Stop building for us but build WITH US

We have so much to share with you. While we want to highlight the success of our summer programs, we believe that we need to share ARISE’s actions and organizing in response to the state takeover of the Providence Schools.

As the state moves to take over the Providence schools, it is essential that the state formally centers the voices of students and parents who are in this system. A state takeover offers one potential avenue to address the huge, systemic shortcomings of the Providence schools: but this will only work if the state listens to, responds to, and amplifies the voices of students and parents.

To that end, ARISE -- along with our partners at the Providence Youth Student Movement (PrYSM), Youth in Action (YIA), the Providence Student Union (PSU), and many students and parents -- filed a motion to intervene today with the RI Department of Education (RIDE) asking for an updated plan. A plan to be informed by the community, a plan that is clear, a plan that is transparent and accountable and to be shared with the public before it is implemented.

In the words of our Youth Organizer Nancy Xiong and recent Classical High School graduate, "We are asking that you stop building for us but build WITH US."

Represented by the Rhode Island Center for Justice, we are asking the Commissioner of Education, Angélica Infante-Green, to ensure that there is a formal role for parents and students to help inform, to preview and weigh in on the plan for improving the city’s schools, the leaders who will implement it, and the goals, progress and criteria for assessing impact. You can find a link to the press release here.

We are only asking RIDE to put in action what they have publicly stated about “needing and valuing” the input of parents and students. The Commissioner’s 122 page proposed draft to reconstitute the schools does not reflect this.

In this challenging moment, we are asking for you to please amplify the work of our young people by sharing this message using the links below as we work to make sure that this takeover is done in true partnership with parents and students. You can also donate to support ARISE’s work, including our advocacy and organizing during this time. If you are interested in learning more about ARISE’s recent work, you can also see this recent highlight in the news.

We are committed to educational justice by centering those most impacted. We will continue working and fighting as this process unfolds.