Changing Lives Within & Beyond the Classroom - What it Means to be a Freedom Writer

Today, my dear friends and classroom heroes, Erin Gruwell and Debbie Fernandez, talk about restorative justice through education, how individual attention can transform lives, and doing the right thing when you're in a position to be helpful. You may know Erin because Hilary Swank portrayed her in the Freedom Writers movie in 2007, but her work goes well beyond the confines of the classroom. Debbie is also a real life Freedom Writer, who during the pandemic worked directly with students to make sure their needs were met in the classroom and well beyond its limits. Erin and Debbie talk about why they are called to do this work, how they change lives through the power of education, and the many ways that we each and all can do the same in our everyday lives. I hope this episode inspires you to reach out to your community the way these women have inspired me!

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Tess Holliday, plus-size icon and cultural change-maker brings to you the kind of heart-to-heart conversations that transpire at a Slumber Party. This podcast invokes sleepovers of our youth where we played silly games until we squealed and whispered our deepest secrets in the dark, from the latest crush to the challenges that were crushing us. Centered around our journeys to self-love, we dive deep with extraordinary folks doing their part to actively make the world a better place. Put on your fanciest pajamas armed with your favorite snacks and join us every week!