Multicultural and Diversity Councils
As part of its commitment to creating a caring, inclusive, and just community, Albuquerque Academy is home to five Multicultural Parent Councils. The African American; Allies, Friends, and Parents of LGBTQIA+ Academy; Asian American; Hispanic; and Native American Councils are affinity spaces for members with similar backgrounds, identities, and/or objectives to connect, encourage, mentor, advocate for, and support students of color and families.
Councils also offer ways to stay informed, participate, and be connected to the life of the school. The councils are voluntary organizations, open to parents and parents of students from these multicultural backgrounds.
An integral part of the Academy community, the councils serve to support multicultural families and are also involved in the educational process through many activities, including creating library displays, recommending guest speakers, hosting cultural events for families and students, and promoting greater community understanding and respect for diversity.
Parent council leaders are committed to keeping council members informed and to serving as resources for families unsure of where to go for a variety of information. Networking and making new friends are additional benefits of getting involved with the councils.
Participation
All councils meet regularly individually, and there are several joint events throughout the year. At council meetings, news and updates from the school are shared, councils plan their projects and events, and have conversations about topics and concerns. The councils exist to serve the members therein, and so conversations and projects will be shaped by those who participate.
The Multicultural Parent Councils participate in a variety of activities and presentations, which can include:
- New Family Welcome Gathering
- Heritage library displays
- Native American Fall Feast and Gathering with families and advisers
- Cultural presentations and event celebrations
- Holiday gatherings
- Community Day booths
- Supporting Multicultural Summer Honors Program recruitment and selection
- Senior honoring end-of-year celebrations
- Book clubs
- And more…
Families will receive invitations to participate in council activities and more detailed communications from either the director of diversity, culture & belonging or the council chairs via email. If you have questions about the Multicultural Parent Councils, please contact Director of Diversity, Culture & Belonging Peter Gloyd.
The African American Parent Council sponsors our annual Black History Month display in Simms Library during the month of February. The council would like to share with the community information on past years themes, and this link to the 2023 Black History Month Virtual Festival from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. There are lots of free sessions you and your families can attend. Enjoy!
Christy Brundage, African American Parent Council Chair
The mission of the African American Parent Council is to encourage academic excellence and to enhance cultural awareness at Albuquerque Academy by supporting proactive recruitment, creative partnering, and successful retention of African American students, faculty, and staff.
If you would like more information about this council, contact the chair.
Vicki Poon and Jean Liu-Norrod, Asian American Parent Council Chairs
The Asian American Parent Council recognizes that identity affects the way in which Asians move through the world. This group will provide opportunities for the participants to reflect on shared Asian identities and experiences within the context of the Academy community. It will also provide an opportunity for individuals to connect, exchange resources, identify successes and challenges that impact our ability to engage with others. In addition, we seek to improve communication, relationships, and collaboration with a diverse group of people.
If you would like more information about this council, contact one of the chairs.
Matt Martinez & Cristina Torres Archibeque, Hispanic Parent Council Chairs
The mission of the Hispanic Parent Council is to strengthen and enrich the overall Academy experience by cultivating cultural diversity within the community. The Council supports Hispanic students and families through mentoring, networking, and active participation in the Parent Advisory Councils; fostering, promoting, and encouraging ethnic diversity of faculty, staff, and students; educating the community about Hispanic culture; and demonstrating the value of diversity by promoting the achievements of Hispanic role models. If you would like more information about this council, contact the chairs.
Newsletters: November 2021 | October 2021 | May 2022
Phoebe Suina
and Jason Yazzie, Native American Parent Council Chairs
The mission of the Native American Parent Council is to represent the viewpoints of Native American parents and children in the Academy’s learning community. The Council seeks to unite and advance a native voice, building bridges of learning with other academic and native communities. The Council also strives to attract more Native American students, advocate for hiring Native American faculty and staff, and support Native American students in their pursuit of academic achievement and community service.
If you would like more information about this council, contact one of the chairs.
Cynthia Suchomel, Allies, Friends, and Parents of LGBTQIA+ Academy Council Chair
We recognize that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Non-binary, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual students face unique challenges, and it is our job to speak up as advocates. We believe that a supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ students should include a supportive environment for all LGBTQIA+ community members including faculty, staff and parents.
Our overall goal is ensuring the ability of LGBTQIA+ people to thrive in the Albuquerque Academy community. First, we recognize that the responsibility for determining a student’s gender and/or sexual identity rests solely with the student. Actively listening to students and other members of the Academy LGBTQIA+ community is our starting point. Second, we look to educate ourselves about LGBTQIA+ identities and gender-inclusive language. Third, we plan to promote more affirming spaces and team up with the others within the community to foster a community where diversity is celebrated. Finally, we recognize that members of Academy’s LGBTQIA+ community also have other marginalized identities which create obstacles to thriving in our community. Our goal is to be mindful of our multiple identities in addressing equity and inclusion in our community. As allies, friends and parents of LGBTQIA+ Academy, we are committed to the academic and socio-emotional development of all students at Academy.
Helpful Tools/Resources:
The Trevor Project is a national organization that focuses on crisis intervention for LGBTQIA+ youth. They also provide trainings for professionals who work with youth.
Trevor Project – Coming Out: A Handbook for LGBTQ Young People
Pronouns – Why do they matter?
Meeting Dates for Spring 2023
Wednesday, January 11 at 6-7:15 p.m. in Simms Library
Wednesday, February 15 at 6-7:15 p.m. in Simms Library
Wednesday, March 29 at 6-7:15 p.m. in Simms Library
Wednesday, May 10 at 6-7:15 p.m. in Simms Library
For more information about this council, contact the chair, Cynthia Suchomel.
