This week I attended a two-day training session led by Dr. Kathy Obear from the Alliance for Change Consulting. This is the second time Kathy has been to our campus, and both sessions were inspiring. I came back with two pages of action plans.
Here is a definition of social justice that Dr. Obear provided:
Adams, Bell and Griffin (2007) define social justice as both a process and a goal. "The goal of social justice education is full and equal participation of all groups in a society that is mutually shaped to meet their needs. Social justice includes a vision of society that is equitable and all members are physically and psychologically safe and secure."
Adams, M., Bell, L. A., & Griffin, P. (Eds.). (2007). Teaching for diversity and social justice: A sourcebook (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.
As a leader, I believe I am committed to social justice, but I don't always know how to advance my beliefs. This is what makes training so valuable. Now I know what steps to try next. Probably not all will work well, but I believe that some positive change will happen as a result.
My other leadership challenge is how to engage people who are either indifferent or opposed to social justice, not that there are any of these folks in my department. This problem exists with all kinds of leadership challenges, not just this one. I have found that a combination of listening and articulating new approaches works best in most cases. I also need to accept that not all of my audience will agree with my ideas, but I can hope that they may be somewhat influenced by them.
Finally, I know that I need to work hard to advance my own learning in this area. I have had many experiences that have shaped my beliefs and attitudes, but I have more to learn. I am committed to finding the time to work on myself.
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