Using understanding to promote understanding and progress.
I have been an educator who focuses on diversity and justice for over 20 years. If there is one thing that is clear, conversations about diversity are complex. Race, racism, and intersecting identities are often misunderstood and divisive topics we address nationally and in our workplaces. For a host of reasons, there remains a great deal of confusion, misunderstanding, misinformation, and frustration. This unclear knowledge makes it much more difficult for schools, organizations, and businesses to create and promote practices that ensure diversity, respect, and support for all members of the community.
To work through these issues two things are essential. First, reliable and well-researched knowledge must be front and center so that everyone in the community has a common body of knowledge from which to launch. Second, it is crucial to recognize the humanity of all members of the community.
To support schools, organizations, and businesses in their attempts to create more equitable and communal environments, I take an approach that draws on well-established scholarship and research, practical examples and storytelling, small and large group activities, occasional humor, and humanity.
I seek to always humanize participants I work with and recognize the importance of their unique experiences. However, I also challenge everyone to consider and appreciate the broader history that is the foundation for current challenges. Through that, I hope to promote the humanity of everyone, encourage growth and community, and offer ideas and strategies that are beneficial for understanding.
Joseph Flynn