better.
Happy five-year anniversary, AASR, and thank you to Guy and the rest of the AASR team for all the work you do!
