Coffin Corner

Hi Bill,

We are excited to share that we have launched a new blog series, Changemaker Education, where our global network of educators will share their insights about teaching and practicing empathy! By partnering with Medium, we hope to facilitate a more inclusive conversation around our vision for change: that every child must master empathy.

This newsletter is dedicated to exploring the role of empathy in stemming violence. In light of recent tragic incidences of violence and hate in the news, we are working extra hard to include all educators, parents, and other influencers in the conversation around empathy.

We hope you enjoy the articles below! Please feel free to send feedback by replying to this newsletter. Also, if you would like to write for our Changemaker Education blog or become an Ashoka Empathy Ambassador, please reach out to us!

Best,

Romina Laouri

Changemaker Schools

Ashoka's Start Empathy Initiative

Charleston: A life lesson on bringing empathy to the forefront

Ashoka Empathy Ambassador Patrick Riccards shares his story of how he learned about empathy, equity, and community as a child, and how he is now teaching his children the same lessons in the wake of the horrific actions against Emanuel AME Church. "It is my hope that [my children] will speak of how far we have come in two decades to tear down the walls and silos of difference in pursuit of identifying the similarities that define us." Read the full article here on our Changemaker Education blog.

Stemming the tide towards violence: What is an educator's responsibility in troubled times?

As head of High Meadow School, Michelle Rosenfeld Hughes, writes: "there is no better time for educators around the world to collectively reflect on how education can stem the tide of young people towards mass violence and extremism and towards civic engagement and problem-solving." Hughes continues to share what she believes are the essential components of socio-emotional development that support the growth of civic behaviors. Read the full article here.

Why the world would be better if we acted more like toddlers

In teaching children empathy, we are also learning how to be empathic individuals ourselves. Ashoka Empathy Ambassador and passionate creator of safe spaces for children, Jen Cort, shares of 12 ways she has observed toddlers demonstrating empathy, in hopes that we learn how to exercise these same practices especially in the face of tragedies. Read the full article here on our Changemaker Education blog.