The Dignified Learning Project

A few of you have been following one of my research projects, but for those who haven't, let me share a little about it.

For the past couple of years, a small research team I put together of absolute rockstars has been digging into the history of the Frontier Housing Project here in San Diego. We're working on submitting the archival piece for peer review, but our next step is capturing the stories of people who actually lived there, or who have photos, newspaper clippings, personal documents, or anything connected to it.

Very brief background: Frontier was situated where the Pechanga Arena is right now, which feels like a full-circle moment given all the ongoing conversations about the "Midway for All." It was built for defense workers, laborers, and their families during WWII, never meant to last more than two years, and stuck around for twenty. When the city took it over from the federal government, they changed the street names, lost or destroyed most of the files, and essentially erased it.

The lived experiences are what's missing, and that's what we want to document now.

If you know anyone who lived there, please send them my way. Best contact is [email protected]. Flyer is in the link in bio!
Thanks so much!

Check out this study.

Do murals, graffiti, and wheatpaste posters show up in your neighborhood in San Diego? We want to hear your thoughts.

We're inviting San Diego residents (18+) to take a short survey about public art in our neighborhoods, including murals, graffiti, and wheatpaste posters. We're really interested in how visible these forms are, what they mean in everyday life, and how they connect to identity and representation in our communities.

The survey takes about 15 minutes. Your responses will help highlight community insights across San Diego and show how art shows up in our public spaces.

Participation is voluntary and confidential.

Take the survey here: tinyurl.com/StreetArtOpinion, check the link in our bio, or scan the QR code.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Send a message to learn more

💯

The owners of Black Pearl Books want to make sure readers can find all the books that were banned by school districts in Texas last school year.

https://l8r.it/YhYf

The Dignified Learning Project’s ( ) upcoming Biannual Praxis in Education Conference is Back for its 7th Edition!
Every semester, the DLP hosts the Praxis in Education Conference. This is an academic conference centered around student and community voices. The conference this semester will be happening on Thursday, March 19th on campus, in the library’s Digital Humanities Center.

This year’s theme is Decolonial Resistance, and we are looking for a diverse set of student presentations related to this theme. Presentations can be in person or virtual, through Zoom. We want to make a space for everyone, especially undergraduate students, to experience presenting at an academic conference.

You can present on your research or talk about a topic you’re passionate about. Presentations will be between 10 and 12 minutes. Scan the QR Code to Register for a Presenter Proposal! Link is also in bio.

(Call for Proposals Flyer) The Dignified Learning Project’s (@dignifiedlearningproject ) upcoming Biannual Praxis in Education Conference is Back for its 7th Edition! Every semester, the DLP hosts the Praxis in Education Conference. This is an academic conference centered around student and community voices. The conference this semester will be happening on Thursday, March 19th on campus, in the library’s Digital Humanities Center. This year’s theme is Decolonial Resistance, and we are looking for a diverse set of student presentations related to this theme. Presentations can be in person or virtual, through Zoom. We want to make a space for everyone, especially undergraduate students, to experience presenting at an academic conference. You can present on your research or talk about a topic you’re passionate about. Presentations will be between 10 and 12 minutes. Scan the QR Code to Register for a Presenter Proposal! Link is also in bio. Proposals are due February 21, 2025 (If you need an extension please reach out) #SDSU #DLP #StudentConference #CallforProposals #Theory #sociology #research

Check out the latest post! Our students are doing amazing work with the guidance of Dr. Holkenbrink-Monk!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAo7ZoYyxT_/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Exploring San Diego’s neighborhoods through visual sociology reveals disparities in education. A notable image features a country club next to an elementary school in a wealthy area, highlighting the contrast in resources and opportunities. Research shows that children from affluent backgrounds often perform better academically due to access to superior resources. This phenomenon aligns with concepts like opportunity hoarding, where wealthy individuals use their resources to maintain advantages, and the myth of meritocracy, which claims success is solely based on talent and effort, overlooking the impact of socio-economic status, race, and resource availability. Wealthy neighborhoods can invest in better educational facilities, as affluent parents contribute more and often engage in fundraising. Moreover, funding for schools in San Diego relies on attendance rates, disadvantaging socioeconomically disadvantaged children who are more likely to miss school, leading to reduced funding for schools in poorer areas. This perpetuates a cycle of disadvantage, where wealthier neighborhoods have a higher demand for tutoring services, while poorer areas often have more liquor stores, targeting vulnerable demographics. Visual methods make these disparities more accessible, breaking down academic jargon that can alienate many. Through visuals, we can highlight the environments around schools and convey the meanings behind various signs. Stay tuned for an upcoming post that will delve deeper into these themes! By visually examining elementary schools, we can apply Conflict Theory to understand how socioeconomic groups compete for power and how systemic inequalities persist. Additionally, Symbolic Interactionism can illustrate how individuals perceive and interact within their social contexts. The experiences of students from different economic backgrounds reveal how perceptions of opportunity— or the lack thereof—can profoundly affect academic ambitions and social behavior. **Photos by Acey Puccio and Samantha Gonzales #VisualSociology #EducationInequality #ResidentialSegregation #ConflictTheory #SymbolicInteractionism #EquityInEducation #Sociology

We've been working hard on a cool visual research project where students take their own photos of various ideas, places, and objects in society and then analyze them through critical perspectives on social media.

