Building more equitable and inclusive relationships and communities requires a commitment to increasing our understanding of diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice in thought, and in practice. Actively committing ourselves to a lifetime of learning and critical self-reflection can show us the roles we can play in creating a better world by being the change we wish to see in it. Hosted by Social Worker, Social Justice Educator, Writer, and Organizational Consultant Relando…
Relando Thompkins-Jones continues his storytelling on the connections between Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian and Social Justice Origin Stories with the release of this bonus crossover episode of the very first recorded interview on Notes From an Aspiring Humanitarian from 10 years ago. In this episode, Relando Interviews his friend l o t i walker, a social worker, social justice advocate,…
In this special crossover episode, Relando Thompkins-Jones shares story of what led him to create his blog and podcast Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian, and its evolution into Social Justice Origin Stories, a multimedia storytelling platform dedicated to sharing the personal stories and pivotal moments that inspire individuals and organizations to pursue social justice. 🔔 If you haven't…
Before he was assassinated on April 4th, 1968, Dr. King was hated by many of the people and institutions who now claim to honor him today. In reflecting on his life and legacy, here are 10 quotes from Dr. King that deserve more of our attention. Blog Post referenced in this episode: https://notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com/beyond-the-dream-10-quotes-from-dr-king-that-deserve-more-attention/…
In this week's episode Relando Thompkins-Jones shares an insightful and heartfelt open letter to the parents, families, and loved ones of college students. Drawing on his extensive experience in higher education and student support, Relando outlines six essential ways families can support their students as they navigate their college journey. He emphasizes the importance of unconditional love,…
In this episode, Relando discusses the importance of checking in on the "strong" friends in our lives who always support everyone else. He shares practical tips on offering real help, including listening without judgment. He also talks directly to the "strong" friends, affirming that they deserve the same level of care and attention that they so often provide to others. He reminds them to practice…
In this week's episode, Relando shares an introductory talk he provided on Critical Race Theory as part of a Social Justice Speaker's Series in April of 2021. Much has happened since then from increased pushback against Pulitzer Prize-winning Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and her work in creating the 1619 Project, to efforts in states to effectively ban the teaching of critical race theory. These…
Contrary to what many of us have been told, there is a place for Black anger and rage in racial justice work. In this week's episode, Relando affirms that there are things that we just should never get used to, and that Black people have every right to be angry about their oppression. Blog Post referenced in this episode: Yes, Anger Does Influence My Work for Racial Justice, and No, We Won't Calm…
Establishing community agreements goes a long way toward building psychological safety between people and groups in social justice work. In this week's episode Relando shares some examples of community agreements that he's found helpful in this process, with the message that establishing community agreements should be a liberatory activity. They are intended to open authentic, radically candid…
The pandemic has had a disproportionately negative impact on the lives of people with marginalized identities, and the workplace is no exception. In this week's episode, Relando shares a call for organizational leaders to center equity in their decision-making, and an affirmation for staff with marginalized identities in the event that their organizations are unwilling to do that. Blog Post…
Acknowledging power dynamics is important in social justice work. When working in closed groups, none of us passes through some invisible barrier that removes our privilege or oppression. In this week's episode, Relando shares four socially just considerations for practitioners to keep at the top of their minds when engaging in group work. Blog Post referenced in this episode: 4 Ways to Stay…