If You Want To Know, Ask.

Fall is in full swing with conferences and meetings of every kind.  As I travel around the virtual world graphic recording, I hear many different perspectives. Interestingly the same thing is often repeated across multiple sectors, so I thought I'd share one idea I've been hearing regarding inequity.

Many organizations are grappling with how to truly honor diversity, face the inequities in our world, and take action to change current systems.
 
People Of Color know what those systems are and how we got here. But if you’re a white person like me and want to be part of the solution, you might have to start with your own story.  You might have to look at your unconscious biases and learn about the systems that keep us up and others down.

Live digital virtual graphic recording of author and keynote speaker Debby Irving

I was fortunate to graphic record a keynote speech by Debby Irving, author of “Waking Up White”, who tells the story of how she came to understand her own white supremacy.  Check out her TEDTalk. She’s a great storyteller.
 
As I listen to speakers like Debby, and leaders of non-profits and government organizations, one simple idea continues to come up that bears repeating:
 
If you want to know what the disenfranchised need, ASK THEM. 
 
This might sound obvious, but if those of us in the majority were humble enough to go into marginalized communities and ask what they need, listen, and take action, we could create a better world. And it’s on us to do just that.