– I am called to find leveraging fulcrums that exploit existing frameworks for change within society as it is currently organized. An example of this was citizen education and legislation advocacy for Colorado National Popular Vote; a successful grassroots effort with national impact to bring relevancy to otherwise marginalized voters. Was a core member of a grassroots effort collaborating with established advocacy groups like League of Women Voters.

– Prior booster of Global Greengrants, which provides small socio-environmental grants worldwide
– Primary fundraiser and construction of a Haitian school after the 2010 earthquake
– Core team, Boulder Standing Up for Racial Justice
– Homeless Shelter Kitchen Lead (with a covid-forced hiatus), and a volunteer firefighter / EMT
– Volunteer for Fair Fight Action (voter access)
– Member in two Racial Awareness Groups; Eon Zen & Soul2Soul Sisters

Past solo psychotherapy. I do understand that my personal childhood traumas are a driver for me to work to avoid, mitigate and heal the traumas of others; it has given me a heart to emphasize. I am a present member in Eon Zen & Eon Zen RAG and a past member of the Eldorado Ashram. I am presently a participating member in Soul2Soul Sisters Facing Racism alumni.

Firstly, I am open to the adventure of discovery that waits. I’m guessing that if I arrived with specific goals, then what transpires may play into those goals and ensuing fulfillment or miss and be fodder for disappointment. I do have perspectives to contribute to conversations which will inevitably metamorphize into new conversations with the listening and understanding of others. For a more specific example, while I am attracted to the successful track record story of providing mental health de-escalation in the streets, I don’t know much about what actually happens on the ground. I have a few credentials that may allow me to become exposed and learn, and then take an activist stance to steer the provider organization. If needed to pick one goal towards which to apply the class lessons, then the crisis intervention would be it!

However, I do seek fertile soil. Nourishment for roots to find room to grow and explore. While I welcome that learning of any kind can be a stressor, encountering blunting boundaries result in a waste of very precious time.

The listed class goals for Phase 1 particularly attract me because I believe social change normally takes a collective effort, and when a group forms various personality conflicts can arise. My skills in resolving these conflicts in pursuit of a establishing and becoming successful at a goal are minimal and I would love to strengthen my voice in both resolution and holding boundaries. The goals of Phase 1 attract me!

Initially, Phase 2 scared me, but as I digest the words I’m reading a natural extension; about conflict, about creating principals and the threads of relationships around those, and probably what undermines the success of efforts.

I think two facets of class do scare me; one is the emphasis of direct action. Perhaps I’ll learn that direct action is multifaceted, but I have a notion that protests are more often ignored by decision makers and those alone are ineffective. I’m also scared about the amount of time this DOR class will demand to show up fully and what else in a full schedule will have to be put on hold in the meantime. But I’m happy to take the plunge, a little wild-eyed into an unknown.

I would like to join a local crisis intervention team (Boulder CIRT).
My first-responder community, previously closed to change is evolving.
Work at the Homeless Shelter for relationship building to those marginalized
Boulder SURJ, Showing Up for Racial Justice

Yessss! The only conflict I have is May 15th with the fire department, but I am confident that I can miss the fire department training that day. It is somewhat expected to be a smoky summer and I feel compelled to answer the call when local wildfire erupts, and when that happens I’ll be out of pocket for the day.

I read this part last……. and it doesn’t sound all that overwhelming! I am scared about the commitment, but willing to commit. It’s satisfying to be connected and a good expenditure of life’s days to be part of something bigger than ourselves!

I first met Mylène about 25 years ago before she was a momma and when I was a single poppa. My daughter Caitlin babysat Mylène’s daughter Flynn years ago when everybody was younger. I was always fond of Mylène… It is a very beautiful gift of the universe to partner with this woman of my dreams (not the nightmares!) in this moment of time. We have striven to not know each other, to allow discovery of what different shape each may take, and to be unsubscribed from particular roles. We have the basis of trust share vulnerability, share humanness and allow joy and tears.

In what ways do you think the course and I are a fit? In what ways you think we are not?