Today, Denise and I interviewed Avi Palaoro from Oregon City High School. Avi is an active member of her school’s student council, as well as other groups in her community. She focuses on building platforms for people to enable them to voice out their ideas and experiences. She will share her story to show us that making a difference in the world does not have an age requirement. Connecting with people and making them open up to you to understand them better also does not require a degree. Sometimes, all it takes are three words.  Let’s listen to Avi and learn the words that can help us understand other people better!  [00:01 – 01:59] Opening Segment Denise and I introduce and welcome our guest, Avi Palaoro Join our Facebook group! Link below

[02:00 – 20:03] The Flip-5 Segment We take turns asking five GTKY questions Learn more GTKY questions! Link below

[20:04 – 36:44] Building Platforms For Voices to be Heard  Let’s get to know Avi What stood out to Avi about social connections?  Listen to Avi on how she handles racism and homophobia Avi gives interesting insights about calling out and shaming  “No-hate” dialogues 

[36:45 – 51:57] Giving People Experiences  Avi tells us the importance of having conversations about differing beliefs  Educate and give resources Don’t force-feed your own beliefs    How important is her support system in pursuing her passion and advocacies? We talk about turning abstract ideas into concrete experiences   You can’t tell someone how they should feel

[51:58 – 01:08:06] Making People Open Up The three powerful words that can help other people open up to you Denise explains The difference between reacting and responding  Talking about uncomfortable topics and those still considered taboo 

[01:08:07 – 01:15:29] Take Care of Yourself First The question that people should ask for each other  Being vulnerable Don’t forget to take care of yourself first  Communicate your “why” and “how” All it takes is one person

[01:15:30 – 01:18:28] Closing Segment Connect with Avi. Links below  Final thoughts   Tweetable Quotes: “I just want to elevate the voices of the people who don’t get to be heard...I want to help them have a platform to share their voices and talk about their experiences.” – Avi Palaoro “You need to fix yourself and heal yourself before you go out there and fix and heal everyone else.” – Avi Palaoro   Resources Mentioned: https://bit.ly/38XcqDG (Ep. 2: Mauren Palaoro | Building Community in the Classroom)

Follow Avi on https://bit.ly/3pb6Pzn (Instagram).   Visithttp://www.rclfirst.com/ ( www.Rclfirst.com) to join the Educator Circle Calls that happen three times a week!  Join our https://bit.ly/3ixvP11 (Facebook Group) for more stories and communication about our work.    Want a FREE download of 25 GTKY questions? Visithttp://www.rclfirst.com/ ( www.rclfirst.com) and sign up for our newsletter!