Issue 45: In Sync
Noun. Moving or happening at the same time and speed as someone or something else:
Video Description: From the streets of Bali, the video is taken from inside a minivan, Several mopeds are in front and passing the minivan, and a truck is coming from the opposite direction crossing over the dividing line. Video taken by Cecilia Nelson-Hurt.
Check-In:
No, this is not a post about boy bands.
I recently returned from a trip to Bali, Indonesia. Bali does not have public transportation and most roads are pretty narrow so mopeds are the primary form of transportation. As we traveled through metropolitan and rural spaces, I never saw a speed limit sign but it was all about getting to the destination as fast as possible. Based on the amount of weaving and passing that happened on every adventure outside, I would have assumed a large amount of car accidents; however, I never saw a single one. It was like this organized chaos that took place over and over again. Mopeds, trucks, and cars found a way to travel side by side at a high speed with everyone getting to their destination unscathed.
This synchronized driving reminded me of my word for the year- “rhythm.” After spending 13 days traveling to/from and in Bali, I’m headed to Accra, Ghana for a conference and then meeting my family in my favorite beach town in Martha’s Vineyard. The back to back to back travel was not part of my summer 2024 master plan but opportunities converged over a short window. The tight travel timeline requires a high level of coordination but I’m expecting a level of rhythm to take place in my heart and soul as I move from places of unfamiliarity to comfort in a span of a few weeks.
At work, I am wrapping up several coaching relationships with equity officers. Our conversations are focused on reflecting on the goals we set together and setting intentions for the summer and back to school. Many are managing shifts in superintendents, reorganizations, and shifting priorities.
In all the chaos- personally and professionally, there’s a need to find the people and work that will help keep us in sync.
How are you using the summer months to find your rhythm amongst the chaos?
#mondaymotivation: “Chaos is inherent in all compounded things. Strive on with diligence.” -Buddha
Interview with a Leader of the Global Majority:
Danielle. Another part of my interview with Danielle is in Issue 26- Grace. The comments below are Danielle’s and do not reflect the opinions of her district.
Mary:What's needed for someone in this [equity officer] role to actually be successful?
Danielle: I have a great deal of relational trust that I've built over the years. And that gives me credibility. So I'm able to make those moves because of that. I don't have institutional power, I don't manage anyone but I have a lot of influential power.
Danielle: I think there, that should be a first step for people, especially entering a new context. You don't know these people, they don't know you and the work… You're not trying to get somebody to move a kid up a step. You are asking them to look at their own cultural lenses, then their upbringing in their childhood and reflect how that could be interfering in their classroom. They need to trust you.
** **HELP! HELP! Please let me know if you would like to be interviewed and/or recommend someone to be profiled in this section. I need new interviews! ****
What I’m Reading, Watching, and Listening To:
READING: I’m on a YA roll! One to highlight is Chaos Theory by Nic Stone. Although a love story, the focus on mental disorder, addiction, and grief made it a much more complicated story. It’s a quick read! You can find a full list of my book recommendations here. Please note that I am an affiliate with Bookshop.org and receive a small compensation for your purchase when you use the book links provided.
WATCHING: Inside Out 2 brings back all the emotions from the first one as well as introduces some new ones as the main character enters puberty with a particular focus on the emotion “anxiety” which I didn’t understand until I was an adult so I appreciate it presented in a way for children of all ages to understand.
How to Continue to Support Leading-Within:
Go to Amazon and rate or review the book there! Reviews are a great way for others to see that this book is worth the time to read.
Post about the book on social media using the hashtag #leadingwithin. Even better if it includes a picture of you WITH the book!
Host a book club with your affinity/ERG group. Two study guides are also available on the ASCD website - one for leaders of color and one for white co-conspirators that are perfect for starting a group conversation. For book clubs with participants who have purchased and committed to reading the book, please reach out to me so I can support your journey!
Connect with me to speak to your organization or group about topics covered in the book, like ‘practicing love and rage’, ‘building a coalition’, and ‘taking a stand’.
If this is your first time reading, please go back and read my Introductions post.
Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think. If you like it, please share it with your network!
I was also not expecting back to back to back travel this summer.
Needed this reminder: “The tight travel timeline requires a high level of coordination but I’m expecting a level of rhythm to take place in my heart and soul as I move from places of unfamiliarity to comfort in a span of a few weeks.”