And the Summer Begins …

Photo above: artwork from Roberto Levins Morales holding up Fred Hampton, another black man lost to police violence. He was a fighter for justice and power to the people, and his legacy should never be forgotten. 

July. And the summer begins. 
 
We know it doesn't feel the same this year. But that does not have to be a bad thing. There is movement happening on major racial justice issues that have always severely affected our community. There is trauma, raw pain and reckoning, and the need for healing, centering, listening and learning. 
 
There are still young people in their homes wanting connection, challenge and love from adults in their community, especially now. 
 
Oh, and did I mention that meanwhile, many of us are trying to run virtual summer programs for the first time? If you are in this camp, we will reschedule our Peer Share hour in the next couple of weeks to create a space for talking with others who are wrestling with the new dynamics of virtual programming.

CPS Community Partners Portal

This portal, the result of hours of partnership talks, technology fixes and beta tests with CPS district folks, is now available for use. The short version of this is that the portal will: 

• Allow OST organizations to use Google Classroom (compatible with young people's CPSD emails and chromebooks) for their virtual programming 
  
• Allow organizations to identify the young people who are in their programs through the portal (no more long enrollment spreadsheets from MSN!) to collaborate more easily and track who is being served across the city.
  
• Interested? Use this link to view a letter outlining next steps and how to submit a request for a portal account for your organization.
  
• Get in touch with Khari Milner at [email protected] to learn about the process and get started
  

See more in the July MSN Newsletter including ways to get involved in local racial justice efforts