Tonight, I’ll be giving the keynote at the Spring Leadership Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio. This three evening event, sponsored by State Support Team 13 (creative name eh?), is an effort to ramp up the voices of families advocating for their school age children. Sessions focus on policy and procedure related topics such as transition, behavior planning and writing effective educational plans, precisely why I choose to talk about something else like the subtle and powerful ways to engage ourselves in meaningful action. Yes, it is important to understand how the system works but our real power is found within and with others. Our power is found here:
In knowing the history (and current dangers) of oppression and segregation of marginalized citizens.
In our ability to express a creative vision of inclusion for our sons and daughters and to invite others into that vision.
In our ability to influence how others perceive our sons and daughters – shifting that perception from deficits and brokenness to gifts and capacities.
In the words we use to describe our sons and daughters. In the ways we communicate, listen, and interact with school staff and others who shape the future.
In our creative perseverance and resiliency.
In our connection with others who share this journey with us.
In LOVE and the Creative and renewing energy and insight love brings.
In our ability to get past our own learned assumptions and prejudices. In our desire to re-discover what it means to be human.
In a deeper understanding of the power of belonging, context and community.
Sure, policies, procedures, laws are important but our real power is found within and in connection with others who are working for a world that includes all.
