Kindness Archives | The Inclusion Solution

By Whose Standards: A Look Back

by Scott Ferry | Nov 18, 2021 | 0

Over the last four months, we’ve been asking the question, “By whose standards?” to begin unpacking the fraught relationship between organizational inertia — how things have always been done — and equity-centered momentum — how we imagine things could be. Equity and justice will not come easy, as the systems in place that enforce and uphold fundamentally inequitable, unjust standards are deeply entrenched in our societal norms. Deeply entrenched, though, is not the same as permanent.

By Whose Standards: Nice v. Kind

by Tami Jackson | Oct 7, 2021 | 0

When I first moved to Texas — more specifically Austin, Texas — I distinctly remember all of the typical culture shocks: the scorching hot triple-digit weather, breakfast tacos, Topo Chico, Cholula, and the almost complete absence of snow and ice – almost. But what surprised me even more was a shift in communication and socialization style that I didn’t anticipate – the expectation of being “nicer.” Initially, I chalked it up to the change in geographical location. But this was something else. I experienced how being a Black woman in predominately white spaces complicates not-so-subtle differences in expected prosocial norms.

A Point of View: An Invitation Into Wokeness 2.0

by Rochelle Younan-Montgomery | Aug 20, 2020 | 1

Some might say I am “woke.” This used to feel like a badge of honor. But lately, it’s starting to feel like a way of being that oozes moral superiority and lacks compassion. Wokeness normalizes rage, which has its place. It helps us find others who are critical of the same systems and problematic behaviors. But as soon as we band together around shared antipathy, we lose out on the opportunity for restorative justice, and ultimately healing.

A Point of View: Modeling Empathy During COVID-19

by Na Shai Alexander | Apr 9, 2020 | 0

It’s okay to not be okay. I look at the simple words lettered on the small Post-It on my mirror each morning, reflecting on a conversation that I’ve had more times than I can count the last several weeks—with my therapist, family, close friends, coworkers. In a matter of weeks, days, hours our world has changed and continues to evolve and shift as we learn to navigate a new normal. It’s hard to believe that just a month ago I had never heard the words “social distancing.”

The Buzz: Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Actualized!

by Mary-Frances Winters | Aug 15, 2019 | 0

As I go from city to city from week to week spreading the good news about inclusion, I am so often gratified by the goodness of everyday people. In a world where 90% of the news is negative, disheartening, and often tragic, it is important to stop sometimes to reflect on those small acts of civility, generosity, and compassion that warm our hearts and lift our spirits.