Off The Cuff Coaching Podcast: Recent Episodes
Coach Mary C Hartfield & Coach Rebecca Thomas
Join Coach Mary C Hartfield and Coach Rebecca Thomas as they speak on things most people want to know, but might not be willing to talk about. Dive in with us for off the cuff conversations around diverse topics, and gain insight and guidance to help you live a more purpose-filled life!
Boundaries are incredibly important in allowing us to stay in our integrity, show up authentically as ourselves, and know where we "end" and someone else "begins". What about those times when we set a boundary, but it doesn't serve us in the way it's supposed to? Maybe it reinforces our fears vs. allowing for growth and connection. It becomes more of a wall, a way to keep others out, and creates isolation, hyper-independence, and stagnance. What's the difference between a boundary and a wall, and when is a wall actually necessary?
Listen in to the conversation.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light and not the darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?
Actually, who are you to not be?
Listen in to the conversation.
Edit
What is success? The world tells you that have thousand of followers or have millionaire status. But is success on your own terms? What is success to you? What is being successful on your own terms? Listen in to the conversation.
Are your actions and behaviors consistent with what you say you value? Most of us don't realize how much we're investing in the opposite of what we value. Open your minds get curious, and listen as we have this conversation.
What we allow persists - And what we focus on gains traction. Building awareness around where we're investing our time and energy (yes, that includes our thoughts) is the first step in deciding to be intentional about where our attention goes. If you took an audit of your thoughts, spaces, and people right now - Would you see that you're investing in a way that is supportive, or destructive? Listen in on the conversation.
Whom you are surrounded by will have a huge impact on your beliefs, habits, and personal energy, and factor into what you do or don't think is possible. When you look around at the people you spend most of your time with, what recurring themes emerge? Is it a space of support? Do you find yourself feeling defeated and overwhelmed? Are you able to show up authentically as yourself, or do you notice that you play down certain things about yourself to avoid disrupting the dyanmics? Listen in to the coaching conversation.
Usually, when spring comes it is a time of refreshing the house. What about refreshing your life. What do you need to let go of? What is cluttering your life? You might want to let go of; limiting beliefs, bad habits, energy zappers, someone in your life, or something else! Listen in as we help you Spring Clean Your Life.
We are talking about the best wisdom that we have received. Wisdom according to the Oxford Language Dictionary is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise. We are talking about where and the people we have received good wisdom. Join us in the conversation.
Sometimes when we have Self Doubt in ourselves. Sometimes when we should be saying 'NO' to others. All of this leaves us not giving ourselves compassion as we give it to others. We have to give ourselves permission to take care of ourselves first. Join the conversation as we discuss how to give yourself permission to say 'YES' to yourself.
Is finding your niche pursuit of happiness? A purpose-driven endeavor? Maybe it's different for everyone. How can you hone in, find clarity, center in on who YOU are and figure out what specific lanes you're meant to navigate?
In this session, we are giving you an example of a coaching session. Today, we are talking about Uncomfortable Growth. How do you get through uncomfortable situations? Listen in as we start coaching each other.
Coaches Mary and Rebecca talk about some of the people in their lives that have influenced them in a BIG way. Join them as they talk about the who's and how's of influence, and how it affected their paths.
When you're living intentionally, many of your actions and choices will be led by your Passion and/or Purpose. So what's the difference? How do we tap into our passion? Or find our purpose?
Def. of Purpose – “the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists” Your purpose is why you are here - a mission, a vision, a path.
Def. of Passion – “A feeling of intense enthusiasm towards or compelling desire for someone or something” Passion is something that speaks to your soul, lights you up, an energy that is evident in your being
https://www.facebook.com/offthecuffcoachingpodcast
*Previously Recorded
Perfectionist - a person who refuses to accept any standard short of perfection.
Are YOU a perfectionist? Not only can perfectionism mean that we might be scared to start (or even finish) something, it's also setting an unsustainable and unrealistic standard, for ourselves AND others. What's driving your perfectionism? Is it helping you move the needle in life? Is it hindering your process? Is it causing procrastination?
How do we embrace the lesson in the imperfect, and use emotional goals to decide what elements of perfectionism are okay to hold on to, or time to let go?
Don't forget to subscribe and drop a review. Thanks!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/offthecuffcoachingpodcast
It is so important to have healthy boundaries in your life. Join us in the discussion of boundaries.
