Creating change
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Bad-Ass Change Agents: Self Care Isn’t Selfish
We can be our own worst enemies. We take on tasks we don’t have time for, that aren’t even our responsibility. We work too many hours, cut back on sleep and stuff ourselves with junk food because it’s quick and easy. And if that’s not enough, we feel guilty for saying ‘no’ when anyone asks something of us. Can you relate? I know you can! We need to consciously make self-care and community care a priority in our lives – as it should be. “I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” -Audre…
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Speaking Out About Mental Health – No More Shame
Up until now, mental health was a topic most everyone agreed NOT to talk about due to pervasive societal stigma and debilitating bias. But with the huge impact of the internet, social media and its 24/7 influence on our lives, and the persistent work of social change agents, the topic is finally being discussed more openly and honestly. People are talking about their mental health, admitting to anxiety, depression, panic disorders and a wide range of other struggles as well as the social and organizational barriers to equity and social justice for issues of mental health. Can you relate? I talk so much now about the importance of self-care &…
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SPEAK UP For Inclusion: How To Be An Effective Ally and Change Agent
At times, the ugliness of discrimination can overshadow the rich benefits of inclusion. Successful growth in any business, organization, and society as a whole rests upon recognizing and including everyone. “Inclusion is not a matter of political correctness. It is the key to growth.” -Jesse Jackson So how can you be a more effective ally for diversity, equity and inclusion in your organization? Persistence, dedication and awareness can help you achieve your goal. The road to inclusion can feel daunting – but the benefits far surpass the challenges. Research has shown that companies with executive teams at the top 25% of ethnic and racial diversity were 33%…
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5 Easy Tips & Tools for Facilitators
As a facilitator training on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion, you’ve got a lot on your plate. I know! Your goal is to effectively design and facilitate workshops to deepen the capacity of participants to: Recognize the full breadth of differences at the organization. Identify the dynamics of inclusion and exclusion in all their areas of responsibility. Understand how the dynamics of privilege and marginalization impact folks in their daily lives. Address exclusionary behaviors and microaggressions effectively. Use an Inclusion Lens to design and revise programs, policies, systems and procedures that aim to serve all. That’s a big responsibility! To help you make your next DEI workshop…
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Design & Facilitation 101: Exploring White Privilege
Did you ever notice how those in privileged groups tend to focus on their ‘good intent’ rather than on the negative impact of their behavior when interacting with members of marginalized groups? Very often, in our privileged identities we tend to focus on how much progress we’ve made – rather than how much more still needs to be done! I’m not saying it’s a bad thing to acknowledge the good work that has already been accomplished – not at all. However, if we focus solely on past achievements, we overlook the daily indignities those in marginalized groups continue to face. Effective design and facilitation involves learning how to engage others…
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I’m Not Racist…Or Am I? The Answer Might Be Yes.
Ever been told you were racist? I have – or in reality, I was confronted about the racist impact of something I did – which FELT like they called me racist! That was one of the worst things I could ever imagine happening to me – especially from a person of color who was a colleague at the time. It was so traumatic an experience that I spent three very painful years in a dysfunctional pool of shame, fear and self-recrimination. I created my own isolation, yet there were people around me who would have helped me, if I had only reached out and chosen the path of courage and…
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Interrupting Racism: Why Should Whites Care?
Why should whites interrupt racist dynamics? It’s not my place…. All too often I hear these comments from whites who are afraid to speak up for fear of making a mistake or making things worse and then being called racist. We sit back in silence and hope someone else will take the risk to say something, even though we know about the devastating impact of the extreme emotional tax on people of color who always seem to be the only ones taking the risk to raise issues. Whites have to step up and do far more to partner with colleagues of color in our organizations to recognize and…
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Faculty & Teachers, Start Your Inclusive Year With a High Five!
During the first days of class – even the first moments – what you do can make all the difference to students – and to the success of everyone’s experience in your class. You feel their energy, they perceive their first impressions of their new teacher, and those responses – favorable or not – can set the tone for the new academic year. So, start your academic year off enthusiastically inclusive! “Through my education, I didn’t just develop skills, I didn’t just develop the ability to learn, but I developed confidence.” -Michelle Obama Put Out The Welcome Mat For Every Student For an effective learning environment, people have…
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How Dare You Say That! Dealing With Constructive Criticism
Okay. I’ll be the first to admit it: It’s easier for me to give people feedback than to receive it. And you’re responding, “Whew! Now I don’t feel so bad!” But constructive criticism is just that: constructive. Not personal attacks, not snarky comments, but constructive suggestions for improvement. And improvement in ourselves and in the world is something we all are seeking. “Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.” – Buddha Giving And Receiving Feedback Across Vast Differences Most folks take constructive criticism very, very personally. Can you relate? When you’re training…
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Renew the Spark: Ignite Change at Your Organization
“But It’s Always Been Done This Way…” Mandates outline policies for diversity, equity and inclusion in many organizations, but too many leaders are less than enthusiastic about implementing any meaningful plans. There’s a general feeling of: “Y’all go over there and just do it, but don’t get us involved.” Can you relate? You develop a plan to implement inclusion for all employees and you’re excited about the opportunity. Then you hit the brick wall. The brick wall with the sign posted: “We’ve Always Done It This Way.” I bet you’ve run smack into that wall many times, right? But there are detours around that wall, and with some committed…