The goal is to make teaching tools and complex ideas relatable and accessible. Organized and taught by our director, Dr. Holkenbrink-Monk over at The Wanderlust Threader, the hope is we can help critical reflection and dialogue outside of solely higher education.

We'd love for you to check out our project, especially our most recent one by Kevin Guerrero, over at https://www.instagram.com/p/DAZaVq-ybQr/?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA==

In this post, Kevin explores social theories through analyzing Chula Vista and the distribution of resources.

🌍💼 Understanding the dynamics of resource distribution through key social theories: , ✨ Distribution of Resources: This theory explores how states, governments, and institutions provide essential needs, like income, labor, health, and more, to all members of a society. Modern theorists discuss the importance of equitable access to resources for all communities. 🛠️ Social Construction of Reality: The frameworks/Ideas we create to manage wealth, property, and natural resources are just that—ideas or social constructs that influence our social structures. 🔍 Symbolic Interactionism: In urban spaces, shared meanings emerge through repeated interactions. Think about a dangerous neighborhood in your city, how have your experiences in that neighborhood and with others impacted your perceptions of that area? 🌱 Bourdieu's Capital: Let’s break it down- Environmental Capital: Human resources and benefits from nature (Water, Air, Land) 🌳 Economic Capital: Wealth and property (Money, Property, Economic power)💵 Social Capital: Relationships and networks (Family, Friendships, and Acquaintances)🤝 Together, these theories help us understand the complexities of resource distribution and social dynamics. What are your thoughts? 💬 Check out the next post for a visual exploration of these social theories!🌳🔍 **Photos by Kevin Guerrero/Online Sources #Sociology #SocialTheory #ResourceDistribution #Bourdieu #UrbanStudies #EquityMatters #SymbolicInteractionism #FormsOfCapital

Check out the latest post over around on latest research project:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DARq4P2y3Zt/?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA==

🧐 What do you see when you walk through this part of La Mesa? Take a moment to observe—a dispensary, a liquor store, and a mental health clinic are all within the same block. What does that tell us about how societal norms and group behaviors shape mental health care? 🤔 In one corner, you have cannabis and alcohol—common tools people use to self-medicate or escape. Right next door is a clinic offering professional help. These places reflect the complex ways social influences impact individual choices. 🌿🍷🏥 For some, alcohol or cannabis may feel like a quicker, less stigmatized fix. Why? Social norms often dictate that it is more acceptable to turn to substances than to seek help in therapy. The weight of societal expectations can make these substances seem like the only viable option. Social psychology teaches us that our decisions are shaped by group dynamics, societal expectations, and fear of being judged. 🧠💡 But on the other hand, some choose the mental health clinic—a more sustainable, though socially challenging, option. This reflects the power of attitudes and how they influence whether or not people feel comfortable seeking professional help. The stigma surrounding mental health often pressures people to choose short-term relief over long-term healing. When these places are compared, it reveals a broader issue: societal attitudes about mental health need to evolve. 🗣 We need to challenge social norms and come up with support systems that encourage healthier choices, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health care. The choices people make here emphasize the need for better access to mental health services and positive social influences that promote well-being. It’s time to act and be the catalyst for this change. 💬 It’s time to consider how our environment, social pressures, and group attitudes influence individual coping strategies. Let's normalize seeking help and make it a socially accepted choice. We can all be part of the change. #SocialPsychology #MentalHealthAwareness #BreakTheStigma #CopingMechanisms #UrbanSociology #MentalHealthMatters #SocialJustice #EndTheStigma #PublicHealth #GroupDynamics #CommunityWellness #youarenotalone

We just wanted to share that our updated website URL is https://www.dignifiedlp.org

We did this for a few reasons, but also because our whole organization's name as a URL was quite long!

So, if you've been trying to find us, that's where we're at!

Education | The Dignified Learning Project | The DLP | San Diego The Dignified Learning Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that focuses on community voice, educational transformation, and equity for all. We do college readiness and prep, teacher collaboration, and equitable education.

Considering donating to this fantastic teacher in San Diego.

Sensory Regulation Tools and a Calming Corner for Third Graders, a project from Ms. Morrell Help me give my students a calming space to process big feelings, grow as humans and be able to get back to learning. This group of learners has a variety of sensory regulation needs that to suppor...