Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian

Relando Thompkins-Jones continues his storytelling on the connections between Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian and Social Justice Origin Stories with the release of this bonus crossover episode of the very first recorded interview on Notes From an Aspiring Humanitarian from 10 years ago.

In this episode, Relando Interviews his friend l o t i walker, a social worker, social justice advocate, artist, and photographer, on why she chose social work, the challenges of working within under-resourced systems, the importance of cultural humility, and building trust through client-centered practice.

l o t i also talks about the role of art in her life as a form of self-care, describes her “funky production” approach to problem-solving, and speaks on the power of storytelling and naming our experiences for ourselves.

Companion Episodes:

Ideas Need Time To Grow: How Starting My First Podcast Led Me To Social Justice Origin Stories

Making Race Heard with Surabhi Pandit

🔔 If you haven't already...SUBSCRIBE to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@socialjusticeoriginstories?sub_confirmation=1

❤️ SUPPORT THE PROJECT

Support this work by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories

💬 SHARE YOUR STORY OR FEEDBACK

Your voice helps shape this community and may be featured in a future episode.

Email: [email protected]

Leave a Voice Note: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com/contact/ or https://www.speakpipe.com/socialjusticeoriginstories

Or leave a comment below

🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOW

Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991

Wherever You Get Your Podcasts: https://pod.link/1771268991

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567841874653

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sjoriginstories.bsky.social

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/social-justice-origin-stories/

LinkedIn (Relando): https://www.linkedin.com/in/relandothompkinsjones/

LinkTree for more: https://linktr.ee/SocialJusticeOriginStories?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZzPfl3gCm5NY9C_Y-glRzwDu-8BvHfkCJaQlDihfrQxbYWC1dnxgRL2kU_aem_kmgEcokBmDt8WaAtlWQMQQ

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Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.

00:00 Bonus Episode Setup

02:25 DIY Recording Origins

03:16 Why Storytelling Matters

04:09 Podcast Launch Intro

06:30 Why Social Work

11:08 Art Photography Self Care

13:46 Funding Politics Advocacy

15:44 School Based Social Work

20:55 Race Culture Humility

27:43 Funky Production Mindset

31:03 Proud Moments Trust

33:41 Earning Trust

35:09 Client Centered Practice

39:12 Mentors Who Shaped Me

42:25 Unlearning In Academia

44:20 Keep Learning And Networking

45:24 Cultural Share Mementos

55:53 Advice For Future Social Workers

01:00:29 Closing And Community Call

In this special crossover episode, Relando Thompkins-Jones shares story of what led him to create his blog and podcast Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian, and its evolution into Social Justice Origin Stories, a multimedia storytelling platform dedicated to sharing the personal stories and pivotal moments that inspire individuals and organizations to pursue social justice.

🔔 If you haven't already...SUBSCRIBE to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@socialjusticeoriginstories?sub_confirmation=1

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-iTzu9gftA&list=PLkddd_SjYVRaEicJ3wZn0V1SYiLG-6tcn&index=1

❤️ SUPPORT THE PROJECT Support this work by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories

💬 SHARE YOUR STORY OR FEEDBACK Your voice helps shape this community and may be featured in a future episode.

Email: [email protected]

Leave a Voice Note: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com/contact/ or https://www.speakpipe.com/socialjusticeoriginstories

Or leave a comment below

🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOW

Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991

Wherever You Get Your Podcasts: https://pod.link/1771268991

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567841874653

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sjoriginstories.bsky.social

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/social-justice-origin-stories/

LinkedIn (Relando): https://www.linkedin.com/in/relandothompkinsjones/

LinkTree for more: https://linktr.ee/SocialJusticeOriginStories?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZzPfl3gCm5NY9C_Y-glRzwDu-8BvHfkCJaQlDihfrQxbYWC1dnxgRL2kU_aem_kmgEcokBmDt8WaAtlWQMQQ

Support the podcast by becoming a patron: patreon.com/NAHBlog

Other Important Links:

• Blog: notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com
• Listen wherever you get your podcasts: https://pod.link/1103110522
• Relando's Website: relandothompkinsjones.com
• Social Justice Origin Stories Podcast: socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian by Relando Thompkins Jones is a project of Thompkins-Jones Consulting. All Rights Reserved.

00:00 Welcome and Updates

01:47 Why Look Back

04:33 Origins of the Podcast

05:11 Awakening and Anger

10:41 Inter...

Before he was assassinated on April 4th, 1968, Dr. King was hated by many of the people and institutions who now claim to honor him today. In reflecting on his life and legacy, here are 10 quotes from Dr. King that deserve more of our attention.

Blog Post referenced in this episode: https://notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com/beyond-the-dream-10-quotes-from-dr-king-that-deserve-more-attention/

Support the podcast by becoming a patron: patreon.com/NAHBlog

Other Important Links:

• Blog: notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com
• Relando's Website: relandothompkinsjones.com
• Social Justice Origin Stories Podcast: socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian by Relando Thompkins Jones is a project of Thompkins-Jones Consulting. All Rights Reserved.

In this week's episode Relando Thompkins-Jones shares an insightful and heartfelt open letter to the parents, families, and loved ones of college students. Drawing on his extensive experience in higher education and student support, Relando outlines six essential ways families can support their students as they navigate their college journey.

