“I hope we will use our hearts,
mind and one another to be more expansive in our thinking.”
John A. Powell
As we began our inspiring journey this week, we
risked our vulnerabilities and implicit biases for the greater whole of
bridging the gap of social inclusion. This risk took courage, not only for us
as facilitators of a group of youth, but for the youth themselves, who have
volunteered and committed to engage upon this voyage with us. The energy and
excitement that this group of youth brought to the table was beyond powerful.
Each and every one of them contributed with ideas and suggestions. There was a
sense of authenticity of letting down their guards to share experiences with
each other. As cultural norms and values were eagerly shared, the youth found
numerous commonalities, even coming from different tribes and countries. The
youth taught us that in their cultures it is expected when shaking an adult’s
hand this is done with the right hand, while the left hand is held around the
right forearm. When asked what the significance of holding the right forearm
was, the youth explained it is symbol of respect, as if they are so blessed to
be shaking the other persons’ hand they are trembling with honor. The youth
enlightened us with conversations that surrounded the importance of cultural
principles held onto within their homes and their families’ constant reminder
to “remember where they come from.”
Lesson Learned: Appropriate and understandable
language is going to be vital in carrying out this project. As facilitators, we
quickly learned that the youth did not fully understand the concept of “social
inclusion” or “bridging gaps.” Utilizing examples and more simplified language,
this was easily explained, but a crucial reminder of the need to be
continuously checking in!
References:
Powell,
J. A. (2012). Racing to justice: Transforming our conceptions of
self and other to build an inclusive society. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.
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