DCSC 2021 Virtual Convening
Interrupting Inequity
Creating anti-racist and liberatory practices at intentionally diverse schools.
January 28-29, 2021
Students at Inspired Teaching Demonstration School – Washington DC
About the Annual Convening
Interrupting Inequity
The Diverse Charter Schools Coalition’s (DCSC) Annual Convening brings together 200 leaders from member schools and networks as well as partners from across the nation. With this year’s theme of Intentional Integration, you will deepen the practice of leading your school or network by learning from experts in the movement, examining real-world experiences, data and strategies, and sharing best practices through networking.
Who should come to the 2021 Convening?
Influencers from DCSC member schools and networks, partners from the field and prospective members should attend the DCSC 2021 Convening.
We are intentionally using the term “influencer” to be inclusive to both formal titles (Principal, ED, CEO) and additional key leaders across school sites and network teams who may lead Diversity, Equity and Inclusive (DEI) school and network-wide efforts in your context. We suggest more than one representative from each school (and/or network) because there will be moments in the convening when attendees will be asked to develop next steps to bring back to their schools/orgs and believe this is best done in teams.
True to our name, we aim to welcome a diverse group of participants in January. Thank you for including all dimensions of this term when considering attending.
Keynote Speaker
Brittany Packnett Cunningham
NBC News and MSNBC contributor
Activist, educator, writer, and leader at the intersection of culture and justice
Brittany is a former elementary teacher, education executive and former Fellow at Harvard’s Institute of Politics. She was member of President Obama’s 21st Century Policing Task Force and the Ferguson Commission. Brittany’s forthcoming book, We Are Like Those Who Dream, is due to hit shelves in 2021.Brittany has graced the cover of Essence Magazine, been listed as one of Time’s 12 New Faces of Black Leadership, and has been honored by BET, Politico Magazine, Marie Claire, The Trayvon Martin Foundation and more. She serves on the Gucci Changemakers Council, the Sephora Equity Advisors board, and the board of Rise To Run.
Watch her TED Talk:
Register now for the 2021 convening!
What are the registration fees?
In order to accommodate our growing membership, contribute to a sustainable future for DCSC and to maintain high quality programming at our convening, we have set a nominal registration fee for all attendees.
Early Bird Discount Until January 15 | Regular Registration Open throughout convening | |
Members | $100 | $200 |
Non-Members | $200 | $300 |
Note: Participants and facilitators in our Communities of Practice initiative are eligible for a 20% discount.
2021 Convening Sponsors
Additional Sponsors
America Forward
Charter School Business Management
Self Help Credit Union
4th Sector Solutions
We would like to thank the planning committee for helping the Coalition’s staff, board and funders prepare for the 2021 Annual Convening.
- Valerie Braimah, Executive Director of City Charter Schools (CA)
- Mike Chalupa, DCSC Board Member and Academic Director of City Neighbors Foundation (MD)
- Alisha Gripp, UnifiED Alum and Dean of Middle School of Citizens of the World (MO)
- Monisha Karnani, Director, Demonstration & Outreach of Inspired Teaching Demonstration School (DC)
- Robyn King, Director of Admissions and Community Outreach of Académie Lafayette (MO)
- Sean Wilson, CEO of International High School of New Orleans (LA)
Breakout Options
There are three distinct types of breakouts this year: 1) Workshops, 2) School Visits and 3) Racial Affinity Spaces.
They are all 75 minute learning opportunities for attendees led by members and key partners. with the goal of the workshops is to learn new skills, gain awareness about tools and resources related to leading intentionally diverse school communities.
Please review your options before you begin registration. All breakout options are capped to ensure small group discussion and deep engagement. They will fill up so act fast!
Workshop Sessions
Content and strategy sessions focused on providing attendees access to specific tools and resources to improve their practice.
Academics
Teach and learn with all students while rejecting traditional, oppressive frameworks.
Community
Foster sustaining relationships with external stakeholders and uplift grassroots expertise.
Culture
Affirm a sense of belonging among all our true authentic selves.
Operations
Build systems and tools that care for the human needs of our schools.
School Visits
School visits have always been a cornerstone of the DCSC Convening. This year, we have access to a curated list of member schools across the country. During school visits, attendees will view short clips of virtual school and work through a protocol with school leaders from our curated schools.
Affinity Groups
We know that leading diverse-by-design schools is a singular experience. However, that experience is not the same for us all. This year, we’ve partnered with Embracing Equity to facilitate three separate racial affinity breakout spaces for tailored dialogue and anti-racist skill building for educators and leaders during this national racial reckoning and beyond.