The Montessori Event 2024 is just around the corner, and we invite all in-person attendees to participate in our expanded Days of Collective Action activities.

The Event, held in Orlando and online March 7 - 10, is the largest gathering of Montessori minds in the world. It offers educators immersive opportunities in the crucial realm of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This year, American Montessori Society (AMS) Peace and Social Justice Committee is putting a new spin on our annual Day of Service by instead hosting on-site Days of Collective Action activities throughout the four days. These optional opportunities offer community-building, solidarity, reflection on DEI principles, and learning.

“The members of the AMS Peace and Social Justice Committee have put great thought into crafting meaningful and intentional Days of Collective Action opportunities for The Event this year,” shared Aimee Allen, chair of the Peace and Social Justice Committee and head of school of Harbor Montessori School in Washington state. “The four activities were selected because they reflect the concepts of peace, equity, humanitarianism, and justice. We invite all of our in-person attendees to participate in one or more of these offerings.”

Each of the 2024 Collective Action activities focuses on a particular theme—Lean In, Art In, Story In, and Snack In. View the full list and times here.

The “Lean In” session kicks things off on Thursday, March 7 at 3:15 p.m. in Tampa Rooms 1 - 3. Montessori leaders with rich DEI backgrounds will share their experiences and offer ideas on how to better support individuals in marginalized communities. The session promises to be an hour of learning, connecting, and reflecting.

In-person attendees are invited to “Art In” at the Peace Table in the Exhibit Hall during exhibit hours on Friday and Saturday. Come appreciate the artistic expressions of people in targeted communities, and create your own artwork in solidarity. We look forward to everyone contributing to a visual tapestry of our collective commitment to DEI principles!

The “Story In” session on Saturday, March 9 from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. in Naples 1 – 3 will be a unique chance to hear and share counter-narratives from LGBTQ+ and Black communities and other targeted communities. This hour promises to be a poignant exploration of personal stories, fostering a deeper sense of community and understanding among educators.

From Thursday to Saturday, educators can “Snack In” by donating non-perishable pre-packaged snacks for area youth in the Peace Table exhibit hall. The donations benefit Zebra Youth, an Orlando-based network of organizations which provides services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and all youth (LGBTQ+) ages 13 – 24. Zebra Youth assists young people facing homelessness, bullying, isolation from their families, and physical, sexual and drug abuse with individualized programs to guide them to recovery and stability.

Learn more about these dynamic opportunities by visiting The Event Days of Collective Action page. Let us come together, learn from one another, and sow the seeds of positive change in our world through Montessori!

About the Authors

The AMS Peace and Social Justice Committee serves as an inspiration and resource for weaving concepts of peace, equity, humanitarianism, and world citizenship into Montessori venues, activities, and beyond.

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The opinions expressed in Montessori Life are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of AMS.