Activism with Eric Lazarus

I got the chance to talk to Eric Lazarus about Activism. How do we use NVC in situations that we want to stand up for. I know for me there are several different things that I would like to see change, when it comes to teacher, student & parent support. My main take away from this episode was having the skill to have curiosity questions & curiosity listening. Regardless if the person you are talking to has a different view of a situation or a law or rules or the way the government is ran, we can listen and find values or needs. Give empathy, if it is needed. When we want to propose change in our communities, churches, schools, cities, governments, we start by coming from a place in our hearts of what we want to see change. We give personal experiences and ask questions that can hit home or can be touching for someone to read or watch. How can we make this world a better place for everyone. Mahatma Gandhi “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change” Or the common one we often hear is “be the change you wish to see in the world.” 

Activism I can only imagine can look in so many different ways. The root word of activist is the latin Actus “a doing, a driving force.” The suffix ist is used to refer to a person who practices or hold certain values. The word was first used when Sweden in 1915 when people advocating for the end of the World War 1.

As much as it’s frustrating to be part of a school system where a lot of the trauma students have is coming from their home environment only I can be the change to start something in a big or small way. My contribution to this change is to actively listen and empathize with students when they are upset, angry and or having a conflict with one another. 

It can truly be overwhelming to think about “how can I stop parents to not be incarcerated” “How can parents work on themselves to be better and not be in jail” This is the reality a lot of schools are dealing with, which is; students with trauma which leads to trauma that comes from their environment and their parents. Both student and parent don’t have the support that they need to accompany them in healing unresolved trauma. My impossible thinking is that the root of all this is beyond teachers ability to help. Instead of being overwhelmed by that over arching question, I want to rephrase that and ask “In what ways can I make a difference to these students today?”

I hope living connected listeners that you have one take away from this episode. Or many you end up constructing a take away of your own that was inspired by our conversation. I know it stimulated a lot inside of me and I am curious what came up for you. I would love to share your thoughts on the podcast.  

Resources:

Be the Change Quote

David Richo - When the Past is Present

YouTube Recording: American Experience

Amy WesterVelt

Email Eric at the bottom of this website:  https://electionsec.org/

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