Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian

Relando Thompkins-Jones

Building more equitable and inclusive relationships and communities requires a commitment to increasing our understanding of diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice in thought, and in practice. Actively committing ourselves to a lifetime of learning and critical self-reflection can show us the roles we can play in creating a better world by being the change we wish to see in it. Hosted by Social Worker, Social Justice Educator, Writer, and Organizational Consultant Relando Thompkins-Jones, The Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian Podcast is an extension of the blog of the same name. In each Episode, Relando covers important topics geared toward increasing your capacity to learn and lead for equity, and social justice. Since 2011, Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian has been a place where he's written about and curated content on issues of equity and social justice. Through using media for social justice education, Relando hopes to expand and enrich the narratives about social issues that face our society, and to find ways to take action while encouraging others to do the same, in their own ways. No matter where you come from, what your identities are, or what area of work or study you’re in, there’s room for all of us in this work, and Relando hopes that engaging with the podcast and the blog can move you closer to discovering or reaffirming your own answers to questions you have about how to best be of service. Hit subscribe to join the dialogue.

  1. Aug 5

    Crossover Episode: Funky Production: Social Work, Race, Class, and Education with l o t i walker

    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: stories@socialjusticeoriginstories.com 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 ----- 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

    Crossover Episode: Funky Production: Social Work, Race, Class, and Education with l o t i walker
  2. Jul 24

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

    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: stories@socialjusticeoriginstories.com 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.comListen wherever you get your podcasts: https://pod.link/1103110522Relando's Website: relandothompkinsjones.comSocial 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...

    Crossover Episode: Ideas Need Time To Grow: How Starting My First Podcast Led Me To Social Justice Origin Stories | Social Justice Origin Stories
  3. 08/22/2024

    An Open Letter to the Parents and Families of College Students: Six Things They Want You to Know

    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.comPodcast Website: podcast.notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.comRelando's Website: relandothompkinsjones.comSocial 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.

    An Open Letter to the Parents and Families of College Students: Six Things They Want You to Know
  4. 03/16/2021

    Establishing Community Agreements Should Be A Liberatory Process in Social Justice Work

    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: In Dialogue, "Ground Rules" are Meant to be Liberatory: https://notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com/in-dialogue-ground-rules-are-meant-to-be-liberatory/ 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 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.

    Establishing Community Agreements Should Be A Liberatory Process in Social Justice Work
5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Building more equitable and inclusive relationships and communities requires a commitment to increasing our understanding of diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice in thought, and in practice. Actively committing ourselves to a lifetime of learning and critical self-reflection can show us the roles we can play in creating a better world by being the change we wish to see in it. Hosted by Social Worker, Social Justice Educator, Writer, and Organizational Consultant Relando Thompkins-Jones, The Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian Podcast is an extension of the blog of the same name. In each Episode, Relando covers important topics geared toward increasing your capacity to learn and lead for equity, and social justice. Since 2011, Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian has been a place where he's written about and curated content on issues of equity and social justice. Through using media for social justice education, Relando hopes to expand and enrich the narratives about social issues that face our society, and to find ways to take action while encouraging others to do the same, in their own ways. No matter where you come from, what your identities are, or what area of work or study you’re in, there’s room for all of us in this work, and Relando hopes that engaging with the podcast and the blog can move you closer to discovering or reaffirming your own answers to questions you have about how to best be of service. Hit subscribe to join the dialogue.