Hi everyone! This week, the projects we are working on progressed forward! I’ve noticed that to get one thing done, there needs to be some response from someone else to move forward on the next steps. This process has made me more patient and pay attention to detail. I’m used to a fast-paced work environment that has rigorous deadlines. A more relaxed work pace allows me to pre-plan for the future. When we get responses, we can immediately implement some of the plans we have thought about.

On Tuesday, I had lunch with the CEO, which was both informative and affirming. She talked to me about the ins and outs of non-profits, her career trajectory, and how minor specificities can create barriers for individuals trying to alleviate social issues. It is so interesting to me how there are so many external forces that prevent individuals from trying to enact change whether it is the Government, political groups, or your peers. For change to be sustained, there must be a collective interest/investment. I asked, “How do you change the mind/behaviors of an individual so that they are motivated to advocate for your organization or cause?”. Doing social justice work, I have encountered people who actively work against the cause I am advocating for, and any form of implementation is met with resistance. She offered methods to combat resistance while continuing to remember the mission I am advocating for. This discussion further informed my week as I was doing some outreach in recruiting for the StoryCorps project.

Storytelling is a powerful method to inform others about experiences different or similar to theirs. Storytelling is how cultures and traditions are sustained through generations, and is a powerful tool to bring attention to something people may not think about. This week I have thought about my own story–what I want to share, how it informed me, and how it can inform others. Listening to others’ stories informs me way more than a textbook could while making me reflect on my sense of self. I am grateful that so many people on the team and other organizations are willing to share their stories. At the end of this week, I raise the question to myself and others “What do you want your story to say?”

See y’all in the next one!

Kennedy Smith