If there are people in your circle who are unvaccinated, if you find yourself frustrated or angry with them, and if you want to engage them at the right time, you may want to practice some self-management strategies that will be of service to you when the time comes for a conversation.
Read MoreWe think that by bringing a greater sense of honesty about each person’s connection to racism and the problematic thinking and behavior it produces, combined with savvy invitation/challenges to others to do the same, each person can play a role in transforming this cynically-created, divisive CRT debate.
Read MoreAs the country marks one year since the murder of George Floyd, few can deny the increased discourse that moment created for the U.S. and for the world on systemic racism. Despite how you may feel about that moment, it has sparked discussion in most of the spaces you occupy. Whether or not you have been motivated by the moment or you read this while in a space of fatigue, there is power in what you say as well as how you say it.
Your story is powerful. Never forget that you are the embodiment of your experiences, knowledge, and legacy. As addressed in our courses, your personal stories have the power to connect on a human level. Very few people want to be preached to, but most are willing to learn more about you.
The work towards social justice is a marathon—a multigenerational one. We need all the help we can get. So, maintaining your mental and physical well-being is critical. There is power in the pause. If you are in the middle of a heated discussion or if you are feeling overall exhaustion, give yourself as well as other allies the space to rejuvenate so that you can bring your best self to this work.
I join you in this journey of being more aware of the marginalized and being more and more inclusive. We all have blind spots created by implicit bias or from just a lack of knowledge. Therefore, we all have the capacity to offend or to “other” someone. When you engage in dialogue compassionately, you must first seek to understand before being understood. Remember A-B-C…Agree Before Challenging.
Feel free to share your dialogue stories below and connect with us if you want a safe space to practice your dialogue skills.
Sending love and hope,
Dr. David Wiley Campt
Regardless of what happens with the electoral college, we need to start the work of reconciliation through compassionate dialogue. After the most divisive election in 170 years, the work of saving our democracy begins NOW.
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