First, thank you very much for your early interest and support of Before Racism™ 

As you know, Before Racism posits that the next significant frontier in reducing racism in America is to reach and teach very young children at their very earliest stages of cognitive, social-emotional, and language development. PREVENTING the development of racial bias by improving the ways very young children learn about, form, internalize and express attitudes regarding racial identity and intolerance.  

Because of your support and that of others, much has been accomplished in the last year: 

• Completed the Before Racism early childhood curriculum for early childcare & preschool teachers
• Hired and trained 6 Facilitator Coaches who will be training the teachers at each pilot site in the curriculum
• Secured 4 pilot sites serving over 400 children (3 in Twin Cites & 1 in MA)
• Launched the pilot program this month at two sites in the Twin Cities and one in Massachusetts
• Engaged Wilder Research to conduct the evaluation of the pilot program

As we move forward with our pilot program, it is essential to determine the effectiveness and impact of the pilots and identify what changes are needed to improve the program going forward.  To that end, Before Racism has enlisted Wilder Research to design and implement a program evaluation process for all four pilot sites. 

We need your help in raising $75,000 to pay for the Wilder Research evaluation to identify needed changes to the program and measure its impact . We are excited to report that 4 donors will match all donations dollar for dollar up to $37,500!  Through your donation, you are helping to shape and deliver early childhood learning experiences that will have a lasting impact on children’s attitudes and behaviors toward others. 

Please go to the Before Racism website www.beforeracism.org first page to hear a brief (2 minute) message from Dianne Haulcy to learn more about the campaign.   Thank you for your ongoing support of Before Racism.    Bill