HGSE Launches “Rest, Refresh, and Restore”

The Harvard Graduate School of Education is launching “Rest, Refresh, and Restore,” a series of events and gatherings that will take place through the balance of the academic year. The series is designed to offer spaces to rest, rebuild, replenish, and restore our minds and bodies, amid a tumultuous year that has brought pain, loss, and continuing trauma. Members of the HGSE community are welcome to join these events, which are co-presented with the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), Office of Student Affairs, and Human Resources.

“As we take our next steps, let us recognize the many opportunities before us to emerge even stronger and wiser from this year. The field of education needs our best work, and to do that, I hope we can all take time in the coming months to connect and restore for what is certain to be an important next chapter for the field and for the world,” noted Dean Bridget Long in a letter to the community.

The HGSE Rest, Refresh, and Restore Series

Community Cafe: Rest as a Form of Resistance
Wednesday, April 21; 9-10 a.m. EDT
Join Lecturer Christina Villarreal and Tracie Jones, director of DEIB, for a community cafe centered on rest. No registration required. You can join at any time during the hour. This space is an opportunity for reflection, deep breathing, and healing.

Monday Power Hour: Rest and Restoration
Hosted by the HGSE Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
Monday, April 26; noon–1 p.m. EDT
Note: This event will be held every Monday through May 16.
Each week, participants will be able to engage in rest and restoration through different prompts and practices. Take time to slow down and rest and meditate, draw, journal, or partake in deep breathing for an hour. Members of the community can drop in at any time during the hour.

University Community Space for Reflection, Remembrance, and Response
Wednesday, April 28; 5–6 p.m. EDT
Hosted by Sherri Charleston, chief diversity and inclusion officer of Harvard University, this event is in collaboration with HGSE, Harvard Divinity School, and Harvard Extension School. It will be a space for members of our community to draw strength from one another as we reflect on the ongoing violence and verdict of the trial for George Floyd's death.

Interfaith Healing Rest and Restoration Hour
Tuesday, May 4; noon–1 p.m. EDT
People often turn to faith, spirituality, or their community to heal. The way to hold pain is within community. Join Lecturer Kaia Stern for an hour of restoration as we bear witness to the trauma and stress that we are collectively holding.

Community Cafe: Dance Party
Thursday, May 6 at 5–6 p.m. EST
Join Lecturer Christina Villarreal and Tracie Jones, director of DEIB, for a community cafe centered on dance, movement, and joy. No registration required. You can join at any time during the hour. This space is an opportunity for restoration through physical movement, music, and community.

These events are open to all HGSE community members. For registration information, please contact the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.