A “truth school” might seem like too much of the obvious, begging whether some schools teach falsehoods.
But this is the Sojourner Truth School for Social Change Leadership, and it was created specifically in the aftermath of last November’s election, “in dire and frightening times (when) values that many Americans hold dear are threatened daily and the foundations of our very democracy are at risk,” according to creators of the effort that launched in May.
The Rev. Andrea Ayvazian, a United Church for Christ minister who was dean of religious life at Mount Holyoke College and retired Jan. 1 as pastor of Haydenville Congregational Church, says she was in such distress following the election of Donald Trump that she reached back to the model of Freedom Schools that flourished in the South during the 1960s civil rights movement to train African-Americans in achieving social, political and economic equality.
“Our sole focus is teaching and training,” says the school’s website. “We believe that knowledge and education bolstered by support and guidance lead to empowerment — and empowered people make change. When people have the skills and confidence they need to organize a vigil, run for elected office, write guest editorials for local and national newspapers, engage in civil disobedience, visit their elected officials, or talk with care and sensitivity across differences, the result is real and lasting change.”
The school’s 46 classes this season — there were 42 this summer — in Greenfield, Northampton, Easthampton, Holyoke and Springfield are “designed to meet the needs of climate change activists, labor organizers, aspiring political candidates, those considering civil disobedience, people of faith seeking to express their outrage, folks involved in refugee and resettlement work, members of the LGBTQ community, people active in the Black Lives Matter movement, writers and artists who want to use their talents to create change, young people, and seniors seeking a way to be active (or to be active again),” says the Truth School’s website.
All classes are taught by paid, experienced trainers on a $90,000 budget raised through donations, and are all free to the public, said Ayvazian, the school’s founding director.
“We’re a pop-up, virtual school,” said Ayvazian, who continues to be inspired by the idea that came to her during a three-day train trip back from Austin, Texas, to visit her son. “I did a lot of meditating. I thought, ‘How can I be useful in the era of Trump? How can I be useful when we are in a national crisis? What am I led to do in this time of pain?’”
When she returned, she shared her idea with other pastors and lawyers, political activists, professors and elected officials. Donors stepped forward with contributions even before she began fundraising, an effort which she said began with a fundraising letter, house parties, foundation support and a Valley Gives campaign to come next spring.
Classes, taught by a retired judge, a former mayor, legislators and others, will include this session in Greenfield:
Oct. 14 — “Staying Balanced as an Activist,” with Donna Jenson. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Green Fields Market Community Room.
Oct. 28 — “Just Listening: The Practice fo Open, Thoughtful and Embodied Listening” with Christian McEwen. 10 a.m. to noon, Room 111, East Building, Greenfield Community College.
Nov. 2 — “Civics 101: Your government, your leaders, your laws.” with Pamela Schwartz. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Green Fields Market Community Room.
Nov. 4 — “From Education to Action: Developing Workshops that Propel Change” with Clare Hammonds, 10 a.m. to noon. Greenfield Public Library LeVanway Meeting Room.
Nov. 5 — “Rise Up and Speak Out: Effective Use of Your Body and Your Voice to Speak Truth to Power” with Molly Scott. 1 to 3 p.m. Green Fields Market Community Room.
Nov. 11 — Peacekeeper Training for Marches and Other Actions with Cate Woolner and Mary Link. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Room 111, East Building, Greenfield Community College.
Classes have each attracted from eight to 40 students. Other classes have been offered in cross-class dialogue for better collaboration, nonviolent direct action training, public speaking for the terrified, preparing to run for office and other topics. All can be accessed and registered for online at: truthschool.org/classes
A Washington, D.C. progressive think tank agreed to be a financial sponsor of the Truth School, said Ayvazian, on the condition that after its first year, it will be replicated in six cities around the country.
“This school is needed, it’s successful and it’s making a difference, as a source of hope,” she said.