What should we PS3 Liberal Activist Gentrifiers do, and not do?

[Anonymous]

Hi. I'm a high-SES (and yes, white) liberal parent of a three year-old entering PS3 in a high-poverty, low-diversity school that, I am happy to say, is rising like many DCPS schools. I want to do the best for my child and the school and am very interested in being be involved in making the school the best it can be. I don't want to screw this up, alienate people, look like a narcissist, or cause myself or anyone else headaches.

What should I do or not do? Any lessons learned? I really want to help out.

[Anonymous]

Treat the other parents like people, don't assume and don't be condescending.

[Anonymous]

Take your cues from other parents. In meetings, don't be the first to volunteer or voice your opinion, so you don't look like you're trying to take over. Volunteer for difficult jobs. Make an effort to learn all the kids' names, and greet everyone respectfully when you come and go. If you aren't going to stay for the long haul, at least try to leave the school a better place than when you came.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Treat the other parents like people, don't assume and don't be condescending.

This X 1000. And aside from that, be geunuine, be yourself and don't try to be someone you think will make it easier to fit in. Be yourself, be sincere, don't assume anything about anyone, and encourage your child to make friends and be respectful and nice as a parent.

I would also echo the above PP who said participate in the school community. Getting to know the staff and parents is the best way to both fit in and give back.

[Anonymous]

Stop writing troll posts, for starters. I think you're a poser attempting to stir up race shit. You'll succeed, bc that's what we do here on dcum. In 5 more posts, a high SES AA mom will respond that she wants the same for her child.

Alternatively you're a hack contract reporter writing an post and want us to give you material. Which we will undoubtedly do.

[Anonymous]

Relax. Life is good. Don't overthink it. I say this all the time, but it sounds like DCUM needs to hear it over and over and over again!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Stop writing troll posts, for starters. I think you're a poser attempting to stir up race shit. You'll succeed, bc that's what we do here on dcum. In 5 more posts, a high SES AA mom will respond that she wants the same for her child.

Alternatively you're a hack contract reporter writing an post and want us to give you material. Which we will undoubtedly do.

Hi I'm OP. Call me a troll, awesome, I can take it. But my kid is starting preschool this month and I want to help out without being a jerk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Stop writing troll posts, for starters. I think you're a poser attempting to stir up race shit. You'll succeed, bc that's what we do here on dcum. In 5 more posts, a high SES AA mom will respond that she wants the same for her child.

Alternatively you're a hack contract reporter writing an post and want us to give you material. Which we will undoubtedly do.

Hi I'm OP. Call me a troll, awesome, I can take it. But my kid is starting preschool this month and I want to help out without being a jerk.

Then simply do so, OP. People are people. This is not rocket science.

[Anonymous]

for starters, never use the phrase "liberal activist gentrifiers," even anonymously and tongue-in-cheek.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:for starters, never use the phrase "liberal activist gentrifiers," even anonymously and tongue-in-cheek.

+1

[Anonymous]

You should post this same question on the Prince of Petworth forum. That way, you can get smug, all-knowing comments that will serve as an echo chamber for your hipster greatness!

And make no mistake OP -- you ARE great. You wrote into Eckington / CH / brookland / petworth in the nick of time to show those dark folk how it's done. But I agree: be subtle about it. Hope PoP commentariat will give good advice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:for starters, never use the phrase "liberal activist gentrifiers," even anonymously and tongue-in-cheek.

+1

+2 Hate you already.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:for starters, never use the phrase "liberal activist gentrifiers," even anonymously and tongue-in-cheek.

+1

+2. I immediately felt sorry for the other parents when I read this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should post this same question on the Prince of Petworth forum. That way, you can get smug, all-knowing comments that will serve as an echo chamber for your hipster greatness!

And make no mistake OP -- you ARE great. You wrote into Eckington / CH / brookland / petworth in the nick of time to show those dark folk how it's done. But I agree: be subtle about it. Hope PoP commentariat will give good advice.

LOL PoP has the worst commenters. I like reading the stories though. I just skip the comments.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:for starters, never use the phrase "liberal activist gentrifiers," even anonymously and tongue-in-cheek.

+1

+2. I immediately felt sorry for the other parents when I read this.

+3. lose the smugness already. If you can't, fake it.