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. 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.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.

    15 min
  2. 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.

    33 min
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.