Diversity Role Model, End of Term Newsletter: Easter 2024 🎓🍎

 

Dear Jean-Francois,   As we head into the Easter school holidays next week, we wanted to give you an update on our life-changing impact since the beginning of the school year in September 2023, as well as taking the opportunity to update you on our upcoming activities, resources and exciting offers.    It is only through the help and support of our amazing volunteers, incredible educators, and generous partners that we are able to reach as many young people as we do, with messages of inclusion, diversity and compassion.    As we go into the final term of the 2023/24 academic year, we celebrate our achievements, and regroup for the ongoing challenge of tackling LGBTQ+ bullying in schools and ensuring all young people have inclusive learning environments where they are valued and supported, regardless of their differences.

The 2023/24 academic year so far.... In the first two terms of this academic year, from September to Easter we have… Delivered workshops or training in 175 schools, including reaching 100 new schools so far Worked directly with over 22,500 young people through our workshops in Primary and Secondary schools and other educational environments. Run nearly 700 workshops featuring our inspiring volunteer Role Models Delivered 85 Staff, Governor, Parents & Carers training sessions

Milestone achievements... We've introduced our captivating Upstander Animation Series, aimed at primary age pupils, igniting inspiration and promoting inclusive behaviours.    We've also almost completed our DfE funded Embracing Difference, Ending Bullying project where, we reached our 300th school, marking a significant milestone in our mission.

We've also successfully piloted workshops and training in various educational sectors, from Further Education to Early Years, which has broadened our impact, engaging a wider spectrum of young people.

***Stop Press*** On Monday 18th March 2024 Lloyd Russell- Moyle MP spoke in a Parliamentary debate about the importance of inclusive RSE resources in schools and specifically praised Diversity Role Models and our 'Upstander Animation Series' school resources and launch event at Disney HQ. You can see his comments in Parliament here.

NEW Resources... We will soon be launching 21 inspiring NEW Role Model Stories on our Vimeo on Demand page, including 10 new resources on themes such as Migration and Diversity in Faith Communities.    All videos link to accompanying teacher resource packs, providing curriculum aligned lesson plans for Primary and Secondary classes.

FREE Workshops... We have a limited number of fully funded workshops available for schools who don't have the finances to pay for our workshops. Find out whether your school is eligible for one of our full or part-funded workshops by completing our online enquiry & booking form here

Celebrate Pride with a 50% discount... Book now for 50% discount for summer term: if you book your student workshops before the end of term we can offer you 50% off, making a day of workshops only £350 for a whole day of workshops for summer term.    BOOK HERE    If you know of any schools that could benefit from this offer, please feel free to forward this email and ask them to get in touch via our website here.

Parents & caregivers needed for input... We’re exploring piloting a series of workshops with parents and caregivers. If you know of any networks who may be interested in shaping our work in this area (e.g. home-schooling networks, adoption or fostering groups, family ERGs) we’d love to hear from you.  Please email our Education Team at: education@diversityrolemodels.org with your suggestions and contacts.

Yay for Us!!! 🎊🎉 We are very excited and honoured that Diversity Role Models have been shortlisted in the Charity of the Year category in this years Bank of London, Rainbow Honours, 2024.    We're thrilled to be nominated alongside some notable organisations and names - including some of our incredible Diversity Role Models Patrons, Ambassadors, and inspirational Volunteers -  in this prestigious LGBTQ+ Awards

Queer Student Awards: Nominate your school or college Diversity Role Models is excited to have partnered with The Queer Student Awards which was founded by one of our fundraising volunteers in 2021. The awards are the U.K.’s first annual student celebration focused on talented young LGBTQ+ people aged 16-24.

They also recognise the work that educational spaces are doing to create inclusive spaces that support young LGBTQ+ people - which could include your school or college. Diversity Role Models is the nominated charity partner for this year’s Queer Student Awards School/College of the Year category. The category celebrates the school or college which has created, or is working towards creating, the most inclusive learning environment for its LGBTQ+ students and staff, and is open to nominations from any U.K. school, sixth form or further education college currently enrolling students. There is also an opportunity to recognise any LGBTQ+ staff working in your school or college in the Role Model of the Year: Education category. Find out more and enter by Wednesday 3rd April at thequeerstudentawards.co.uk

Sister Act Charity Gala Event Join Us For An Unforgettable Evening At The Dominion Theatre In London on May 16th, 2024. This inaugural Charity Gala  is aimed at supporting the development of queer and LGBTQ+ friendly representation in TV, film, and games and promises to be a spectacular occasion, featuring a special West End performance of the hit musical, Sister Act, starring Beverley Knight MBE and Ruth Jones.

50 tickets have been generously given to Diversity Role Models to be used for our own fundraising. These tickets are available for purchase, with 100% of the proceeds going towards Diversity Role Models and our vital work in promoting diversity and inclusion in classrooms and combating LGBTQ+ bullying in schools.   To find out more and purchase tickets, please visit our dedicated event page here

Support Us... There are many ways that individuals and organisations can support us over and above donating directly to our work. You can support Diversity Role Models every time you shop online, book travel, play the lottery, or many other activities through our affiliated partners. Lots of the options don't cost you a single penny, or need you to do anything different from making your everyday activities or purchases. Check out our 'Support Us' page to see how you can help us without lifting a finger. Leave us a review...  Another way you can easily help us is by leaving us a Google review. Your feedback not only helps us understand how we're doing but also encourages others to join our mission and allows Diversity Role Models to be found by others. By sharing your experiences, you're helping us amplify our message of acceptance and understanding and enabling us get support to those who need it the most.   Leaving a review is simple. All you have to do is click here and share your thoughts, experiences, and any pictures about Diversity Role Models.   Together, we can continue making a difference in the lives of young people and fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and empathy.   Wishing you a Happy Easter and a welcome start to the Summer Term!   Warm regards,    - The Diversity Role Models Team

Diversity Role Models St. Anne's Church, 55 Dean Street,  Soho, W1D 6AF, London Follow Us Here... ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­

Diversity Role Models is a registered charity number 1142548 and a company limited by guarantee number 07640644