Principle #4 Although I had no experience leading an organization, I had years of community experience— and a passionate commitment to building the first Latina service organization in Colorado. Anna Escobedo Cabral observes that this has been a traditional pathway: “I think a lot of Latino leaders see a problem, and they work hard to … Continue reading A Leader Among Equals – Community-Conferred Leadership
Leadership Styles in Communities of Color
(Further reflection on Salsa, Soul and Spirit) WHETHER I OR WE is central to a society contours the shape of its leadership. A We identity promotes a collective and people-centered leadership that espouses the well-being of people as a whole, not just individuals. Bordas, Juana (2012-03-26). Salsa, Soul, and Spirit: Leadership for a Multicultural Age … Continue reading Leadership Styles in Communities of Color
Oh, Dem Golden Slippers!
James Bland was known for the religious tenor of his songs, which is quite evident in this song, with its images of golden streets, wedding day, camp meeting and a chariot. I wouldn't say that all the images make clear sense to me -- probably shows what I don't understand of the dress standards of … Continue reading Oh, Dem Golden Slippers!
Mi Casa Es Su Casa – A Spirit of Generosity
Principle #3 The author describes the sense of generosity in We cultures. The Latino saying, “Mi Casa es su Casa,” reflects a sprawling sense of inclusiveness and generosity. It encapsulates a joy in sharing and implies “What I have is also yours.”… From a We perspective, because the self emerges from the collective, generosity toward … Continue reading Mi Casa Es Su Casa – A Spirit of Generosity
I to We—From Individualism to Collective Identity
Principle #2 When the author starts talking about the We culture she was born into, her story reminds me of Muppet Christmas Carol, and a conversation between Rizzo and Gonzo. Rizzo: Rats don’t understand these things. Gonzo: You were never a lonely child? Rizzo: I had had 1,232 brothers and sisters. Gonzo: Wow, rats really … Continue reading I to We—From Individualism to Collective Identity
Micah 6:8 — interpreted through “social justice”
Okay, this post is one where I think I am actively inviting perspective and comment from others. Because I have read something, and feel I have a real "ethnocentric" block in my mental processes. I have been thinking for hours, and just cannot make sense of this passage the other way it is being presented. … Continue reading Micah 6:8 — interpreted through “social justice”
Sankofa – Learn from the Past
Principle #1 When I read the description of Sankofa, it sounded like something I could agree with, and something I continually do with myself and my children. It isn’t something forgotten by white culture and only remembered by communities of color – though the term may belong to them: Sankofa, the mythical bird who looks … Continue reading Sankofa – Learn from the Past
A New Social Covenant
Sometimes I wonder if the authors of my textbooks live in the same country, with the same history, as I do. In the first chapter, titled "A New Covenant," of this text-book, the author writes: THE UNITED STATES WAS FOUNDED on the values of rugged individualism and competition. In our review of the first three … Continue reading A New Social Covenant
Salsa, Soul and Spirit #2
(For those of you asking where Salsa, Soul and Spirit #1 went, it was never published. WordPress ate the post. After 90 minutes of writing and saving it every 15 minutes, I went back an hour later and found it no longer existed, along with the second post I was writing during the hour gap. … Continue reading Salsa, Soul and Spirit #2
Communicating Social Identity
Okay, I have written 8 blogs, on 8 chapters, from a text book Difference Matters. Which leads to this paragraph: “So why are you telling us this?” asked a colleague who read a draft of this book. “What am I as a reader to do with this? How am I to use it?” she wondered. Her questions … Continue reading Communicating Social Identity
At The Rainbow 