Falling in Love with Our Work

Posted on Sep 27, 2013 in Authentic Communication, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Gender and Sexual Orientation, Lessons from the Field | 0 comments

Happy Fall! I have the great privilege of doing work that I love, both as a consultant and as a volunteer. One of my greatest aspirations is to help people fall in love with their own work building organizations and communities where everyone is valued, included and treated fairly. This work may go under different labels such as “diversity,” “multiculturalism,” “equity,” “anti-oppression,” “cultural competence” or “social...

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Self-Care for Sustainability and Social Change

Posted 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...

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

Posted 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...

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Bridging Divides When Differences Run Deep

Posted 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...

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"Rocking the Boat" to Make a Difference

Posted 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...

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The Gift of Generous Listening

Posted 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...

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