Sometimes in life, you need to disengage from people. There are going to be times in your life where you may have to disconnect from people. Sometimes you need to be selfish with your energy. Start living for yourself and not others. Sometimes you need to get ok with yourself. Join the conversation!
Activity
Self Care is more than a spa treatment. It is you knowing when you need to stop and really take care of yourself - mentally, spiritually, & your health. It is taking the time to make sure you are good in all of these areas. Join the conversation.
Join us today as we conversate about the texts that I received from Bosswomen.org. The texts are powerful! Listen in!!
Last year, people gave excuses for not showing up for each other. I can’t leave the house, I have the children, I just don’t feel like it. In 2021, why are you not showing up? In the pandemic you should have been doing the work for you could show up in 2021. We want you to be able to Show up for yourself. Show up for the people you love. Show up for others. Let's talk about it!
The definition of a Perfectionist - a person who refuses to accept any standard short of perfection.
Are YOU a perfectionist? Not only can perfectionism mean that we might be scared to start (or even finish) something, it's also setting an unsustainable and unrealistic standard, for ourselves AND others. What's driving your perfectionism? Is it helping you move the needle in life? Is it hindering your process? Is it causing procrastination?
How do we embrace the lesson in the imperfect, and use emotional goals to decide what elements of perfectionism are okay to hold on to, or time to let go?
Intuition can seem a little "woo-woo" to some, but what it really boils down to is the ability to trust yourself, and to recognize and honor what you inherently know. The hard part is probably trusting something that isn't certain, isn't definitive - but there's a beauty in being in touch with your truth and being able to live from a space that recognizes that.
Today, we are having an Off the Cuff Conversation. Sometimes as a coach you need to pause and get refueled. Sometimes you need to pause and get refueled Listen in as we talk about it. Please join us on Facebook and Instagram.
Our world, our experiences, are becoming more and more saturated. Saturated by the voices, opinions, presences, and dynamics of others. Now is not the time to lose your voice! This is the time to make your voice heard. This is the time to have a voice in advocating for what you believe in for you and your family. Just having that authentic voice that is yours alone.
This is a great follow-up to our last episode - "How can you make this work FOR you". When you're giving away your power, deciding to make something work for you is KEY to shifting your mindset (and experience).
Most people don't give their power away intentionally. It can be a learned behavior, a blind spot, a bias, a coping mechanism. No matter what contributed, the important part is realizing that YOU have the ability to take your power back at any time. From boundaries to high standards to living authentically, tapping back into the force that is YOU is always your right.
For myself (Rebecca speaking here), this season has been one of recognizing where I've been giving away my power, where I've allowed myself to be "at the mercy of" certain things instead of creating what I want and need.
When we have the support of friends and family that will speak candidly, out of love, and speak honestly, we have the opportunity to re-frame our experiences in a way that works FOR US. What does that look like? We're glad you asked...
https://www.facebook.com/offthecuffcoachingpodcast
When it comes to emotions that can hold you, hostage, guilt can be one of the most crippling. Whether you have an internal struggle with "shoulding" yourself over something or the people in your life have a knack for applying the pressure on your easily triggered "guilt button", it can be hard to release yourself from this specific emotional roller coaster.
With everyone on Social Media trying to be an influencer. Everyone trying to get attention. Who is truly themself? Who is really being authentically the person they were created to be. We need to stop and count the cost to be someone that is not you. Is it worth it?
It's so easy for us to fall into a tailspin with our internal dialogue, especially when we're facing personal challenges or uncomfortable scenarios. How differently would things look if instead of plugging into those internal stories, we reached out for clarity, understanding, and support, and found out what the truth really was?
Affirmations, the truth your body and mind invest in, the stories we tell ourselves. I remember the "adage" - "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never break me. But names will never harm me." In reality, words do hurt. In Proverbs 18:21 it says, "The tongue has the power of life and death". The words you speak over your life matter. Today, we are having a conversation about the importance of speaking 'I AM' statements.
We know that humanity means according to Oxford Languages is the human race; human beings collectively or the second definition - humaneness; benevolence. The second definition is what we want to have a conversation on today. George Floyd and others, The attacks against Asian-Pacific we have to talk about humanity.
Today, we are talking about Circles of Friendships.
