World Day of Social Justice 2021

20 February is an international day marked by the United Nations to draw attention to fundamental aspects of social justice — equal opportunity, increasing prosperity, and reducing poverty — for everyone, everywhere.

The 2021 theme for the World Day of Social Justice is 'A call for social justice in the digital economy':

This year's commemoration supports efforts by the international community to search for solutions to achieve sustainable development, poverty eradication, the promotion of full employment and decent work, universal social protection, gender equality and access to social well-being and justice for all.
— United Nations World Day of Social Justice

In 2018, I wrote about this special day, with a focus on the role of school libraries. That blog post includes links to more book lists and resources for learning about social justice.

Three years on, the world feels like a very different place. We have all felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in our communities. Our New Zealand experiences of learning during lockdown, for instance, have shone a light on the extent of digital exclusion here. Upholding social justice principles is important all the time, but as the COVID-19 pandemic rolls on, it feels even more so.

Social justice and school libraries

With your expertise and the library services you offer, you can help address issues of social justice.

Think about the diversity of your students.

They may be at very different points in their learning, with different levels of knowledge or experience. Some are well-prepared for learning, and others face huge challenges. Some may have little awareness about ways of life outside their own direct experience. Some may feel that their own culture isn’t well understood by others.

Levelling the playing field for learners

What can you do to help all students be well-prepared for learning?

• Do you have resources for learners who are at different stages, so they can get up to speed or build background knowledge quickly and easily?

• Do your displays help to make information and learning strategies clear and easy to understand?

• Do you have technology such as devices for students to use or borrow that they would otherwise miss out on?

• When you’re working with students, how do you help them manage their way through information and group dynamics?

• What can you do to make sure everyone can contribute, everyone can shoulder their share of the work, and everyone can be part of decision-making?

Social justice resources

Here are some websites to explore that can help you develop your collection or provide resources to share with your staff and students. You can find more in my earlier blog post Understanding and promoting social justice through your library.

Children’s and young adult literature

• Social justice picture books for young activists — a great list of 30+ books curated by Children’s Library Lady.

• A round-up of books on activism, social justice, and histories of protest — Teen Librarian Toolbox reviews recent books covering many social issues.

• You should read these 18 YA books about social justice — another list for young adult readers, curated by Epic Reads.

Teaching about social justice issues

Learning for Justice (formerly Teaching Tolerance) has developed a framework for anti-bias education. The framework has four ‘anchor’ standards: identity, diversity, justice, and action.

Explore Learning for Justice's Social Justice Standards, teaching plans and strategies, student tasks, and professional development resources.