310: Facing History: Combating Hate Through Curriculum and Conversation

05/14/24 • 39 min

Guest Dimitry Anselme is the Chief Officer of Growth and Engagement with Facing History & Ourselves. In that role, he innovates program design for school and district implementation and facilitates organizational partnerships in the US and internationally. Facing History partners with educators worldwide to help students prepare for civic life and better understand themselves and the world. Summary

In this episode, Dimitri and Jeff discuss the persistence of hate and racism despite society's efforts to combat it. They delve into the mission of Facing History and Ourselves to challenge bigotry and hatred through engaging history teaching. The conversation also explores the challenges of teaching sensitive topics like the Holocaust and the increasing need for tolerance education in elementary schools. They underscore the importance of raising ethical children and Facing History's outreach efforts, including partnerships with aligned organizations. The discussion also touches on the intersection of education, curiosity, and professional development, emphasizing the importance of preparing teachers and fostering curiosity for creativity and problem-solving.

Social Media

Website - https://www.facinghistory.org/

Social Media

Website - https://www.facinghistory.org/

Previous Episode

309: The Awe Factor: Boosting Curiosity, Creativity, and Empathy

Summary In this episode, I sit down with four LinkedIn friends/colleagues to discuss Dacher Keltner’s book, Awe the New Science of Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life. Each of my guests brings an important perspective to the topic.

Dr. Keltner defines awe as connecting to something larger that yourself; “the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your current understanding of the world.” He then supports that definition by detailing eight emotional wonders of life:

Moral beauty: appreciating other people’s courage, kindness, strength, or ability to overcome obstacles.
Collective effervescence: being part of a larger collective self, e.g., a Taylor Swift concert, a political rally, gathering with others to watch the recent eclipse
Nature: what I feel when I stand in a trout stream or look out over the Grand Canyon
Music
Visual design: attractions in New York City: the Edge, the Little Island, and the High Line
Spirituality and religion
Life and death
Epiphany – understanding of an essential truth, insights, scientific discoveries, sudden disclosures

After introducing the concept and speaking about it from my guests’ various perspectives, I asked whether the leader can inspire awe in the workplace.

Guests

Rich Gassen works as a print shop supervisor at UW-Madison, where he focuses on empowerment, creativity, and process improvements with staff. He also chairs the Campus Supervisors Network (CSN), a community of practice at the UW supporting supervisors in their roles by offering training and networking events, a weekly newsletter, and a website.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richgassen/

Melissa Hughes is a neuroscience researcher, educator, keynote speaker, and author of Happier Hour with Einstein — Another Round

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissahughesphd

https://www.melissahughes.rocks/

Sarah Elkins is your guide to uncovering the right personal stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, advocates, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and effectively demonstrate their character, values, and vision. She guides individuals and teams toward improved communication and reduced friction in the workplace. Sarah is a storyteller, keynote speaker, Gallup-certified StrengthsFinder coach, podcast host, author, and professional musician.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesmileisfree/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elkinscommunication

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Bwk56V5neXxjJXk3tarSE?si=01589bf8438d43c6

Brooke Erol is a corporate dropout who pursued her dream of having more meaningful work for herself and others. All her life, she has spent writing, speaking, coaching, and consulting on the topic of having a life of fulfilling and purposeful work. She works with individuals—YourBestLife—and organizations—Purposeful Business, Inc.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/purposefulbusiness

www.instagram.com/happielliatwork

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ozlemerol

X: www.twitter.com/boerol1

References

The Pause Principle by Kevin Cashman

How Minds Work by

Next Episode

311: Urban Forests—Creating Educational and Healing Spaces for Communities

Guest

Ethan Bryson is the Founder of Natural Urban Forests. Natural Urban Forests is an afforestation company focused on addressing the urgent need to restore native forest ecosystems.

Based in Seattle, Washington we create forests utilizing the Miyawaki method of forest planting with heightened attention to transforming life in the soil. This innovative method enables forests to grow 10x faster at 30x the density of standard afforestation methods.

We work to honor and involve local indigenous communities in the planting and ongoing care of these forests. When possible we begin each planting with a blessing to reset the land, and nurture the plants, animals, and people.

Powered by a steady dose of locally crafted espresso, Jarie loves nothing more than to figure out how to explain complex things in clear and compelling ways. My goal is to help build a more ethical, inclusive, and resilient world by educating and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs—be they 18 or 80.

Summary

Ethan and his organization are on a mission to restore harmony between nature and urban life through forestation. Their efforts encompass three main aspects:

Firstly, they focus on designing forests with intentionality, incorporating elements like circular plots and symbolic features to create healing and transformational spaces. This includes projects in New York City and collaborations with Indigenous communities.

Secondly, they emphasize the importance of community involvement in planting and maintaining urban forests, with volunteers playing a key role in ensuring the long-term survival of these green spaces.

Lastly, Ethan stresses the educational aspect of their work, highlighting the environmental benefits of urban forests and the potential for experiential learning through a forest-based curriculum. We discussed topics ranging from soil health to the symbiotic relationships within old-growth forests, all aimed at fostering a deeper connection between people and nature.

In summary, Ethan's organization is dedicated to planting forests as a means of restoring ecological balance, engaging communities, and providing educational opportunities.

Social Media

www.naturalurbanforests.com

[email protected]

Referenced

Kyle Lybarger: https://www.nativehabitatproject.com/

Manhattan forest project: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5-v1GKMnc4/?igsh=MTg5YzB5dTAxd2M2NQ==

Miyawaki planting method: https://urban-forests.com/miyawaki-method/

Sugi Project: https://www.sugiproject.com/

Ida Nason Aronica Forest: https://www.sugiproject.com/forests/Ida-Nason-Aronica-Forest