From Rebecca's Perspective - As a former mean girl, I know all too well how being guarded, judged, and lacking trust can lead to superficial friendships - where having fun is always a possibility. But finding true, meaningful connections full of trust and support there? Don't hold your breath. It took me years to let my guard down, take baby steps in being vulnerable, learning to let others in while also trying to figure out how to NOT be co-dependent and needy. But boy did I learn! Let me tell you how...
From Mary's Perspective - Being a friend is hard work. It takes a lot of you to maintain relationships. I use to love to network to be at all the parties to hang out, but is everyone you meet your friend? Where should they be placed on your Circles of Friendship?
Join us for the conversation. What do you think?
As constantly changing beings, there are times in our lives where we inherently know that our time with someone no longer serves a purpose. We can also find ourselves on a path where we invest more time and energy fixating on the dynamics of a relationship (friendship, romantic partner, family member) without actually affecting change. What are the keys to determining whether to put in the work and "invite others to come with you" (Thank you, Lori Harder!) or time to cut the cord and keep it moving?
One of the things we love to talk about is...... knowledge. Both of us (Mary and Rebecca) are not only coaches but lifelong learners. So it seems fitting to share some of our best resources for learning, with YOU! Whether it's a good podcast, that book you "have to" read, or a website with access to all the courses you can imagine - we want to pass those things along!
Resources:
- Coursera.com
- Udemy.com
- skillshare.com
- Creativelive.com
- edx.org
- khanacademy.com
- https://www.dailyom.com/
Today, it is so easy to compare yourself to others. Yet, doing this can be the breeding ground for disappointment. You start being dissatisfied with your own life. When you are looking at others you are own getting a glimpse of their lives. You don’t know what they went through or if it is all fake. Strive to be the best you every day and standing in your reality of who you are without comparison to others!
Balance and Harmony - They might seem like the same thing, and sometimes they can be. However, there's no mistaking the constant bombardment (especially in social media and online) to achieve balance - and sometimes that just isn't possible.
How can harmony serve as a substitute, how can it be used in a way to achieve what you're looking for in chasing achievement, minus the pressure and "perfection" of balance?
Intuition can seem a little "woo-woo" to some, but what it really boils down to is the ability to trust yourself, and to recognize and honor what you inherently know. The hard part is probably trusting something that isn't certain, isn't definitive - but there's a beauty in being in touch with your truth and being able to live from a space that recognizes that.
Both of us lost a life partner - In completely different ways, and in completely different times in our lives. Connecting over this kind of loss in a HEALING way has been everything. Having the conversations around loss, healing, and purpose, similar lessons and meaning started appearing in our conversations.
Losing a loved one, especially a partner, is devastating. The devastation doesn't have to be the end-all, be-all. There are stages to the grieving, there's a lifetime of remembering, but there's also a light that emerges - and for both of us that has us directly on the path of our purpose and passion.
We all have our own unique experiences, stories, and voices - and it's because of the parts of our past, the dynamics between ourselves and others, the way our lives rub against each other that our lives are so uniquely shaped.
Whether you're in a place where you receive the meaning of your life (past or present), or you're still trying to wrap your mind around how the blessings and challenges are completing the puzzle of "you", the one thing that can't be denied is that what you experience ultimately shapes who you are.
We've talked about letting go. Everyone knows the phrase "too busy". Boundaries are trending. How do these things play into our capacity, and how can that phrase be life-changing for ourselves and others?
How do you find clarity in the midst of a pandemic when there are so many changes hitting you daily, weekly, and monthly? Lack of clarity shows up in so many ways - how you communicate with your spouse/partner, family, friends, it shows up at your job or in your health. Let's have a conversation about how to get clarity in your life.
We're getting close to Valentine's Day - A day that celebrates love and connection after the challenges of 2020 and the eery beginning of 2021. Through all of this, it seems that most romantic relationships are either stronger than ever or falling apart at the seams.
What's contributing to the crumbling of relationships? Is that normal (not just now, but in general)? How can we advocate for ourselves in a relationship during its challenges? Are we ever NOT responsible for the challenging dynamics in a relationship (and, does it mean the relationship is over or doomed)? That's what we'll be chatting about today.
We're touching on some subjects early in 2021 that really speak to claiming your seat at the table (and getting to the meat of WHY you might think there isn't room for you OR someone else). We're discussing topics like insecurity, competition vs. collaboration, and today's subject - Shaming, comparison, judging, and shoulding.
