About V&R the program

Visible and Resilient in Community and Self curriculum is 6-lesson plans

that raise awareness and deepen understanding of personal agency,

inclusive practice, and using voice to co-create community.

By exploring Centering, Culture, Considering, Communication, Connection,

and Community, in succession or stand-alone virtual lessons, the learner

has opportunity to personally reflect on topics, hear others’ voices, and

build skills in critical thinking and conveying ideas. Ultimately, this

curriculum, which is inclusive of systemically and historically marginalized

identities, engages the learning community in the goal of becoming

informed and actively participating citizens.

This inaugural launching of the Visible and Resilient in Community and Self

curriculum will be evaluated for impact effectiveness. As in all school

curriculum, opting out is available and how that process works is up to the

classroom educator. Participating students will be asked to seek parental

approval per Miami University IRB protocol. A document (that can be

emailed or printed and sent) will be provided that specifies what the

research study is measuring and why parental approval is necessary. Our

research and evaluation team is located at the Discovery Center, McGuffey

Hall, Miami University, and can be available for questions regarding the

evaluation process.

The V&R team is ready to engage students, faculty, administrators, and

parents. Transparency is key and we are happy to connect by scheduling

zoom meetings to present an overview of and discuss this curriculum,

pedagogy, and praxis.

Our goal is to add to healthy and affirming messages that allow for diverse

and marginalized identities, especially SOGIE minority youth, to thrive in

educational environments. Our V&R team, supported by the Montgomery

County Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Services Board

(MCADAMHS), Dayton - Montgomery County Public Health (DMCPH) and

a host of local organizations, are committed to executing the Health

Initiatives Plan that forefronts Health Equity for LGBTQ+ Youth.

Centering Identities

Centering, in this lesson plan, is a verb that prioritizes the learner by exploring the concept of and owning many identities. In specific: Upon personal reflection, I can better understand how my personal identities are considered either of the majority or marginalized (of the minority) per national norms in the United States.

Interconnected Individual Identities

Culture, in this lesson plan, is the space -both literal and virtual- where multiple identities intersect and interact and inform respective communities and larger society. In specific: I recognize that contributions from scholars assist me with viewing identities, interpreting, and interrupting cultural messages about privilege.

Thinking: Values and Principles and Outcomes oh my

Considering, in this lesson plan, provides us opportunity to think about how we make decisions, what informs our process, and why we choose what we do. In specific: I understand that using an intentional decision-making process may increase my ability to think critically, therefore, considering folx and situations from a more personal, principled, and authentic lens.

Active Listening, Talking, and Just Talking

Communication, in this lesson plan, is to be considered a vital tool that takes practice to improve skills and is necessary to the success of every type of relationship. In specific: I can use effective communication skills and strategies to give voice to my thoughts and engage people in setting boundaries.

Rolling In The Deep

Connection, in this lesson plan, will be considered an essential piece to the many different types of relationships that we have and will experience in our lives. In specific: Upon personal reflection, I can identify and attend to the different components, present or not, in my relationships realizing that the other person may not view the relationship in the same way.

Stewardship and My Role

Community, in this lesson plan, is a group of people living in spaces where differences exist and engagement occurs to facilitate safe, inclusive, and thoughtful standard of living. In specific: As an individual with intersectional identities living in a nation that offers many freedoms, I recognize I have a responsibility to be an active participant citizen working to stay informed of the issues affecting my community and participate in the democratic process.