Page 10 - St. Albans Strategic Plan 2021

çommunity
“Fewer things are more powerful than unlocking a person’s perspective, unlocking a person’s ability to feel differently about something or somebody they think they know.”
IEmbrace our fundamental Episcopal identity by furthering our commitment to a community that pursues and celebrates faith, diversity, belonging, and love for all.
St. Albans’ excellence would not be possible without the diversity and dynamism of the community, our commitment to our common ideals, and the unique spirit of belonging and joy that defines the St. Albans culture. The varied identities, experiences, and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff, woven together by the traditions that bring us together each day, create a rich tapestry that celebrates the differ- ences that make us individuals and the values that unite us.
And yet, in our constant desire to grow as an Episcopal institution and live our mission as fully as possible, and to be a sacred space for all members of the community, we can and must improve in these areas. This is our ongoing work, our call. Central to that endeavor is attracting and retaining teachers and learners with a diverse array of identities, experiences, and perspectives. Doing so is fundamental to creating a pluralistic dialogue that enriches the development of every student and allows us to understand and appreciate the critical role that every indi- vidual plays in contributing to the vibrancy, vitality, and success of the community.
Equally important is enhancing our culture of belonging so that all individuals feel comfortable living as their authentic selves.This sense of community, comfort, and togetherness has always been the bedrock of the St. Albans experience, and we cannot effectively know, value, love, and support each other in a manner that celebrates our unique identities unless we foster the belonging that allows us to bring our whole selves to school each day. Accomplishing that requires that we accelerate our efforts to rid our campus of racism, sexism, homophobia, religious prejudice, and all forms of bigotry, and to reinforce our efforts to teach our students that compassion, vulnerability, sensitivity, and courage are central to a healthy conception of masculinity.
This plan deepens our commitments to broadening the identities, experiences, and perspectives represented on campus, to fostering an environment that celebrates each individual and validates each person’s contributions to the community, and to maintaining the shared expe- riences that bring us together repeatedly and in different contexts and give our days at St. Albans their distinctive rhythm and meaning. Each of these commitments will allow us to develop more fully the habits
of mind, body, and spirit that allow us to become the best versions of ourselves, and prepare our students to embrace their responsibility to use their gifts to make meaningful contributions toward a more just and virtuous St. Albans, and a more just and virtuous society.
– BRANDON
VICTOR
DIXON ’99