Carol Tappenden

This week reminds us why our work matters. Thursday was Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day to honor the lives stolen by anti-trans violence and to reaffirm our commitment to building schools where every trans student is safe, seen, and supported. Across Arizona, coordinated attempts to undermine inclusive education continue to surface, but so does community strength. People are showing up early, speaking truth, and pushing back against misinformation. In this week’s update, we share what...

This Trans Awareness Week arrives at a moment when decisions in Arizona’s school boardrooms are shaping daily life for queer and trans students. From Peoria’s vote to remove DEI to coordinated efforts targeting trans inclusion in Amphitheater — and now school closures being proposed in Scottsdale — it’s clear that high-impact decisions are happening fast.  To meet this moment with strength, we’re launching our weekly Civic Power Series . Each week we’ll share one essential piece of civic...

November is Transgender Awareness Month, a time to turn visibility into action. Across Arizona, students and families are pushing back against efforts to erase inclusion, from Peoria’s vote to ban DEI programs to state leaders rolling back equity in schools. At the same time, local voters approved key bonds that keep public schools open and funded, proving that communities still believe in education for all. This week’s postcard highlights that tension and the power of showing up, speaking...