Thread by @ValeriaBrownEdu

Hear ye! Hear ye! Welcome all new #ClearTheAir participants. Let's talk a little about what to expect. Note: There will be a little home learning/practice chatting at the end of this thread. So hang on until the end.

A short history lesson - Back in 2016 on New Years Eve Eve. I am sitting around mad about the election and came across an article about white fragility that I wanted to talk about and I asked twitter to join me. #ClearTheAir

I am pretty sure only @ChristieNold (who was a total stranger at the time but is now BFF) is the only one who replied to me. That didn't deter me and just like that #ClearTheAir was born. I will love you forever @ChristieNold ! #ClearTheAir

The chat has always involved some type of text, and addressed issues of race in education and race in this country head on. We are never scared. #ClearTheAir

There was no set schedule for #ClearTheAir back then. (I'm busy, y'all!) But when people asked me for a chat, if it worked in the schedule - boom - chat. We pride ourselves in showing up and showing out.

The squad that we have built as the #ClearTheAir community is irreplaceable. I don't think y'all even understand. I love these people with all of my heart. They are all beasts in their own way.

We don't have catchy acronyms or costumes. (Even though I am quick to rock a team t-shirt.) We are not pretending the work that we do is easy. It's heart and head work. We are for building a better country through our roles as educators. #ClearTheAir

The good news is that you are invited to join us! You don't even have to ask us how to join. Like, you just join the chat, talk to people, learn with and from others. It's really that easy. #ClearTheAir

With all that said, What you not gon' do is come in here and mess up the good vibes we have going on. #ClearTheAir

Rule #1 - We are not Teacher Pinterest Twitter. Please don't do stuff like this in #ClearTheAir.

Rule #2 - Expect to be heard AND be held lovingly accountable. If you are digging a hole for yourself, you will either be handed a shovel or a ladder. Choose wisely. #ClearTheAir

Note on Rule #2 - It's about authenticity. We don't pretend to know everything. We are very vulnerable. We mess up. We apologize. We keep moving and learning. We extend grace, but you are not getting amnesty (which someone had the nerve to ask for the other day). #ClearTheAir

Rule #3 - If your answers point outward more than inward, you are probably missing the point. Expect to be asked probing questions about what YOU (not them) are going to do. #ClearTheAir

Y'all went *this gif* over @CarlaShalaby amazing book, Troublemakers, so we are expecting high participation. We want each person to feel supported in their learning, so we have to make a few modifications. Nothing more confusing than a super fast chat. #ClearTheAir

Here's what's changing -
Say hi to each other starting at 7:20 PM EST. Check in. Ask about family, pets, etc. We're building a community outside of the chat. You can't do this work in isolation. #ClearTheAir

We are going to have Quarter-Hour-Questions. I know, that's a super cool name. Questions will drop at 7:30 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:00 PM, and 8:15 PM. We will only have four questions because I want us to talk to one another. #ClearTheAir

At the end of the chat, I will drop a link to all of the Qs that I wanted to ask but didn't get a chance to ask. You can answer them later or take them back to your sites for F2F convos. They will also be the Qs @SchleiderJustin will use for the Voxer group. #ClearTheAir

Sign up for the Voxer Group here. #ClearTheAir

goo.gl/forms/lpSv62rh…

For all books, our last chat will be on Zoom. We are calling that the Face-to-Face Exhale. It will be 90 min and there will be no Twitter chat that evening. #ClearTheAir

When: Aug 22, 2018 7:30 PM EST
Register in advance for this meeting:
zoom.us/meeting/regist…

This is our reading schedule for Troublemakers. Even if you have not read, I will craft the Qs so that you can still participate. We want you here! (Note: This does not include the Face-to-Face Exhale) #ClearTheAir

I don't think I am forgetting anything, but if I am forgive me. You may have to tag someone other than me if you need a question answered ASAP before Wed. I told y'all, a sister is busy, and this is really my hobby. #ClearTheAir

WAIT! Here's your Home Learning -

Over the next two days, tell us who you are (whatever you think we should know) and your hopes and fears for the chat. Be sure to include #ClearTheAir. I will try to curate and add to a Moment.

Thank you everyone.