WHO WE ARE

We support school communities towards a deepened understanding of, and movement towards social change related to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to promote and affirm the value, dignity, and humanity of everyone in their school community

 

OUR VISION

Thriving, peaceful and sustainable school communities of Hawaiʻi where educators and students show up as their full selves and have the dispositions, knowledge and capacities to contribute to making the world a more equitable, just and inclusive place.

OUR MISSION

To support school communities to nurture inclusivity and belonging through a DEI framework for Hawaiʻi that draws from the knowledge, wisdom and practices of our diverse community. 

 

OUR BELIEFS

We Believe that DEIB work requires continuous, active community building and collective action that: 

  • Builds the knowledge, skills and dispositions to be effective DEIB practitioners. 

  • Centers the voices of those most impacted by oppression in design, implementation, and reflection processes that will result in effective and long lasting positive change.

  • Nurtures relationships and trust within a culture of support and appreciation.

  • Supports safe and inviting spaces for people to connect, share, process and reflect. This is critical to replenishing the spirit, and builds one’s resilience to engage in the work in a sustainable way.

Working towards this requires an inner and outer practice at the individual level:

  • Inner Practice:  Focusing on identity awareness and engaging in practices to grow the dispositions and capacities that enable one to do DEIB work in a balanced, healthy and sustainable way by:

    • Consistently exploring and delving into myriad bodies of knowledge.

    • Understanding identities through a DEIB lens.

    • Cultivating love, empathy, compassion for oneself and others, recognizing the intrinsic worth of every being.

    • Relishing the opportunities that bring joy, enabling one to come home to their best, most expansive self.

 

Outer Practice: Focusing on learning, adapting and applying the knowledge and skills gained through Shanti Alliance to engage in DEIB work in the school community by:

  • Applying DEIB knowledge and skills in one’s school community.

  • Listening actively with curiosity and an open mind to the perspective of others.

  • Communicating with others skillfully and respectfully, even in disagreement.

  • Offering oneself and others grace and kindness, understanding that making mistakes are part of the learning process and an opportunity to grow.

  • Acting thoughtfully and with intention, in accordance with one’s values, weighing intent and impact.