“The teacher is of course an artist, but being an artist does not mean that he or she can make the profile, can shape the students. What the educator does in teaching is to make it possible for the students to become themselves.” – Paulo Freire, We Make the Road by Walking
You, Arc Bender, are both the teacher and the artist.
You bring your people to meet themselves your work and in so doing, you change the world, one -by-one.
This week, we have witnessed another horrific tragedy. The mass shooting of hundreds of people this past Sunday in Las Vegas at a Music Event.
This Crime against Humanity, clearly hits harshest to the family and friends of those tragically massacred and wounded.
One of my student’s niece, Christina Kitcat was among the many who were shot. The bullet tore through her arm and then straight into her heart.
Most gratefully Christina is alive following two open heart surgeries. Kelly Culbertson, Christina’s firefighter boyfriend, who clearly saved her life shared some of their story here if you are interested in reading here.
In times like these, it is easy to give up. To feel like it is all too overwhelming to make a difference.
But I want to remind you, that you matter.
Your work matters.
Even if it changes (saves) one life for the better.
You matter.
So. while we hold Christina, her family, friends and all those effected directly by this tragedy close to our hearts, I implore you, please keep doing your work.
Arc Bender, whatever you do, whether it is helping people change to healthful eating/moving habits, having difficult conversations, revealing networks of white supremacy in your work, calling out white fragility in co-workers and friends, or dismantling patriarchy in us all, whatever it is, please keep doing your work.
In fact, Arc Bender, amplify it.
Let’s change the world, together.
Let’s amplify brilliance, love, justice, and equity.
Together.
Onward Arc Benders!
In love, equity and justice.