Indoctrination and CRT

Like many areas across the United States, Northern Michigan is caught in ideological debate about a draft resolution to support equity, inclusion, and anti-racist teaching in our local public school system. 

A school board member shared that at the last meeting there was 2 1/2 hours of public comment, and the draft wasn't even on the agenda.  A local news source reported that much of it was expressing concern or outright opposition. 

Complaints included that it was a way of getting CRT (critical race theory - a discipline of studying racial influences on the legal system taught primarily in law schools) into the local schools and "indoctrinating" students with it.  

Tonight (Monday, June 28th at 6 p.m. EST) is the next meeting, and I'm preparing to go speak in support of the resolution with hope I'll spend my allotted 3 minutes as effectively as possible.  

I'm extremely nervous.  My whole body feels tense.  Speaking in this type of setting is far from comfortable for me.  Yet, it is too important to let it go.

So, here's the plan (one you can apply for any similar situation you're approaching!):

1) Be clear about the goals and intentions.

For me, this includes speaking in a way that is clear, relatable, and representative of my values.  My goal is to share the burden so people from marginalized populations do not bear the brunt of the opposition.  I also strive to remain calm and caring so that people from different viewpoints might be able to listen and take in what I'm saying (even if they still disagree).

2).  Set realistic expectations.

As much as I'd love for it to be otherwise, I don't expect to have the power to sway people from believing this is a route to indoctrination to support for the resolution within 3 minutes.  I hope to encourage a pause and reflection for those who oppose this resolution and otherwise genuinely believe they value people equally.  

I also expect that I will feel internally determined that no matter how nervous or uncomfortable I am, I will feel better for having tried to make a difference.

3).  Use the strategies of QUEST. 

Question.  Understand.  Experience.  Support.  Truth.  Although this isn't a 1:1 dialogue, the same strategies apply here.  I'm aiming for a combination of these as I prepare.

4).  Engage in self-care and recovery. 

Whatever time I get home from the meeting, I will use my nightly practice of gratitudes to reflect further on how thankful I am for these opportunities to speak up, to live in alignment with my values, to practice courage, and to be surrounded by so many other brave, brilliant people trying to make the world a better place in their own style and methods.

5).  Reflect and improve for next time.

It's a given that nothing I say will come out perfectly.  So, I'll use the opportunity to reflect on how it went and how I can improve for the next time, because there will certainly be a next time.

If you're in the T.C. area and planning to attend, I look forward to seeing you there!  The meeting is at 6 p.m. and the more voices for support of inclusion, diversity, and anti-racism the better.  And, if you're one of the majority of people in this community who is spread out around the country and the world, may you be encouraged for the ways in which you can use these strategies in your own community.

Please wish us well in these ongoing struggles to calm the fear and misinformation - and that however nervous and shaky I feel, that I may get out of my own way to serve, support and offer whatever positive impact I can have for the continuation of progress toward justice and compassion for all.

I'll keep you posted...

You matter.  You CAN make a difference.  I'm so thankful you're here.