The Shaker Heights Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee announces a series of resident-led projects funded by the committee’s micro-grants and aimed at helping to diversify youth sports and promote personal safety.
The new Community Empowerment Grants for Diversity Equity and Inclusion are funding these projects because they demonstrate a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the community.
SkateFest and Community Workshop
The Shaker Figure Skating Club is hosting a morning workshop and a free afternoon skating opportunity supported by a $1,500 DEI micro-grant. The workshop will be led by Kadari Taylor-Watson, PhD, US Figure Skating’s first director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, who will share her tool kit for increasing minority participation in youth sports. The workshop meets Saturday, November 16, from 9:30am – 10:30am in the Boulevard/Fernway Room of the Shaker Heights Public Library, 16500 Van Aken Blvd. Register here.
SkateFest will be an open ice skating event at Thornton Park Ice Arena with free skating, skate rentals, beginner lessons, and hot cocoa to support diversity in skating. SkateFest will take place Saturday, November 16, from 4:45pm – 6:45pm at Thornton Park, 3301 Warrensville Center Rd. Register here.
Building Community Resilience
A series of three empowering lectures, supported by a $2,290 micro-grant, will focus on personal safety and protection. The sessions will include education and group discussions.
- Personal Protection Planning: A Self-Defense Discussion, Monday, Dec. 2, 5:30-7:30pm, Shaker Heights Public Library. The featured speaker is Doug Murillo, founder of Action Defense, LLC. Read about the guest speakers and register here.
- POSTPONED-Protecting Our Youth from Online Predators, Monday, Dec. 9, 6-8pm, Shaker Heights Public Library. The featured speakers are Tamia and Timothy Woods, co-founders of the Do It For James Foundation. Read about the guest speakers and register here.
- Building Community Resilience: Women's Self Defense Seminar, week of Jan. 22. Watch for location and registration details on the City’s website and its December ENewsletter.
Youth Lacrosse Clinics
Details are still being finalized but three Shaker Heights High School seniors received a micro-grant to organize a series of free lacrosse clinics intended to introduce the sport to a more diverse audience. Anabelle Malone, Jaden Wilkerson and Max Kelly said the clinics will be open to students from every school and grade in the Shaker Heights City School District. The clinics are supported by a $2,410 micro-grant. Details will be announced via the City’s website, social media channels, and e-newsletter. Sign up for these communications options.
“These micro-grants are spurring creative initiatives that advance the City’s mission of being diverse, equitable and inclusive in all that we do,” said Colleen Jackson, the City’s chief DEI officer. “The DEI Committee was very pleased with the variety of grant proposals submitted.”