What's so hard about tapping into radically accepting ourselves and others? Why does our behavior (and mindset) consistently reflect a "Me or them" approach (ahem, survival)? What do we have to say about where this may have really taken hold? And what shift are we seeing now, into something new, refreshing, and authentic?
We don't know about you guys, but we believe in rising up together AND we believe that there's plenty of room at the table for everyone. The old habits and mindsets of having to out-perform, steal the spotlight, and not trusting anyone are becoming more and more irrelevant. Why? Because we're starting to realize that each of us brings something different to the table, in different ways, and THAT is something to celebrate.
Sometimes it's easier to align actions and decisions with our goals when we have a singular focus. What if that focus was a word for the year? Using a word can create something that everything we pursue in 2021 has to check back with, to keep us on track and keep our choices aligned. How do you pick the word? What should the word be (for you)? We're glad you asked.
New Year usually means New Year's resolutions. As Life Coaches, we empower our clients to live intentionally and authentically in order to find purpose and passion. In order to do that, you have to know WHO you are, WHAT you stand for, and WHY you do what you do. Your internal compass is always there. Now it's time to tap into it like never before.
When you approach things with empathy it can shift things in amazing ways for everyone involved. Leading with empathy allows you to show up for others minus the judgment, minus the fixing, minus the shouldering, and minus the agenda. How can you live a life where empathy leads, and what can that do FOR you?
When you read Matthew 22:39b MSG it states ‘ love others as well as you love yourself.’ If you look at the Amplified it states it means [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others.] How do you do that if you don’t love yourself? Before you can love anyone else you have to love yourself. Loving your neighbor starts with loving yourself! Let’s Talk!
Who or what do you find your identity in? In your work? Your friends? The definition of identity is’ the character or personality of an individual’. Your identity is literally what makes you who you are. Let's discuss!
Resource:
Exercise to help you start discovering your Personal Identity: https://bit.ly/3grwbW0
As we approach the end of the year, reminding ourselves about claiming our personal boundaries can feel really, really good. Join us as we walk you through ways to figure out where YOU start, and someone else begins, and get permission to set some solid boundaries as we celebrate the Holiday Season.
Resource:
Guide to Setting Personal Boundaries
Holidays can be hard. In a year where a million different things have influenced a million different emotions and changed the dynamics in so many of our lives, how can you intentionally move through the holidays in a way that honors who you are, allows you to find joy, and gives you space and the mindset to decide where to invest your energy?
Today, we are discussing Letting Go! Letting Go things and people that are holding you up from being the best you.
We know that this entire election year has been a crazy ride. As we're still navigating the post-election results and news, how are you? Really, how are you? There have been a lot of emotions, incredibly varied reports on what's happening, and a lot of uncertainty around how we'll transition during the next few months. Let's talk about it, together.
It is the belief that you will never have enough. This leads to fear, stress, and anxiety in your life. The abundance mindset is where you know that there is enough for you and others. That you have enough. This leads to having a state of peace in your life.
Tools:
- Start a Gratitude Journal
- Reframe what you are telling yourself
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/offthecuffcoachingpodcast
This week we are talking about voting. A lot is riding on this election, and it's bigger than "Democrat vs. Republican". The outcome of the elections will determine big picture things like the future of our healthcare system, whether or not we have body autonomy, who will be the next Supreme Court Justice (and what their fundamental beliefs are), gender equality, and so many more things. What you believe, matters. Your voice, each voice, matters. Speak up for what you believe in. These things are too important to leave to chance.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/offthecuffcoachingpodcast
In this episode, we have a conversation about movies on the History of Voting in the United States. As we get ready for ar a major election it is always good to look at what has happened in the past when it comes to voting.
Movies:
- I Voted- Amazon Prime Documentary
- Voting Matters - Amazon Prime
- Rigged: The Voter Suppression Playbook - Amazon Prime
- All In: The Fight for Democracy - Amazon Prime
- Dark Money - Amazon Prime
Yes, we had to stop the coaching conversation and have a conversation about the Presidential Debate between President Trump and Vice President Joe Biden. This was a different debate and we had to talk about it.
We just need everyone to VOTE! Make sure your voice is heard by VOTING!!
