Daily Archives: March 31, 2021

For the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan, diversity, equity and inclusion are more than just words. In January, GSSEM made an intentional decision to hire its first Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, making it the first Girl Scout Council in Michigan and one of only a handful throughout the United States to do what numerous colleges and universities and businesses have already done.

There is a recognition that, while our council is doing phenomenal work, we need to be more intentional and ensure that all girls have access to our programs, says Monica Woodson, Chief Executive Officer with GSSEM. We are a complex council in terms of our geography. We have suburban and rural areas and girls living in communities that cant readily access us. We also recognize that the makeup of our council is racially and ethnically diverse. We want to make sure our work is reflective of the girls we serve.

GSSEM serves more than 22,000 girls in eight counties Genesee, Lapeer, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Sanilac and Wayne in a 5,500-mile radius. Each of these counties are racially and ethnically diverse and the girls that GSSEM has yet to reach represent all parts of the socioeconomic spectrum.

Since joining the organization In January as Chief DEI Officer, Justin Williams has been making visits to GSSEMs service area to learn about the girls and adult volunteers and how the council can be more impactful, inclusive and supportive of its current and future membership.

Justin Williams, GSSEM's Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, has been working for the organization since January.Photo by David Lewinsky

I am truly an outsider to Girl Scouts and had no connection to this organization, says Williams, who was the Associate Director of Admissions and Diversity with Wayne State University Law School prior to joining GSSEM. Most of this for me has been like drinking water from a firehose. Im learning about Girl Scouts generally and our council specifically. My role is to create a welcoming, inclusive space for girls to become leaders and offer them a safe and judgement-free environment where they can teach, learn and grow. I want to build on the existing culture, strengthen our presence in key communities and offer all of our girls the opportunity to learn about and from each other.

These efforts are already underway. Woodson says it is important to her and GSSEM board members to begin working on areas that can be addressed immediately including increased recruitment efforts in communities where GSSEM doesnt have the robust engagement that they know is possible; ensuring that all materials are culturally appropriate and translated into languages spoken throughout the councils service area; and uniforms better reflect the diversity of each girl.

We want girls to have access but also feel like they are genuinely a part of this movement, Woodson says. This is one movement and one council.

However, this does not mean taking a one size fits all approach.

Representation matters. When we say Girl Scouts is for every girl we need to live that, Woodson says. We want to make sure that were creating an inclusive environment.

There have been conversations with members of greater Detroits Muslim community who have told Woodson that they want more Girl Scout troops in Dearborn, southwest Detroit and Detroit, areas where their girls live. They have asked the question: Given the cultural diversity between certain communities, what is GSSEM doing to ensure all girls have the same Girl Scout experience?

In response, Woodson says she makes a point of highlighting the girl-led focus of the program, while recognizing that each and every event, camp, and activity is available to all girls, they also have the opportunity to tailor an experience that fits their unique needs.

In addition to the troops most people think of when visualizing Girl Scouts, GSSEM has established troops at area homeless shelters and within organizations like the Michigan School for the Deaf. Woodson says they tend to go about this work without much fanfare out of sensitivity to the girls and their families. Woodson adds that for these girls, especially those living in homeless shelters, the opportunity to have an authentic Girl Scout experience creates a sense of normalcy and may be the one constant they can hold on to.

Cathy St. James, who leads a troop at the Michigan School for the Deaf, says GSSEM has always been very welcoming to her girls who have the same opportunities to participate as girls who are not hearing-impaired. When there is a need for additional accommodations, she says GSSEM has come through.

We went to camp and said that we needed interpreters and they said, What? I told them that I couldnt watch the girls and interpret, says St. James, who also works for the Michigan School for the Deaf. I gave them the number to Mott Community College which has an interpreter program so (GSSEM) didnt have to pay for that and we had interpreters at camp.

This is an example of meeting girls where they are, Woodson says. Williams says it is also an example of the importance of cultivating and retaining volunteers who girls can easily identify with so that they have visual proof that Girl Scouts is accessible to them. Williams says he doesnt think there are many girls out there who dont want to grow as leaders in all areas of their lives. He says what discourages them is the absence of people who look like them. He cites cities like Flint and Pontiac with significant minority communities and notes that representation matters.

It starts with cultivating a diverse group of volunteers to lead the work. You dont have to be a mom to start a troop. You dont have to have daughter whos involved in GSSEM, and men in any community are encouraged to get involved, Williams says. We want diverse volunteers of all stripes to join the Girl Scouting movement, which presents both a leadership platform and a development tool. Theres a lot of value in the experiences that our volunteers bring, and we need the communities we serve to support girls. Making our council great starts with a commitment from our volunteers.

