Voices for Equity: RER Volunteers Foster Inclusion in Boulder Schools

Reading to End Racism (RER) volunteers transformed the classrooms of Meadowlark and Mesa Elementary School into spaces for impactful stories and meaningful conversations. Using diverse books, native instruments, and cultural tools, RER volunteers created a more immersive and engaging experience for 600 students across 25 classrooms at Meadowlark, and over 216 students in 12 classrooms at Mesa Elementary.

RER is more than a literacy program—it’s a platform for change. Through our intergenerational approach, trained volunteers guide students in discussions about race, identity, bullying, and allyship, creating safe spaces for reflection and learning. These sessions go beyond storytelling; they connect young minds to real-life lessons about ending racism and discrimination.

“Such a great presentation with high-level thinking. I have never seen this group of students so engaged!” one teacher at Meadowlark said.

At just these two elementary schools, over 800 students participated in these sessions, and the impact was palpable. Teachers shared how the program reinforced classroom values of kindness and respect while students reflected on the importance of standing up for what’s right. One student said, “I learned that being an ally means helping someone who feels left out.”

As we expand RER to more schools, we’re committed to listening closely to the needs of both educators and students. Through roundtable discussions and feedback from teachers and volunteers, we’ve learned how some students—especially students of color—may not always feel comfortable in the classroom. For our volunteers, cultural sensitivity and mindfulness are essential in creating an inclusive environment. It is also important to let children help guide the conversation to increase trust in your classroom. Collaborating with teachers beforehand is another key step, as they know their students best and can help relate discussions to classroom rules and dynamics. These insights are helping us shape programs that not only address immediate challenges but also empower young people to lead the way toward a more equitable and inclusive future.

At YWCA Boulder County, we’re committed to advancing women and families by meeting their needs today and transforming systems for a better tomorrow. Programs like RER are central to this mission, providing tools for social awareness to support educators and families in continuing these crucial conversations. Together, we are nurturing a generation that stands against racism and values equity—one story at a time.

As we approach the end of the year, we invite you to join us in this mission. Your support can help us expand programs like RER, train more volunteers, and bring these vital conversations to more classrooms across Boulder County.

Let’s create change today for a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow. Be on the lookout for our next RER volunteer training. Email Heidi at hmallon@ywcaboulder.org for early notification to sign up!