NA for Change was founded in the summer of 2020 to address the gaps in North Allegheny School District’s approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Many students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and students with disabilities feel their educational experience at NA has been worsened by a lack of support and inclusivity, as well as outright harassment and discrimination. We’ve set out to create a more positive culture and a better support system for marginalized students.
We believe in:
- Students of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs receiving a high-quality education free from the stress of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of bigotry;
- The empowerment of youth leaders and valuing of students’ voices;
- Open dialogue as a means to learn more about various perspectives in our community and teach the community more about our beliefs;
- Being relentless in our pursuit to shape a more positive environment for North Allegheny students.
Our work depends on community needs and what progress is being made within North Allegheny.
In the past, we’ve authored petitions, worked on curriculum reform, and put forth demands to district administrators aimed at shifting a culture harmful to marginalized students.
Currently, we focus on gathering testimonials from community members to guide our work and monitor the culture of the district that students experience every day; holding training sessions and events to get more students involved in advocacy; promoting and organizing community service events; updating our community and spreading information through social media; tracking the progress of the district’s policy changes regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion; and supporting other youth-led initiatives that align with our mission.
NA For Change 