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Comm Lead [Re]Connects: Community, creativity & leadership in a transformed world - March 17th, 2021

Really loved the quote "The way in which crisis and racial capitalism shows up is when people who are typically invisible or unworthy of care are made more visible and worthy of care the nearer they are to death" by Brittany Carter.. retold by Jenna...  That quote really stood out to me.. I can really apply that quote across the board to numerous examples in the news, and personal encounters.

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There is always an opportunity for storytellers to hold to own integrity and maintain trust in our work and stories--- even and especially when we are not in decision-making positions.

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One thing that has stuck with me following the event is that in many cases, we have the stories we need. We have authentic stories of lived experience. Trustworthy stories. We have the stories that should bring a depth of understanding, empathy, and action. But when the reader numbly scrolls past, is satisfied by an hour's entertainment, these stories are not truly heard, not absorbed. Yes, my work is in telling stories and I want to better understand my craft. But I also need to be mindful of what stories I'm hearing, being open to really hear the truth in those stories, and to take on a new, expand understanding. To stand with the storyteller. To seek out my part, my action. To be changed.

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Accountability starts with oneself. Being honest and responsible is a choice and it is up to us to choose which type of stories we feed ourselves in and what type of stories we put out there as professionals. But what happens when companies or brands decide to remain neutral about social issues such as race and discrimination? Is it wrong from a marketing standpoint? Is it wrong from a moral standpoint? How do we make those accountable?

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Building Trust through Listerning.  Storytelling is one way to shift the focus and create a new narrative. Thank you to all the speakers and Hosts.

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All the speakers were very inspiring.  How can we have trust if we don't listen and build relationships with each other? The importance of being accountable, doing one's own research and questioning to ensure confidence in our stories. Evaluate and be intentional with our stories, our work and communications to ensure it's honest and not racist.

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This work is important no matter what setting or job you're in. Take good notes of resources and keep track of all the work that has been done previously that way someone can pick up where we leave off.

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Some thoughts on aligning an institution with social causes without being performative or virtue signaling: Name the harm being caused, name the group being harmed, leave space open for those affected to speak, and leave space open for those unaffected to educate themselves.

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Being honest about who we are asking to "do the work" in our efforts to create equitable spaces, messaging, and missions.   Also, Jenna's statement:  "I wouldn't be here if I couldn't trust the stories passed down to me."  Wow. Yes. We need to trust in others' stories.

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Reminder that everyone must do the work. The means for educating ourselves - the evidence and research and history - a lot of it is already out there and BIPOC folx should not shoulder the burden of shepherding others' education. None of this is new; it's just that now it's more prominently in the news.

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This event was so insightful to me. Listening to Jenna was empowering. I want to listen to her podcast now!

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Equitable representation in conversations, validating others experiences, and having empathy and listening before seeking solutions are foundational to quality outcomes.

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Being deliberate in making space for listening and communication

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Re Trust: How can institutions, businesses, organizations, universities build trust w potential employees & clients of color to signal that they won't be forced to do the extra labor of token diversity or representing their experience for the benefit of colleagues?

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Acknowledge current events, e.g. anti-Asian violence, in an authentic way, within your team and outwardly facing.  Avoid evasive language--name it and be factual.

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Reflections:  1: Window dressing and coopting #BLM is not creating systemic change internally. 2. Having to step outside of gate-kept cultures (newsrooms that are overwhelmingly white) has both a power of reinvention and self-determination, but also doesn't force the institutions that gatekeeping to change as fast as they might, sadly.

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eyeopening

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Really happy that this conversation about storytelling, trust, and accountability is being facilitated, especially at the university. Amazing speakers as well!

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Messaging is not the same as action

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HOPE

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Reflections on the concept of "gate-keepers" - reconciling the responsibility of story-sharing as a white person in a corporation without diluting or incorrectly translating narrative or sentiment.

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Caution around the danger of having people see a new DEI hire or a big bold public commitment to anti-racism from their org as all that needs to be done -- need to emphasize that equity is everyones job!

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How to speak up and share changes that need to be made and amplify other people's work. And leave things for others to use after I leave.

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Companies will state they care about DEI but not take the appropriate actions. It is performative.

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Group Fab Five: How do we show equity in data and reporting on race, to show that there are disparities or lack of access to people of color?

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Nordstrom focused on products by Black designers and shared who those designers are. This helps the customer learn the designer not just buy it from the store.