Empathy Collective
Welcome to the Empathy Collective, a program designed to bring Blake’s Commitment to Pluralism to life through vibrant Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and open-hearted conversation. The collective is run by the Office of Equity and Community Engagement (OECE) whose vision is to lead, facilitate and support individual and school-wide efforts that foster equity and inclusion.
Whether you’re a student, faculty or staff member, parent or guardian, alum or part of the broader Blake community, it’s easy to join the conversation. Simply show up, share if you’d like or just listen. There’s no special training needed, no pressure—just curiosity and kindness.
Empathy isn’t about being a superhero, it’s about connection. By leaning in, listening deeply and speaking authentically, we shape a space where empathy and pluralism guide how we feel, think, and belong together. Your presence, your voice, your perspective—all of it contributes to building something brighter.
2025-2026 Empathy Collective Offerings
Pink Tax
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 5-7pm
Blake campus in Hopkins
Curious about why pink is for girls and blue is for boys? Wondering how gender expectations shift across cultures and time? This session is your friendly guide to understanding gender—no prior knowledge needed. We’ll explore how gender roles are shaped by family, media and society, and how these norms evolve. With simple definitions, engaging examples and interactive discussions, you'll leave feeling more confident and curious about the world of gender. Whether you're new to the topic or just looking to learn more, this session is for you.
Communication Across Generations
Wednesday, Jan. 7, 6pm-7:30pm (CT)
Virtual Meeting
Ever wonder why your grandparent prefers a handwritten letter while your friend texts in emojis? In this session, we’ll explore how communication styles differ across generations and why understanding these differences matters. We’ll unpack the unique preferences, values and habits that shape how each generation communicates. Whether you're new to this topic or just curious, we’ll make it easy to grasp with simple definitions, real-life examples and interactive discussion. By the end, you'll have practical tools to connect more effectively with people of all ages, fostering better understanding and collaboration in any setting.
Parenting is Hard
Tuesday, April 14, 5-6:30pm (CT)
Virtual Meeting
Talking to your child about all the different people they will encounter in their lives can feel daunting—but it doesn’t have to be. This session is designed for parents and guardians who want to build confidence in navigating tough topics. We’ll explore how to start open, age-appropriate conversations, answer questions with honesty and empathy and create a home environment where curiosity and respect thrive. You’ll leave with strategies to help your child understand and appreciate differences—while feeling supported every step of the way.
The Science of Belonging
Tuesday, March 10, 5-6:30pm (CT)
Virtual Meeting
We all want to feel like we matter and that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. This session dives into the science of belonging—why connection is a basic human need and how it shows up in our friendships, families, schools, and communities. Through fun, interactive activities, we’ll explore what belonging looks like at different levels and discover simple ways we can create it for ourselves and others.