Make sure you have a voting plan"
- Vote.org
- A Starting Point: https://www.astartingpoint.com/
Upcoming dates:
Oct. 7:Vice presidential debate at the University of Utah
Oct. 15:Second presidential debate at the University of Michigan
Oct. 22: Final presidential debate at Belmont University
Nov. 3: Election Day
Join us and Like us on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/offthecuffcoachingpodcast/
Subscribe to Off the Cuff Coaching Podcast
We've probably all heard of biases, but what are they? In short, they're the lens in which we view the world. But where do our biases come from, how do they take shape, and how do we pursue viewing things differently if those lenses no longer serve us?
Resources:
There are so many good books on the bias so we are not going to recommend one, but we suggest you do a search on Amazon and choose the one that you need for you right now.
Don't forget to Subscribe!
Self-Trust is so evasive in the current day and age. Why? Well, let’s consider all of the information, unrealistic expectations, imposed standards, and other massive influences that continue to influence our decisions. You can absolutely re-build self-trust. The key? You have to practice.
Don't forget to subscribe!!
Personal Awareness - What is it? Why is it important? And how do we increase personal awareness?
In practically every episode we’ve recorded thus far, at some point personal awareness has come up. Personal awareness is having a deep understanding of who you are, and how you do things. It’s seeking to understand..... YOURSELF. It’s removing internal judgments, rejecting external judgments, and inviting the grace, compassion, and curiosity needed to define the pieces of you, in order to use them as a means to either accept or shift.
Resource:
Personality Tests -
-https://www.themuse.com/advice/14-free-personality-tests-thatll-help-you-figure-yourself-out
-https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/personality-tests
Books:
-Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation https://www.amazon.com/Mindsight-New-Science-Personal-Transformation/dp/0553386395
-Guardrails by Andy Stanley
-StandOut 2.0: Assess Your Strength, Find Your Edge, Win at Work by Marcus Buckingham
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/offthecuffcoachingpodcast
Perfectionist - a person who refuses to accept any standard short of perfection.
Are YOU a perfectionist? Not only can perfectionism mean that we might be scared to start (or even finish) something, it's also setting an unsustainable and unrealistic standard, for ourselves AND others. What's driving your perfectionism? Is it helping you move the needle in life? Is it hindering your process? Is it causing procrastination?
How do we embrace the lesson in the imperfect, and use emotional goals to decide what elements of perfectionism are okay to hold on to, or time to let go?
Don't forget to subscribe and drop a review. Thanks!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/offthecuffcoachingpodcast
What are the stories you tell yourself? Are your thought processes more helpful (growth mindset) or more limited (fixed mindset)? How are your biases dictating what you trend towards? And how do we shift our internal dialogue into a broader, more diverse, and more objective perspective?
Resources:
Book:1
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
Today, we are talking about Distraction the Enemy of Focus. In this pandemic, there are so many distractions. Distractions can be the news, social media, your kids, your spouse or partner, and relationships. This is the time that we should be more focused than ever in accomplishing the things we have put on our to-do list or to-read list or to write that book or start that business. Remember, distractions work against your assignment on this earth. This is the time to really focus on what you want to BE after this pandemic.
Resources:
Unwavering Focus - https://youtu.be/4O2JK_94g3Y
Books:
The Power of Focus by Jack Canfield
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/offthecuffcoachingpodcast
This podcast we are having a conversation about Finding Your Tribe. We are using Seth Godin definition, " A tribe is any group of people, large or small, who are connected to one another, a leader, and an idea." It's a bigger part of the picture than we normally give it credit it for. So how can we be more intentional about building our tribes? What are the elements of a tribe? What are our responsibilities and roles within them? And do we need more than one? Tune in and listen to the conversation.
Resource:
Books:
A Tribe Called Bliss- Break Through Superficial Friendships, Create Real Connections, Reach Your Highest Potential by Lori Harder
https://www.amazon.com/Tribe-Called-Bliss-Superficial-Friendships/dp/1501176161
Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us by Seth Godin
https://www.amazon.com/Tribes-We-Need-You-Lead/dp/1591842336/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1597785829&sr=8-5
Subscribe.
Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/offthecuffcoachingpodcast
Leadership is always important, but now more than ever we need to think about how we shape leaders. Not only is it an election year, but it's a year where racial injustices are peaking. Creating the changes we need to embrace equality on many levels is heavily reliant on the changes, rules, laws, and standards set by our politicians, in local government, AND on a larger scale.