Its Who We Are

The foundation for the work Williams was hired to do was the result of GSSEMs forward-thinking board members and their commitment to the DEI lens Woodson wants her entire organization to work through.

I think theres been a shift. 2020 was a wakeup call on a lot of levels, Woodson says. When you think of the social and racial unrest, we as a country are at an inflection point where you have to make a concerted effort to indoctrinate DEI into your DNA. If you dont, youre missing the mark.

Monica Woodson, CEO of GSSEM, discusses the importance of the diversity, equity and inclusion work the Council is focusing on.Photo by David Lewinsky

Originally, Woodson thought her board members would wait until 2022 to take the deep dive into DEI. She says she was not too surprised when they told her to move ahead this year with incorporating this component into GSSEMs overall mission, despite an ongoing pandemic and potential revenue losses.

I am of the belief that in times of trial you can innovate and step outside of the box, Woodson says. I knew that we could have taken a safer route to bringing this position on board, but that would have meant an entire year where we were not able to engage with girls who need us in their communities.

Williams says GSSEM is an example of an organization thats thinking about issues of race, equality and access in a way that it may not have in the past. He says this thought process has continued to grow and become more mainstream because it is an expectation among shareholders, stakeholders, board members and the general public.

One thing I learned from the season of discontent last year is that companies have to do this because communities are expecting it. They want us to engage in this work in meaningful and intentional ways. So, Im not surprised that the opportunity existed to do this work with GSSEM.

In a report, titled Race to Lead Revisited: Obstacles and Opportunities in Addressing the Nonprofit Racial Leadership Gap, the authors say that, Just as the sustained protests in the United States and around the world in the wake of the unjust killings at the hands of police officers of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Rayshard Brooks and far too many Black people, have focused our collective attention on systemic issues and racial disparities, nonprofits and philanthropy in particular must also use a structural analysis when examining the racialized gaps. Now is the time to move from talk to change.

Frances Kunreuther and Sean Thomas-Breitfeld, Co-Directors of the Building Movement Project, and authors of the report, also say that 74 percent of a group of 5,000 people who work in the nonprofit sector reported that their organization has undertaken work on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and there is an effort throughout the sector to better understand and reflect on race and racism.

This is reflected in the makeup of GSSEMs staff as well as its ongoing emphasis in reaching out to girls of all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds and recruiting volunteers who look like them. Of the just under 100 fulltime employees with GSSEM, 55 identify as white and 45 percent identify as persons of color.

We work hard to make sure girls know they are represented so that when they look at our staff they can see themselves, Woodson says.

Williams says there will be challenges to the work because of deeply entrenched beliefs about the world held by people who are the opposite side of the DEI spectrum.

We understand that in the world we live in, not everybody is going to stay with us through this journey, he says. But what GSSEM, our region and our girls gain are the opportunity costs of being the inclusive Council we strive to be, and providing that safe space where all girls are supported and celebrated as they build leadership skills through Girl Scouts.

For those industry leaders who choose not to make DEI a priority, Woodson says its not her job to try and change their minds.

I dont think anyone should be shamed or bullied into it, she says. You have to have an awareness and a genuine desire to walk this path. Time will tell how companies and organizations are going to be impacted if they dont incorporate this into their work. DEI does not have an end date and the conversations around it will continue.

This is the second article in a series of monthly features about the leadership and life skills girls are learning as members of Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan. It is made possible with funding from theGirl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan.

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Facing the Future: Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan Elevates Diversity and Equity - Concentrate

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Senator Alex Padilla pledged help Tuesday for struggling families in Kern County.

Its been a tough year to put it mildly, said Californias newest senator about the impacts of the pandemic across the state and Kern County. During a virtual phone call Tuesday with leaders from the non-profit Community Action Partnership of Kern, Padilla promised that the resources of the Untied States government are dedicated to families in need.

The good news is both hope and help are on the way, he said as he touted the recent $1.9 trillion dollar signed into law known as the American Rescue Act of 2021. In addition to sending stimulus payments of $1,400 to individuals making less than $75,000 per year, the bill also will help young families and children across the nation, according to Padilla.

The legislation, per Padilla, will allow many parents to reduce their tax bill by claiming a child tax credit. Parents earning less than $75,000 on a single return can claim a tax credit of $300 per month, or $3,600 per year per child less than six years old. For every child younger than 17, but older than six years old, that credit stands at $250 per month per child.

The intent of the American Rescue Plan aligns with CAPKs purpose. We are committed to serving all communities as they work to become more equitable and prosperous places to live, said Jeremy Tobias, CEO of the non-profit Community Action Partnership of Kern. He notes the poverty line stands at an income of $26,500 per year for a family of four.

