Funding Angela's Legacy

September 14 marks the first anniversary of Angela Berkfield's death (1977-2021). Angela was a force for radical love who believed that “a world where everyone can thrive is possible, and coming.” Through her Parenting 4 Social Justice (P4SJ) body of work, she called—and continues to call—on all of us to work together to raise generations of socially just and politically engaged citizens.

The book Parenting 4 Social Justice: Tips, Tools, and Inspiration for Conversations and Action with Kids, released in the summer of 2021, was the culmination of Angela’s P4SJ work—and today we invite you to honor Angela’s life and legacy by expanding the reach of her book. With your donation, more kid supporters (parents, teachers, grandparents…) will receive Parenting 4 Social Justice’s beautiful, action-oriented message of hope, solidarity, justice, and love. Visit https://www.parenting4socialjustice.com for more information.

Specifically, we’re seeking $10,000 to enable the hiring of Jackie MacNeish, a K-12 parent and educator, as part-time P4SJ Curriculum Developer & Outreach Coordinator for one year. The fund will be administered by Angela’s Dad, Rev. Dr. Frank Nelson.

Before Angela died, she chose Jackie for this role. Jackie will rally and support leaders of P4SJ book groups/communities of practice across the country. She will:

Funds raised may also be used to pay BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) P4SJ social media (Facebook, Instagram) contributors. Please reach out if this could be you!

Looking for more ways to honor Angela’s legacy and advance social justice?

A word from Jackie

“I took a workshop co-led by Angela five years ago, and it changed my life, my parenting, and my teaching. As a white, middle-class woman, I had not been talking with my white kids about racism and our role in the world to learn about and act against it. That workshop gave me the courage and language to start the conversation with my own kids. It also changed my approach to my 8th grade English and Social Studies curriculum. Now, it’s centered on people of color, women, those with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and others who have been oppressed and have struggled to be heard throughout history.

“Angela had such an impact on my life that when I heard she was looking for someone to develop a curriculum to go with her newly published book, I jumped at the chance to work with her. Two and a half weeks after I started working with Angela, she passed away from breast cancer. I consider it an honor to help carry on her amazing, crucial work.

“Specifically, Angela brought me on board to create a discussion guide as a companion to her book. Her hope was that anyone who picks up the Parenting 4 Social Justice book will have access to a practical tool for leading their family/friends/coworkers/community members in a discussion about and action for change. What is parenting for social justice? What are some ways I can, intentionally and on a daily basis, support the kids in my care toward racial justice, economic justice, disability justice, gender justice, and collective liberation? How can I work in community with others to strengthen the spaces I’m in? Angela’s vision was for P4SJ groups all over the country to be gathering to grapple together with questions like these and to support one another in acting on information and ideas from the book.

“In October 2021, I started a P4SJ group with parents who have kids attending my children’s school in Leverett, Massachusetts. We worked through the P4SJ Community of Practice Discussion Guide together. I have also helped others start and lead their own P4SJ book groups, and it has been a joy to support the volunteer work of Jill in Oregon and Liza in New Hampshire, among others. This work has become immensely rewarding, deeply purposeful, and I believe transformational for those involved.”

What P4SJ book group participants have to say

“My favorite part of the group was connecting with other parents who are grappling with these topics and with the complexities of parenting in general. I liked that the P4SJ book has a number of thought-provoking stories and sections that spurred good discussion… Typing out quotes in the group chat soon became one of my favorite parts of the meeting—it was a grounding moment in which to start the conversation, and I got a sneak peek at the themes in the chapter that felt most evocative/powerful for the other parents.” —Andy

“We have created a beautiful community!” —Julia

“I appreciated the stories that everyone shared about their kids and families as they navigate social justice issues together. I feel much more confident talking to my kids about many more topics because of this book and our conversations.” —Jess

“I am so grateful for the authenticity of this group. It was a wonderful community!” —Megan

“I appreciate this whole group and know for a fact that I would not have gotten through the book without it. I appreciate how much easier it is to start conversations with my kids on these topics now.” —Miryam

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Thank you for your collaboration and support!

~Rev. Dr. Frank Nelson, Angela’s Dad; Kristen Elde, P4SJ Editorial & PR Manager; and the rest of the P4SJ team