Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are more than just policy statements that are posted on your website. These topics require education, meaningful conversation, systemic change, and ongoing attention and reflection. This, like social-emotional learning, is not a linear process with an end goal and a box that gets checked. DEI invites us to reflect on our fundamental values and how we live our lives. DEI asks us to reflect on how our choices and how our privilege impacts others. And DEI requires us to make mistakes and to move past fear, in an effort to grow and effect change. This week, I share my experience with DEI, as a white woman.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
One of my core values is compassion. I have a true and deep yearning to live in an equitable world, to understand others’ suffering without pity, rather relating to what they are feeling, and a willingness to experience the suffering with them. And yet I come to this world with a limited perspective and privilege.
With this limited perspective and recognition of the deep pain that many people have experienced due to oppression and racism, I sometimes feel nervous to speak freely and to ask questions. Instead, I find myself reading books, engaging in online workshops, and practicing conversations in my home with my partner and kids.
The more educated I become, the more comfortable I feel making mistakes. We can’t get it right all the time. We need to make mistakes in order to really learn and change. The intention behind the mistakes is what is most critical. And my intention is to evolve and be a part of creating a world where we all feel respected and like we matter…because we do.
I see my role now as continuing the internal work, finding the best ways and resources to nurture these values of humanity in my family, and continuing to improve and enhance my curriculum to help instill a strong sense of self and love in children far and wide.
If you're interested in some of my favorite resources, take a look at the links below.
RESOURCES:
This week practice identifying where you are with diversity, equity, and inclusion and what steps you can take to nurture a more accepting and loving world.
