World Savvy Statement on Recent Events in Minnesota
World Savvy condemns the killing that occurred in Minneapolis and extends our deepest condolences to family, friends, and community members who are grieving. We also want to acknowledge the fear and uncertainty that many students, families, and educators are experiencing right now.
When the world becomes unstable, schools are often one of the first places where that instability shows up. We have seen this in Minnesota over the last few weeks, as schools have faced lockdowns, closures, and disrupted learning. In some districts, absenteeism has surgedas families keep children home out of fear.
In times like these, schools need more than reassurance. They need support for families in crisis, steady guidance for educators, and coordinated partners who can help them respond quickly and thoughtfully. As fear and uncertainty ripple through classrooms, leaders are balancing instruction with safety, communication, and care for their communities, creating a critical need for outside support. Meeting this moment requires aligned, flexible assistance that steadies adults so they can steady young people.
Yet, these words must be backed up by actions. World Savvy is stepping in as one of those partners, providing rapid, responsive support to schools across the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area to help educators create steadiness, belonging, and continuity of learning.
Our response includes:
- Dedicated time for educators and school leaders to talk, process, and support one another so they aren’t carrying fear or stress alone.
- Opportunities for schools to connect with each other, share what’s working, and problem-solve together in real time.
- Simple tools and routines that help students talk about what’s happening in their world, think critically, and stay engaged without lowering expectations.
- Hands-on help adjusting plans and lessons when attendance is uneven or learning shifts between in-person and virtual.
World Savvy was founded in the aftermath of 9/11 out of a belief that fear should not be the primary way young people learn about the world. Our work is grounded in a long-standing belief: education is not only about content, but it is also about the conditions that allow students to learn, participate, and thrive. When fear enters classrooms, the response must be care, clarity, and support.