At-homish

Wil is joined by the accomplished Mike Simmons to talk about how we can be inclusive in different environments. Mike brings his experience of working in the community to the conversation of how to create places of belonging, and it is simple(-ish). Listen to hear the simple techniques we all can use to create places of belonging. 

Wil talks about the important cultural holidays in February, and provides background into how they started. Even though there are months dedicated to history of cultures, we can always continue the celebration because history is always happening. Also listen in to hear some fun movie trivia about Snohomish Washington. 

In honor of Dr Martin Luther King Jr day, Wil talks about how he prepared to speak to students and staff for an all school assembly. Hear how music from various genres speak to the message of belonging or waking up to the hard realities around us. How have we woken up from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's dream to make it a reality?

Creating places where everyone belongs requires working hard on what you can control. This includes the actions you can take and the people you choose to work with to make a change. Even when everything goes well, there is a limit to how people receive the community. Wil shares his story of how Cumming, Georgia has changed to be a city of belonging and the resulting impact. 

Some people never have the experience of being in a place where they feel they do not belong. Wil shares his real experiences of when he was not welcome in places and breaks down how we can all participate to make spaces welcoming. Even if you have not had a space where you did not feel like you belonged, it is still a real experience for many based on the color of their skin, religion, body size, sexuality, identity, and countless other factors. Join the conversation on how we can create spaces where we belong. 

Join us on the discussion as we honor those that have served and how safety is something that is needed at multiple levels. This includes community safety to our own psychological safety to create spaces that feel at-homish.  What are you doing for yourself and your community to build safe spaces for everyone to belong.  

Wil talks about the big efforts going on in Washington State to support school districts in becoming communities of belonging for students, families, staff, and community members. The conversation centers around community developed standards and terminology from state-level organizations and practical application to daily life. Join the beginning conversation on how we all can foster belonging in our communities.

Topic Overview:
CCDEI - Cultural Competency Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

1. Understanding self and others
2. Student, family, community engagement
3. Learning partnerships
4. Leading for educational equity

SEL - Social Emotional Learning

Resources:
https://www.sno.wednet.edu/equityandinclusion

Join Wil as he gives you insight into why he is starting the At-homish podcast, and what you can look forward to during this journey!