A dear friend of mine responded to the recent acquittal of the officer that shot Philando Castile in this way: “It is not to say that having a “guilty” verdict is justice when the prison industrial complex is the product of systemic racism. Prisons aren’t the answer. What a “not guilty” verdict means is that […]
Valuing Evaluation
In my copious amounts of spare time, I also write curriculum for an organization called World Trust. My current focus of research and study is evaluation, and the bias implicit in the process. We often think of evaluation as being held by someone out there, someone with more information and intelligence, an Evaluation can be … Continue reading Valuing Evaluation
Identifying with the Oppressor
"Being a victim of oppression in the United States is not enough to make you revolutionary, just as dropping out of your mother's womb is not enough to make you human. People who are full of hate and anger against their oppressors or who only see Us versus Them can make a rebellion but not … Continue reading Identifying with the Oppressor
Holding Space
Cultivating agreements that support equitable spaces model the lessons that you would like for folks to learn. It also models the way you expect to be treated and how you expect others will support one another. Many call these agreements norms. As in, what are we normalizing in this space, what can we agree on … Continue reading Holding Space
15 ways to be a better ally
Look, we are all working hard to make this world better. We want to do the right things, while being "good" and "nice." As we have found our way on the road to understanding systems and inequity, there have been more than a few times that we have had to look at our own reflections. We've have … Continue reading 15 ways to be a better ally
Liberated Education
How can parents choose schools that will support a liberation framework for their kids? In this interview between Dia and Trina from Parenting for Liberation, Dia talks about the possibilities of what could be, by examining the space in which her son is currently educated. https://soundcloud.com/parentingforliberation/interview-with-dia-penning
Searchable List of US Social Justice Orgs
2017 is the year for change. It’s the year for collaboration. It’s the year for healing and the year to challenge yourself and your organization to expand and do better. Mia Henry from the Arcus Center for Social Justice at Kalamazoo College has created this document highlighting many of the justice and inclusion organizations in … Continue reading Searchable List of US Social Justice Orgs
25 Ways to be part of the Resistance
1. Believe in humanity, no matter what you hear, no matter what you read. 2. Believe that we will create a world that is equitable. 3. Believe that you are part of the solution. THEN, act on it. 4. Touch the earth, ask for her help, breath with her. Love her. 5. Be open to paradox. Many things … Continue reading 25 Ways to be part of the Resistance
Chhhaanges
We are at a crossroads, the Age of Aquarius, dawning of a new world consciousness, the end of an era…all that may be true. And, it may not… What I do know is that at the same time I see a collective heave toward changing the dominate paradigm , I see a gasp to hold on … Continue reading Chhhaanges
Sharing Power for Culture Change
There are many strategies to support system change and social equity. Many organizations work to interrupt bias and privilege or focus on programs to support those less with resources, some examine intersection in their programming and seek to break down silos and individual ownership. While I believe that a holistic approach is necessary for sustained … Continue reading Sharing Power for Culture Change
The Equity Collective 