October 27, 2018
is the 7th annual 
MARD Conference!

The Mid-Atlantic Region Diversity Conference was started by a group of students and their advisors from Abington Friends School and Perkiomen School in the 2012-2013 school year. The goal was to have a regional student-led diversity experience.  In its seventh year, MARD now serves around 300 students from 30 different schools each year.  The conference includes racial and cultural affinity groups, student-led discussions, a keynote address from noted activist and speaker, Rodney Glasgow, and time for fun and fellowship.

After the first year, conference planners decided to arrange for a professional development experience for adults in attendance.  Chaperones now have the option of participating in diversity programming led by Rodney Glasgow.  The focus of this work is on Fierce Conversations and leading diversity initiatives in school communities. 

The 2018 conference has added the Friend Select School to the planning and facilitation team.

Beyond the conference, MARD planners now sponsor the Diversity Summit for Upper School Diversity Leaders at Abington Friends School each year.  In the Spring of 2019 MARD plans to sponsor an event for leaders of LGBTQ groups in schools.  Information is forthcoming about this project.

Where?

Abington Friends School
575 Washington Lane
Jenkintown, PA 19095

Abington Friends School is located in Jenkintown, PA a few miles north of Philadelphia.  It is accessible by SEPTA buses and the Regional Rail.

Contact Us

Questions about MARD events?  

Please contact:
Toni Graves Williamson, Assistant Head of School for Equity and Inclusion @ Abington Friends School
twilliamson@abingtonfriends.net
Carol Dougherty, Associate Headmaster @ Perkiomen School
cdougherty@perkiomen.org