He emphasizes the importance of unconditional love, understanding, and open communication in fostering authentic relationships, allowing students to grow and discover themselves without fear of rejection or disappointment.

He encourages listeners to reflect on these important questions and start open, authentic conversations to foster deeper, more meaningful relationships that support the success and well-being of their students.

Originally written in 2015 at Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian. Video version Updated in 2024, edited and re-released in 2025.

00:00 Introduction: An Open Letter to Parents and Families 01:07 Honoring the Milestone: Entering College 01:41 The Importance of Space and Independence 02:06 Navigating Changes in Values and Beliefs 03:17 Unconditional Love and Acceptance 04:16 The Impact of Using Support as Leverage 05:55 Reflecting on Hopes, Goals, and Dreams 06:57 Closing Thoughts: Fostering Authentic Relationships

Blog Post referenced in this episode: An Open Letter to the Parents of College Students: 8 Things They Want You To Know

Support the podcast by becoming a patron: patreon.com/NAHBlog

Other Important Links:

• Blog: notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com
• Podcast Website: podcast.notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com
• Relando's Website: relandothompkinsjones.com
• Social Justice Origin Stories Podcast: socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian by Relando Thompkins Jones is a project of Thompkins-Jones Consulting. All Rights Reserved.

In this episode, Relando discusses the importance of checking in on the "strong" friends in our lives who always support everyone else. He shares practical tips on offering real help, including listening without judgment. He also talks directly to the "strong" friends, affirming that they deserve the same level of care and attention that they so often provide to others. He reminds them to practice self-care, set boundaries, and reach out for help when they need it. Relando emphasizes that we all need community, and asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Support the podcast by becoming a patron: patreon.com/NAHBlog

Other Important Links:

Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian by Relando Thompkins Jones is a project of Thompkins-Jones Consulting. All Rights Reserved.

In this week's episode, Relando shares an introductory talk he provided on Critical Race Theory as part of a Social Justice Speaker's Series in April of 2021. Much has happened since then from increased pushback against Pulitzer Prize-winning Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and her work in creating the 1619 Project, to efforts in states to effectively ban the teaching of critical race theory. These manifestations of white backlash prove the points made in Critical Race Theory, and reinforce the message that "white privilege is the ability to pass laws that prevent everyone from learning history that makes white people feel uncomfortable." The work continues. In the talk, Relando touches on dominant narratives, the power of story and counter-narratives, and basic tenets of Critical Race Theory.

Support the podcast by becoming a patron: patreon.com/NAHBlog

Other Important Links:

• Blog: notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com

Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian by Relando Thompkins Jones is a project of Thompkins-Jones Consulting. All Rights Reserved.

Contrary to what many of us have been told, there is a place for Black anger and rage in racial justice work. In this week's episode, Relando affirms that there are things that we just should never get used to, and that Black people have every right to be angry about their oppression.

Blog Post referenced in this episode:

Pairs Well With

Support the podcast by becoming a patron: patreon.com/NAHBlog

Other Important Links:

• Blog: notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com

Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian by Relando Thompkins Jones is a project of Thompkins-Jones Consulting. All Rights Reserved.

Establishing community agreements goes a long way toward building psychological safety between people and groups in social justice work. In this week's episode Relando shares some examples of community agreements that he's found helpful in this process, with the message that establishing community agreements should be a liberatory activity. They are intended to open authentic, radically candid communication instead of limiting it. One key question to ask: "What elements need to be in place for me to show up authentically in the space?"

Blog Posts referenced in this episode:

On Communication: Debate vs Dialogue: https://notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com/on-communication-debate-vs-dialogue/

Respecting Diversity in the Classroom & Beyond: Multicultural Guidelines: https://notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com/respecting-diversity-in-the-classroom-multicultural-guidelines/

Support the podcast by becoming a patron: patreon.com/NAHBlog

Other Important Links:

• Blog: notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com

Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian by Relando Thompkins Jones is a project of Thompkins-Jones Consulting. All Rights Reserved.

The pandemic has had a disproportionately negative impact on the lives of people with marginalized identities, and the workplace is no exception. In this week's episode, Relando shares a call for organizational leaders to center equity in their decision-making, and an affirmation for staff with marginalized identities in the event that their organizations are unwilling to do that.

Blog Post referenced in this episode:

It's Okay to Shift: https://www.relandothompkinsjones.com/its-okay-to-shift/

Support the podcast by becoming a patron: patreon.com/NAHBlog

Other Important Links:

• Blog: notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com

Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian by Relando Thompkins Jones is a project of Thompkins-Jones Consulting. All Rights Reserved.

Acknowledging power dynamics is important in social justice work. When working in closed groups, none of us passes through some invisible barrier that removes our privilege or oppression. In this week's episode, Relando shares four socially just considerations for practitioners to keep at the top of their minds when engaging in group work.

Blog Post referenced in this episode:

Support the podcast by becoming a patron: patreon.com/NAHBlog

Other Important Links:

• Blog: notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com

Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian by Relando Thompkins Jones is a project of Thompkins-Jones Consulting. All Rights Reserved.