Map of the midwestern states
Take a good look at those states. There are pockets of inclusion in Catholic schools happening all over the nation but these midwestern states are on FIRE with inclusion. It’s a midwestern inclusion throw down.
Hello, east coast.
Hello, west coast.
Who’s ready to go for it??
Let’s start with Chicago and the Loyola University of Chicago’s Andrew M. Greeley Center For Catholic Education’s All Are Welcome Program for Principals. TEN principals are the first cohort of principals who are beginning a journey to learn how to help their schools be more inclusive. This quote taken directly from their website states it clearly: “The goal is to provide education, professional development and support to Catholic school principals to help ensure that “All Are Welcome” in their schools.” TEN principals which means TEN staff and faculty groups that will be influenced. TEN whole schools and families and bunches of students exposed to the idea that “All Are Welcome”. We are so thrilled for this beginning. If you’d like to learn more, check here: http://luc.edu/gcce/inclusivepractices/allarewelcome/
How about the news that the Archdiocese of St. Louis is willing to formally begin inclusion in one school, Mary, Queen of Peace in Webster Groves, Missouri next fall, admitting three students with Down Syndrome. The hope of the Archdiocese is that this can grow and that inclusion can take root in St. Louis.
Or should we have a standing ovation for the Diocese of Milwaukee? They, too, have begun a formal program to support the learning needs of all students. We have the collaboration of Dr. Martin Scanlan (one of the Advisory Board members of The National Catholic Board on Full Inclusion) with the Diocese of Milwaukee to recognize. His hard work has helped to move inclusion forward in Milwaukee. More information about the work happening in Milwaukee is here: https://ace.nd.edu/news/milwaukee-s-teacher-teams-find-new-paths-to-inclusive-catholic-schools
Finally, we cannot forget the visionary and pioneering work of F.I.R.E. — the Foundation for Inclusive Religious Education whose mission is: “To provide children with special needs the opportunity for an inclusive Catholic education in their home parish schools.” This group was started almost 20 years ago in Kansas City, Missouri.
Here is the link to their amazing group: http://firefoundation.org/
F.I.R.E. began with the question that is in so many hearts of parents — are we welcome? can my child be a part of this school? — and worked to create the vision that many other groups would try to replicate. Their ceaseless efforts and continued hard work are the foundation that fostered other inclusive opportunities.
Their ripples continue…their seeds of faith and welcome are scattered…inclusion in happening in a BIG way in the midwest thanks to them.
If you’d like your child to be fully included in your local Catholic school, use these efforts as your inspiration. Share this information with the principals and teachers that you know.
Take the leap and ASK.
Inclusion can be done. The midwest is doing it. Other areas are too. You can look here to see the list of Inclusive Catholic Schools and Dioceses that we currently have and, happily, we constantly add to it.
https://fullinclusionforcatholicschools.org/inclusive-schools-and-dioceses/
#togetherwerebetter
We’d like to thank cartographer, Daniel Feher, for his map of the midwest — here’s his link to his website of maps: http://www.freeworldmaps.net/united-states/midwest/
