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Lessons from the Field

Happiness: A Key to Success

Posted by Laurin on Apr 2, 2013 in Gender and Sexual Orientation, Lessons from the Field | 0 comments

Greetings and Happy Spring! I am writing from El Salvador where I participated in a conference entitled ¨Happiness and Sexual Diversity as Human Rights,¨ sponsored by Legal Assistance for Sexual Diversity in El Salvador (ALDES) and numerous organizations. I have met many activists from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex communities and have been very inspired by their stories, their work and most of all their courage and determination in the face of high levels of violence and stigma. After reflecting on the many lessons I...

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Self-Care for Sustainability and Social Change

Posted by Laurin on Dec 21, 2012 in Authentic Communication, Lessons from the Field | 3 comments

Greetings and Happy Winter! According to Mayan wisdom and prophecy, today does not mark the end of the world, but the beginning of a new era and a time of transformation. As we enter a new era and a new year, I am dedicating this blog to all people who work to make a difference in the world. The topic I chose, caring for our selves and each other as we work to make a difference, is in keeping with the theme of transformation and renewal. Many thanks to Lea Arellano,of Human Solutions Consulting and Training, for her coaching and feedback in...

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Readiness for Multicultural Organizational Change: Hearts, Minds and Cultural Norms

Posted by Laurin on Sep 21, 2012 in Authentic Communication, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Lessons from the Field | 0 comments

Many nonprofit organizations embark on initiatives focused on diversity, inclusion, equity, cultural competence, cultural humility and/or multiculturalism. At the onset, there is usually a group of people—often a diversity committee—involved in planning the initiative. The people in this group are usually eager for, and deeply invested in, change. Then comes the task of engaging the rest of the organization to build buy-in and shared ownership. But, hmmm? How do we approach this? Typically, people in the organization are not on the same...

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Bridging Divides When Differences Run Deep

Posted by Laurin on Jun 21, 2012 in Authentic Communication, Gender and Sexual Orientation, Lessons from the Field | 0 comments

Today’s blog is about engaging in dialogue about controversial issues. I share my own experiences speaking out as the mom of a gay son and discuss ideas, principles and skills to go beyond “preaching to the choir” and make room for all voices—especially those we disagree with. “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its...

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"Rocking the Boat" to Make a Difference

Posted by Laurin on Mar 21, 2012 in Authentic Communication, Lessons from the Field | 2 comments

In honor of Women’s History Month, today’s “Lessons from the Field” is dedicated to women who “rock the boat” in the interest of creating more equitable and effective organizations. There are countless everyday “she-roes” who speak their truths, when not everyone is willing to listen. It is often a few brave women who speak out, sometimes repeatedly, to catalyze crucial conversations that make our organizations, communities, and society work better for everyone. Withholding Communication There are many times when we humans...

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The Gift of Generous Listening

Posted by Laurin on Dec 21, 2011 in Authentic Communication, Lessons from the Field | 0 comments

A few days ago I received the gift of generous listening from a friend and colleague. It changed my perspective and lifted me out of the winter blues. She listened to my concerns without judging or trying to fix anything. She acknowledged me in a way that left me feeling valued and believing that my contributions make a difference. Our conversation reminded me that generous listening can change lives. Generous listening is more than a skill, and it is much more than hearing what someone is saying. It is a way of being when you are interacting...

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Finding Freedom from Self-Limiting Mindsets

Posted by Laurin on Sep 17, 2011 in Lessons from the Field | 0 comments

Recently, while facilitating a workshop, I handled a participant’s question in a way that was experienced negatively by the participant and others in the group. My immediate reaction was that I had really blown it, harmed another person, ruined my credibility and damaged trust. My fall blog is about making a difference by choosing our “mindset” in responding to our circumstances. In this situation, I wished I could turn back time and have a second chance at answering the question. I could not change what had already happened,...

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When Expectations Aren’t Met: Responsive Employee Feedback

Posted by Laurin on Jun 22, 2011 in Authentic Communication, Lessons from the Field | 0 comments

Greetings and Happy Summer! Recently, several people have asked for training or support for supervisors on giving feedback to employees. My summer blog shares some ideas and principles that I have found to be valuable in responding when employees don’t meet expectations. While the focus is on feedback from supervisors to employees, the principles apply in other situations. Rick Bowers, Mediation Consultants, LLC, shared valuable insights and wisdom that made this article possible. Your feedback is welcome! When Expectations Aren’t...

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Transformation and Multicultural Organizational Development: What’s the Connection?

Posted by Laurin on Mar 21, 2011 in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Lessons from the Field | 0 comments

Greetings and Happy Spring! Today’s blog was inspired by a conversation with a potential client. The potential client was grappling with how to support organizations that have already done some work around cultural competence and want to engage in multicultural transformation. I hope you enjoy reading and welcome your feedback! How can leaders who want to build transformed, multicultural organizations conceptualize and approach this process? Many organizations have engaged in work to improve their services for diverse populations....

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Engaging Diverse Stakeholders in Coalitions

Posted by Laurin on Jan 21, 2011 in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Lessons from the Field | 0 comments

Dear Laurin, How do you engage diverse stakeholders fully in a coalition? There are some groups based in communities of color in our coalition, but they don’t have the staffing to participate consistently. Sometimes decision-making is held up because representatives aren’t at the meetings when decisions need to be made. Any advice? —Michelle Dear Michelle, Thanks for bringing up an important concern. Though you raise the topic in the context of work with coalitions, it is also relevant to other organizations seeking to engage...

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Lessons from the Field

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  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • Gender and Sexual Orientation

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“Laurin brings vast knowledge and experience collaborating with ethnically diverse communities. She will challenge organizations to do the best job possible for their constituents. ”

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