Widening the Lens: The Far Brook School Diversity Conference

Annual Diversity Conference for New Jersey Independent Schools

Established in 2016, Far Brook’s annual Widening the Lens Diversity Conference for independent schools has created an opportunity for powerful learning and growth in our school communities. Bringing together the cross-section of voices and perspectives that exist within our schools, we have been able to share challenges, experiences, and best practices with one another. The unique structure of this conference follows the format of the Dalton School Diversity Conference (NYC), designed by Pollyanna Inc., a nonprofit devoted to increasing understanding and collaboration.

Each school attends the conference as a pod which includes their Head of School and two participants from each of eight constituent groups:

• Administrators
• Alumni
• Diversity Coordinators
• Parents
• School Counselors
• Students
• Teachers
• Trustees

The conference begins with a dynamic keynote speech, followed by interschool dialogue in breakout rooms by constituent groupings. Participants have an opportunity for further conversation and connection over a lunch. In the afternoon, students share their reflections on the conference topic and hopes for their schools community. The afternoon concludes with each school pod meeting to reflect on the day and plan action steps that are unique of their school.