Director's Dispatch How to Get Involved: Let me Count the Ways

Watching the FIFA World Cup has reminded me of the time I realized that one can contribute in a wide variety of ways.

At Crystal River (Fla.) High School, I somehow managed to make the varsity soccer team. I say somehow because I lacked the skills and talent to play what Pelé described as “o jogo bonito” (the “beautiful game”). I did not belong on the same field as my buddies, who could dribble, pass, shoot, trap, steal, and defend like bona fide jogadors (players).

Mostly warming the bench, I wondered why the coach kept me on the team. I told one of my friends that I was considering quitting. He said he never thought he’d hear that word coming out of my mouth. I shared my concerns. He said I contributed in other ways. I asked for examples. He said I could figure it out. I noted that once again, he was giving me too much credit. He pointed out that I showed up for practice every day and on time, gave it my all on every drill, challenged my teammates, and, when needed, lightened the mood.

I stayed on the team.

A few days later, subbed in for an injured teammate during an away game against Gainesville High, I assisted the goal that netted us a tie against one of our conference’s powerhouses.

At the Initiative, we have far more meaningful ways for everyone to get involved. They include, but are not exclusive to:

• Joining our Teacher Advisory Council. Led by one of our educational program specialists, Danielle Butville, the TAC helps us fulfill our goal of building programs for teachers with teachers. Our members include K-12 teachers from around Pennsylvania and other states such as Wisconsin and Florida. Interested? Teach in a K-12 school (public, private, charter, parochial)? Please get in touch with Danielle (drz5018@psu.edu).

• Joining our Development Committee. Led by former Penn State Trustee Elliott Weinstein, the committee aims to raise $50 million in the coming years. So far, we’ve secured more than 11 percent of that total. The committee is made up of community leaders from the Commonwealth and states like Maryland and Florida. Would you like to find out more? Please email Elliott (elliottweinstein@gmail.com).

• Connecting us with potential partners. We collaborate with forward-thinking organizations, including six Pennsylvania school districts and educational entities such as Philadelphia’s Gratz College (see a story about its president, Zev Eleff, in this edition of the Bulletin). Often, it’s friends like you who introduce us. Are you willing to get us in front of potential partners, including foundations that support educational innovations? Please let me know (bcd14@psu.edu).

• Making a gift. Private individuals have built the Initiative’s the financial backbone. On Giving Tuesday, 26 donors contributed $3,439. We’re extremely grateful for all amounts, which have ranged from $18 to $5,000,000. Would you like to learn more? Please connect with Penn State’s Strategic Initiatives director, Heather Winfield (hbw11@psu.edu).

• Applying for our National Endowment of the Humanities program. “Making Holocaust and Genocide Education Relevant Through Inquiry and Classroom Application” begins in June with a week-long residency in Pennsylvania and continue through the end of 2023 with virtual meetings. Wish to apply? Are you a middle- or high-school teacher? Please visit our application page. Or, do you know qualified candidates who may be interested? Please forward them this link.

• Engaging with us online. Follow us on LinkedIn and/or Twitter (@PSUHolocaustEd). Email us with your ideas, questions, and suggestions (HumanRightsInitiative@psu.edu). We want to hear from you!

These are six of the ways you can get involved. Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones. We look forward to hearing from you!