What does it take to create great leaders? What are the methods we can use to make sure that we challenge each other to show up better, show up stronger, and truly represent the interest of "the people"?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/offthecuffcoachingpodcast
Resources:
Book - John Maxwell, Developing the Leader Within You
Article - Leading like John Lewis: 4 pillars of leadership https://www.smartbrief.com/original/2020/07/leading-john-lewis-4-pillars-leadership
Do you realize that your physical environment can affect your mental wellbeing? Your physical environment can affect your mood, your anxiety, or stress level, and how you interact with others. It can affect your overall wellbeing. Today, on Off the Cuff Coaching we thought it was important to stop all the other conversations and talk about this important subject. As everyone across the nation is at home or at work we need to set our physical environments up so that we will have mental wellbeing.
Resources:
How Does Your Personal Environment Impact Your Wellbeing?
https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/enhance-your-wellbeing/environment/your-personal-environment/how-does-your-personal-environment-impa
What Role Does Physical Environment Play in Your Mental Health?
https://www.talkspace.com/blog/physical-environment-mental-health/
Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/offthecuffcoachingpodcast
When you're living intentionally, many of your actions and choices will be led by your Passion and/or Purpose. So what's the difference? How do we tap into our passion? do we find our purpose?
Def. of Purpose – “the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists” Your purpose is why you are here - a mission, a vision, a path.
Def. of Passion – “A feeling of intense enthusiasm towards or compelling desire for someone or something” Passion is something that speaks to your soul, lights you up, an energy that is evident in your being
https://www.facebook.com/offthecuffcoachingpodcast
When it comes to the way we live life, are the standards and expectations we function from our own or are they adopted from outside sources (family, friend, society, marketing) and put on auto-pilot?
In order to live a more purpose-filled life, the intention is everything. Intentional living could mean creating a “new normal”, forging the permissions we need, and living a life that lights us up, from the inside out. So how do we re-teach ourselves to live from those spaces instead of cruising through life on auto-pilot?
https://www.facebook.com/offthecuffcoachingpodcast
Why diversity in our circles makes us stronger, more productive, and more resilient.
"You don't what you don't know" - We've all heard that at some point. How do we learn what we don't know?
By seeking perspective, resources, and connection in spaces that don't reflect who we are innate, we open ourselves up to a whole another world of possibilities, mindsets, and connections, giving us more tools in our toolbox to get through this thing we call life. This allows us to authentically appreciate and relate to the truths and experiences of others, even when they are not mirrored as our own.
https://www.facebook.com/offthecuffcoachingpodcast
https://www.facebook.com/TheEnerChiArchitect/
https://www.doinggoodtogether.org/bhf/blog/6-fun-ways-to-grow-your-social-circle-teach-empathy-and-unlearn-prejudice
Recently the racial climate has climaxed here in the United States, and support is pouring in from across the globe. It seems now, more than ever, many are committing to doing more when it comes to anti-racism efforts. Being an ally is key to breaking down the structural and systematic racism that so many of our black brothers and sisters have been dealing with for entirely too long. What is an ally? And how can we best create change in being an ally?
Ally (noun) - Someone who stands with or advocates for individuals and groups other than their own. (Definition is taken from tolerance. org for the purpose of understanding the meaning and expectations behind the word "Ally" for this episode's conversation.)
Resources:
How to Be an Ally
Any educator can become an ally, but the journey might look different depending on one’s identity, experience, and familiarity with issues of power and privilege.
https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/spring-2018/how-to-be-an-ally
Find spaces that allow black people to set the tone, BUT where WE (white people) do the work.
This group is a safe space to ask questions, educate oneself, learn to listen better, and normalize the necessary conversations while also taking consistent, actionable steps in anti-racism.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/whitepeopledoingsomething/
As we head into our Independence Day celebrations, there's been some mention of not celebrating the holiday. Join us as we share our thoughts on what's driving that perspective. What is Independence Day? Whose independence does it celebrate? What important black holiday should the white community educate themselves around (and celebrate) along WITH the black community?
Resource: Frederick Douglass - What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July? http://americainclass.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Douglass-FullText.pdf
Teaching Tolerance https://www.tolerance.org/