Just one day?

Reflecting on today's discussion, I really appreciate the argument against having a day or a month designated by schools, governments, (Hallmark? who knows who, really) to appreciate or empathize with a minority population or an influential historical figure. Sure we should be ready to engage with Black history every month, every day! But I don't feel badly or embarrassed that our calendars designate these special days/months. I think they can be thought of as awareness-raising to supplement a classroom and lifestyle which freely dialogues about differences. I have been thinking about a designated awareness day with possibly less controversy/emotion -- Earth Day. I have for a long time felt very strongly about environmental justice, and my lifestyle and my choices reflect my concern for the environment. I pull my colleagues and my students (yes, the pre-Ks!) into discussions and projects about environmental justice year round. They some times listen. they sometimes act. But every April my fellow teachers are bombarded with mail and material that support environmental justice surrounding Earth Day. It’s the push they need to deal with the topic, if only for a week or month. I know, its not enough to settle for just a day. But without that occasion, my colleagues would be listening and talking even less about the environment. Instead of rejecting Earth Day because it is just ...a day... I (dare I say it) celebrate (!) Earth Day for the affirmation it gives my efforts.