Mission
Capacidad is a non-profit program that has existed since 1980. Our older brochures and websites might say that we are a multicultural, anti-bias, and social justice minded program. Given that we’ve heard these words used and abused so often to serve various agendas, we’re going to describe our mission without using them.
Our interest is in creating a comfortable space where people are welcomed and valued without being reduced to food, clothing, music, etc. As important as these aspects are to cultures, we know that people are so much more. After all, we are people too and know there is more based on our own experiences. We are interested in the space we all share. What is necessary for maintaining space for everyone? What agreements should we make? Which assumptions and rules cause more harm than good?
We plant the seeds of good critical thinking and conflict resolution skills in natural, kid-friendly settings. We plant the seeds during discussion times and offer room to practice during the students’ activity times. Why? Often, students seem more open to difference during formal discussions than they practice out on the playground. The comments they let slip about who “throws like a girl” or what’s “so gay” offer us opportunities to ask “What do you mean?” or “Why is that an insult?” It’s not about “We don’t say that” and nothing further. It’s about recognizing our assumptions, questioning our assumptions, and considering some revisions that might improve our lives and the lives of others in the space we all share. So that’s us, attempting to make your little people more awesome one tag game at a time.