Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. During Women’s History Month and year-round, the Jane Addams Peace Association recognizes and uplifts women change-makers!
In March, we delve into current and past Jane Addams Children’s Book Award-Winners and Honor Books that affirm and celebrate women and girls in history and the present. It is our mission “To deepen understanding of peace and justice for children and their adults through reflection, dialogue, and social action.” Let us think and talk about how people can challenge gender stereotypes and bias against all hierarchies of power and opportunity and work for power and equality for all.
You can check out our array of books here: https://www.janeaddamschildrensbookaward.org/all-books/
A Joint Celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award and Chicago Public Library’s 150th Anniversary
RSVP HERE!
The Jane Addams Peace Association Is Against Book Banning
Following a new state education reform law signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, one school district removed over 170 books from its libraries. The district reminded educators that failing to comply with the new law could lead to teachers being charged with a felony.
Traditionally, debates over what books are appropriate for school libraries have taken place between a concerned parent and a librarian or administrator, and resulted in a single title or a few books being re-evaluated, and either removed or returned to shelves.
But recently, the issue has been supercharged by rapidly growing and increasingly influential conservative groups. The organizations frequently describe themselves as defending parental rights, however the books most frequently targeted for removal have been by or about Black or L.G.B.T.Q. people, according to the American Library Association.
In Florida, parents who oppose book banning formed the Freedom to Read Project, which urges its members to attend board meetings and tracks the work of groups like Florida Citizens Alliance. The Jane Addams Peace Association stands with Freedom to Read Foundation and all who protect and defend the First Amendment to the Constitution and support the right of libraries to collect – and individuals to access – information.
You can find more information about what parents are doing to combat the rise of book bans here: https://www.fftrp.org/
Community Highlight
Women & Children First Bookstore
Women & Children First believes in the transformative power of literature. As intersectional trans-inclusive feminists, they believe books are tools for liberation. Women & Children First opened in a modest Chicago storefront in 1979, owned by Ann Christophersen and Linda Bubon, who met as graduate students at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Their mission is to celebrate and amplify underrepresented voices. For them, in order for feminism to remain relevant, it must be forever evolving.
Women & Children First is one of the largest feminist bookstores in the country, stocking more than 20,000 books by and about women, children’s books, and the best LGBTQIA+ literature. They also carry cards, magazines, journals, posters, calendars, buttons, flags, and more. They strive to offer a place where everyone can find books and materials that reflect their lives and interests in an atmosphere in which they are respected and valued.
Learn more about this bookstore here: https://www.womenandchildrenfirst.com/
The Jane Addams Peace Association is a Four-Star Organization!
We’re excited to share some news! The Jane Addams Peace Association has been evaluated by Charity Navigator, the world’s largest and most trusted nonprofit evaluator, and earned a Four-Star Rating! This is the highest possible rating on Charity Navigator.
Charity Navigator’s third-party accreditation validates our organization’s operational excellence.
This milestone achievement for the Jane Addams Peace Association couldn’t have happened without you and your support. Thank you for being part of our family as contributors, funders, and volunteers. Your trust and support helps us make a difference for the communities we serve. Thank you for being an integral part of our mission!
You can learn more about Charity Navigator and our rating here: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/131871554
Support Our Work
The Jane Addams Peace Association perpetuates the spirit of activist and pacifist Jane Addams, her love for children and humanity, her commitment to freedom and democracy, and her devotion to the cause of world peace.
Your donation to the Jane Addams Peace Association, a 501(c)(3) organization, is tax-deductible and helps us support authors, illustrators, parents, teachers, and librarians deepen understanding of peace and justice for children and their adults through reflection, dialogue, and social action.