transforming community with impact
THE ZANMITAY COLLECTIVE
WHO WE ARE
Zanmitay means "partnership" in Haitian Creole. Zanmitay Collective was formed out of our experience working on the ground in Haiti. Zanmitay Collective is dedicated to transforming the way we work for social change. For decades, Haiti has been a destination for development initiatives that have reinforced unequal power dynamics and colonial practices. Church groups, ngos and nonprofits, and independent do-gooders come to Haiti and get excited about how they can help, but too often do not have the tools and knowledge to build effective and positive change. We've lived and witnessed the crippling effects of these initiatives, and we know there is a better way.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
We believe in a future where Haiti--and places like it--is celebrated for its commitment to history, creative design, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to environmental, cultural, and social sustainability.
OUR GOAL
Our goal is to build a global community of creatives, designers, change-makers, and activists who want to work consciously, fairly, and inclusively for meaningful and lasting social change all over the world. We want to transform the landscape of development using new, positive, models that celebrate transparency, autonomy, diversity, and shared learning. If you, your small group, or organization are looking to make a positive change, join Zanmitay Collective, and transform your community with impact.
WHY JOIN THE ZANMITAY COLLECTIVE?
If you are craving a transnational, ethical, social impact-driven experience that doesn't leave you wondering whether you helped or harmed a community, we want to be the answer to your quest for soul-filling, fulfilling, boundary-breaking partnership. Our collective connects movers and shakers, builders and activists, healers and teachers. We care about changing the landscape of nonprofit work done in isolation, and we know we are more powerful when we build connections. Join Zanmitay Collective and transform the world with us.
ABOUT US
Lucy Breidenthal Bernardin, M.A.
Founder
I started Zanmitay after spending several years working in Haiti where I was dismayed by the lack of self-awareness of colonial praxis in contemporary mission work models. My work is about the process of unlearning and restructuring social systems and examining the ways in which I contribute to and can disrupt systemic inequalities. I hold an MA in Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies and I have taught in private schools and nonprofits for over 5 years. I am passionate about creating safe and sacred spaces for children and parents, dismantling the systems we hand over to young people to internalize and learn, and transforming the way we teach and learn.
FRITZ JACQUES BERNARDIN
Co-Founder and Project Manager
Fritz Jacques Bernardin is an educator, musician, composer, translator/interpreter, and change-maker. Born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Fritz studied music at Holy Trinity Music School where he later taught for 9 years. He has worked as a curriculum developer and advocate for fair and accessible music education for Haitian students, working to promote Kreyol-based music programs in rural communities throughout Haiti. He has translated and interpreted for the World Bank, The Domestic & Foreign Missionary Society, as well as numerous independent schools and nonprofits. He works with his wife, Lucy Breidenthal Bernardin, to develop sustainable social change solutions in Haiti.
CURRENT WORKSHOPS
HEALTHY BODIES, HEALTHY HEARTS: TEACHING POSITIVE BODY IMAGE AND BODY ACCEPTANCE
Everyone has a body story—something they say about their bodies, or have said about their bodies since childhood, and an estimated 30 million people suffer from eating disorders in the United States. Assess your community approach to bodies and body acceptance among your students and develop real life strategies you can implement immediately for a holistically health child. *Customized for any age group.
NURTURING A SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS CLASSROOM AND HOME
In this workshop, educators examine their own social consciousness, identify areas for improvement, and gain concrete resources for transforming curriculum, pedagogy, and classroom environments to generate social awareness in their classrooms. *Customized for any age group.
DECOLONIZING INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS: HOW TO BUILD A TRANSNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP THAT HELPS AND DOESN’T HURT
Planning a staff trip to volunteer abroad? Concerned about your Corporate Giving? Wondering how you can help those in developing countries? Take this workshop to learn about historical relationships between the U.S. and developing countries, and transform your partnership into one of mutual respect, reciprocity, and respect.
#METOO AT THE OFFICE: UNDERSTANDING GENDER INEQUITY AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE AT WORK
#Metoo has had a lasting impact on office culture—women are speaking out about sexual violence at greater rates than ever before. Learn the basics of what constitutes consent, sexual violence, and what intimacy has to do with work. Gain insight into areas for improvement and develop strategies for transforming your workplace to reflect contemporary and changing definitions of sexual violence.
GENDER DIVERSITY: HOW TO PRACTICE INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE AND PEDAGOGY FOR EDUCATORS
Wondering how to begin the conversation about gender inclusion in your school community? We’ll discuss the fundamentals of gender and sexuality, and what it means for children at school; identify key areas of improvement in your community, and develop an action plan for transforming your school community.
UNLOCKING ANTI-BIAS: GENDER, SEXUALITY, AND RACE BIAS IN THE WORKPLACE
Learn where your organization stands in terms of inclusion and openness to difference, gender equity, anti-racism, and anti-bias. Develop strategies for transformation, and keep your staff fresh with self-reflection, introspection, and develop concrete plans for integrating this work into the center of your workplace.
SERVICES
MEDIA ROOM
CELEBRATING DIFFERENCE: BEYOND THE MELTING POT
January 14, 2018
Listen to the audio of my lecture at St. Bart's NYC Forum and check out the slides for more in-depth information. Click here to listen to the presentation.
TEACHING PERSPECTIVE VIDEO
November 5, 2017
Check out my work at St. Bart's New York City to get a sense of my speaking and perspective about children and spiritual formation. Click here to watch the video.
