Updates & Action Items

NWCT has heard the request for organizations to provide specifics on how they are responding to the current crisis. A reverse-chronological list of updates, statements, and actions we’ve taken since June 1, 2020 can be found below:

• Organized Black Lives Matter Sign Waving Events for the NWCT Community (Thursdays 4-6pm, sign up to join us here!)
• Released our DEI and anti-racist short-term plan
• Scheduled mandatory anti-bias training for staff (occurring August 2020).
• Sharing staff social justice actions on social media in an effort to encourage our community to get involved.
• Statement from Artistic Director Sarah Jane Hardy about producing Seussical, following discussions with the cast, creative team, and staff.
• The cast and creative team involved in Seussical Online engaged in a dialogue about Dr. Seuss’ racist political cartoons and research that discovered racist undertones in his children books. They were given the chance to provide direct input in how and if we move forward with the show.
• Opened up our free parking lot to anyone participating in the protest for drop-off, pick-up or parking.
• Gathered supplies — bottled water, snacks, basic medical supplies, and masks — to donate to Shaking The Tree Theatre (who have opened their doors to protesters to use the restroom, charge their phone, and refuel) and Don’t Shoot Portland. If you would like to contribute, supplies can be dropped off at the theater on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am – 2pm. Please use the NW 19th Ave. door.
• Held an open staff meeting to share individual responses, ask questions, and brainstorm immediate and long-term actions we can take as an organization. Items discussed include:
  • Acknowledgment of the power that we hold as a theater in the Portland community.
  • Consideration of how we can better use our hiring practices and financial resources to uplift Black artists, technicians, administrators, and stories.
  • Started exploring how to make NWCT programming, especially Theater School, more accessible to the Black community. NWCT has never turned a child away for lack of funds, but acknowledges that there are structural barriers beyond finances that may prevent families from accessing our programs.
  • Considered ways in which we can better include communities of color as audience members, and further welcome members of our Black community into the NWCT family.
  • Invitation for staff to privately make suggestions and statements to leadership.
  • Commitment to holding regular group discussions.
• Dedicated our social media platforms to amplifying voices and businesses in the Black community, specifically resources that support children and families. 
• Statement from Northwest Children’s Theater
  

Talking to Your Kids about Race and Racism

Resources to help start and continue the conversation

Children are constantly curious about the world around them. Some conversations (like saying “please”) are easy, while others (like understanding racism) are much harder. Fortunately, the number of resources to help kids (and adults!) understand these topics have skyrocketed in recent years.

At Northwest Children’s Theater, we believe racial literacy is essential for the healthy development of our youth and for our community. Below are some resources geared toward kids, teens, parents, and caregivers, from local and national experts.

Book Lists for Kids

• Books to help children understand race, anti-racism and protest from the National Museum of African American History and Culture
• A list of anti-racist books for kids from Powell’s Bookstore
• Available e-books to borrow from the Multnomah County Library
• Books celebrating diversity from Colorful Pages

Articles & Resources for Parents

• K-8 activities and lesson plans for teachers, parents, and caregivers from Colorful Pages
• A list of articles and advice from experts, organized by the Center for Racial Justice in Education
• An assortment of educational resources and articles from Teaching Tolerance
• Talking race with young children from NPR

How to Get Involved as a Family

• Many neighborhoods are organizing family-friendly Black Lives Matter protests, marches, and rallies. We will post these opportunities on social media — please let us know if there are any we’ve missed!
• Participate in Don’t Shoot Portland’s Children’s Art & Social Justice Council
• Support local organizations working to improve the lives of BIPOC children and families, like Brown Girl Rise, Kairos PDX, Black Parent Initiative and BEAM Village
• Support Black-owned restaurants and businesses