I have been holding off on blogging about my experience attending Venaver DC. The Ignatian family teach-in because I am still processing the journey we went on! I had never been to DC and I am so grateful to have finally visited our capital.  I felt a connection to being American that I had previously not known.

I have been teaching religion for twelve years and there have been so many moments of immense joy (and struggles too) in teaching about the Catholic faith.  I saw such a beautiful version of our church in the participants in the teach in.  I was invigorated to see so many young people speak their truth in regard to social justice issues, including DACA, immigration, LGBTQ rights, praying for the victims of abuses by priests and so much more.

Some highlights:

• Getting to know some amazing students that I have not had the chance to teach.
• Traveling with and getting to know Susan Domanico and spending time with Lacy as well. 
• Hearing from educators from around the country who are guiding their students to pursue topics of injustice
• I went to a phenomenal break out session with two faculty who advise the Brophy College prep dream on campaign.  These students are on fire and getting things accomplished in their community.  The advisors advice: Let your students lead! Do not create positions of leadership for the student groups and plug in students.  Rather, the leadership needs need to be identified and created by the students.  Radical to me and for them it is working.  
• Being present to our own Sasha Williams and her powerful message to the entire conference! If you haven’t seen her speech I highly recommend it.  
• Taking our time walking through the Holocaust museum will forever stay with me.  I know I have a whole new perspective on the Holocaust and it will reflect in my teaching of global conflict, Judaism and our response to those in need.  
• Watching our students beautifully address representatives from Sen. Feinsteins office and Rep. Mark DeSaulnier office.  Our girls who attended are dynamic, passionate and ready to use their voice for the voiceless and I couldn’t be prouder of them.