The Justice Walk Newsletter - October 2024

Leadership support rooted in equity and justice

Typically, a moment of inspiration leads to the opening paragraphs of this newsletter. This month...the moment didn't arrive.

The weather in CT this Fall has led to many spectacular sunsets. Those inspire me, so I decided to share a picture from one of my favorite recent sunsets with you.

There's also this "silly" internet quiz that went viral last month https://ismy.blue/.

I have actually found it to be a low-stakes way to prompt conversations about what belonging is and how we can promote it. To check out the quiz, click on the link and follow the prompts as to whether the square of color you are seeing is blue or green. You'll go through a few rounds of that and then discover if you tend to perceive blue or green. 

How does this relate to belonging? Well, some people's brains see an image and experience blue. Some people's brains see the same image and experience green. You can see how confusion and even conflict could arise when people are talking about the same thing, but don't realize they are experiencing that same thing in different ways.

In my time as a facilitator (and person), I've witnessed how frequently we use words, talk about ideas, or discuss plans with the belief that we are on the same page with the folks we are in conversation with, when in reality every single person has a different definition of that word, conception of that idea, or understanding of that plan. We are having different experiences and/or setting different expectations around the same thing. Often we have no idea. Frequently we end up in conflict.

This "blue or green" test is now a shorthand way for me to think about this common disconnection .I'm constantly thinking, "Might this be a blue/green situation? Am I SURE that we are all clear on what we mean and what we are trying to communicate? How can I check?" Most of the time a clarifying question or two does the trick. "You've said you want us to prioritize showing respect for each other. Would you mind sharing an example of things you experience as respectful and disrespectful so that I can have a deeper understanding of what it means for me demonstrate that I respect you?"

We're living in times that are anything but low-stakes. Finding connection, building bridges, and exploring confusion through curiosity are the ways I'm choosing to move forward. "I'm seeing blue. I'm really curious what you see? Can you tell me about it?"

Take care of yourselves, folks.

Follow the lead and requests of those most marginalized and least listened to in our communities.

Use your voice to vote. Connect.

Abby

Will & Harper is a new moving streaming on Netflix. You may have heard about it. Will Farrell and his long-time friend, Harper Steele, take a cross-country road trip to bond and mark Harper's first time road-tripping since she has transitioned.I loved this movie. As the cliché goes, I laughed, I cried. There are a ton of ideas and concepts explored about preconceptions, prejudices, fear, love, and especially, friendship. It's a wonderful meditation on and love letter to friendship.If you have Netflix, give it a watch.

To go along with your watching, consider reading this review by trans woman Veronica Esposito, to get additional perspective. Will and Harper has some problems, but it should still be required viewing for cis people Enjoy!

You're Wrong About is one of my favorite podcasts. Listening through the back catalog has helped me interrogate what I've been taught and socialized to think and believe. Host Sarah Marshall talks to expert guests who challenge prevailing narratives. This recent episode features a discussion with Black professor, author, and historian Kellie Carter Jackson talking about her latest book We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance. Check it out!

Strengthening Your Team

Could your group use some tools to work together with more intention, togetherness, and joy?My friend, ala ochumare, of Liberation U, and I co-facilitate personalized workshops focused on how to foster belonging and transformative relationships in organizations and communities.Sound interesting? Get in touch, we're booking for winter/spring 2025 now!

To learn more about my coaching and consulting, and find out if I'm a good fit for you and your org, email me at [email protected]Quick reminder to follow me on Linked In - button below.