In a county where roughly 29% of children younger than 18, and 31% of kids aged 0-5 live in poverty, Tobias said the American rescue plan will help.

This is a monumental step in addressing childhood poverty and the overall war on poverty, he stated.

Valley Congressmembers David Valadao and Kevin McCarthy have argued the legislation does not focus enough on COVID-related relief and is too expensive.

When asked to respond, Padilla said it was very intentional to be comprehensive and inclusive in this COVID relief package for the sake of our public health and economic recovery.

Padillas office said $2.5 billion from the legislation will go toward the Central valley, including roughly $314 million to Kern:

Kern County government: $174,588,634

Arvin: $4,112,972

Bakersfield: $96,290,745

California City: $2,672,463

Delano: $14,198,941

Maricopa: $224,368

McFarland: $2,918,665

Ridgecrest: $5,453,533

Shafter: $3,840,041

Taft: $1,745,251

Tehachapi: $2,449,036

Wasco: $5,404,029

Total: $313,898,679

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Padilla: Help is on the way for struggling families in Kern County - KGET 17

As we wrap up Womens History Month, we wanted to share a Q+A we had with the women behind one of Columbias organizations Camp Cole. As the team of local ladies gears up to welcome the first campers to the new facility (T-76 days away), we wanted to get to know them a little better.

For those who dont know, Camp Cole was created by Kelsey Carter + Margaret Deans Grantz after Cole Sawyer passed away childhood cancer. Most camps and facilities are designed with able bodied individuals in mind so to meet the need the idea began to create a place that was built for children (or adults) like Cole.

This summer, Camp Cole will offer programs and services for children and other members of the community, including children experiencing homelessness, children experiencing a wide range of life challenges, and potentially a camp for children with cancer.

This fall we are working with a potential partner to create a wellness retreat for women as well as another organization for a Survivor Summit for women who have experience sexual assault or domestic violence. Margaret Deans Grantz

Until Camp Cole opens, lets get to know the team behind the one-of-a-kind space.

Margaret Deans Grantz and Kelsey Carter | Photo via @campcolesouthcarolina

Kelsey Carter, Co-Founder & Executive Director

Margaret Deans Grantz, Co-Founder & Director of Marketing and Development

Cassidy Green, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Kelsey Carter After graduating from the University of South Carolina, I moved to Dallas, TX to pursue a teaching career in low-income communities. After 2 years of teaching, I relocated back to Columbia to be with my family. I have always loved calling Columbia home I grew up attending Gamecock games and have always had a healthy appetite for boiled peanuts!

Margaret Deans Grantz Fifth generation Columbia woman and have never thought about leaving. It has always felt like home.

Cassidy Green I was born and raised in Columbia, then attended the University of South Carolina. Once I graduated, I looked for jobs in Columbia because its close to my family and I love the city.

Kelsey Carter Id love to see a greater emphasis on accessibility of public places and transportation.

Margaret Deans Grantz We need more affordable daycare options for working moms!

Cassidy Green I would love to see more people supporting the awesome small businesses we have here in Columbia. As the daughter of a small business owner, I always love to shop + support local organizations when I can.

Kelsey Carter Grouchos every sandwich on the menu is delicious

Margaret Deans Grantz You can find my husband and I at Casa Linda at least 2x a week but also huge fan of everything at il Giorgione.

Cassidy Green I love the Devine Street Cinnamon Roll Deli! My go-to is a build-your-own breakfast sandwich, which comes with a cinnamon roll. Its so affordable, the food is delicious, and the staff is really friendly.

Kelsey Carter I hope that Columbia keeps its vibrancy, neighborly feel, and energetic atmosphere. May our Columbian friendly smiles always create a community of courageous laughter.

Margaret Deans Grantz I hope that our roads are better first of all. I hope that Columbia is a place where people can feel safe, parents can know their children can get a good education, our districts, Five Points, Vista, Main Street, Trenholm Plaza (and more), are thriving, and my family is all still here!

Cassidy Green I hope Columbia is still actively growing! I hope small businesses are thriving, people feel welcome, safe, and included, and the gamecocks are having winning seasons.

Kelsey Carter Music: Jess Glynne, Book: Wonder by RJ Palacio, Movie: Step Brothers

Margaret Deans Grantz Music: Avett Brothers, Book: The Giving Tree and A Good Night for Mr. Coleman

Cassidy Green Movie: Pride and Prejudice (2005), Book: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, Album: Seasons Change by Scotty McCreery

Kelsey Carter My parents have always taught me to show others kindness, empathy, and compassion. Both my mother and my father were deeply rooted in giving back to our community, and they instilled a deep sense of service from a young age. We often had friends over for dinner from diverse walks of life, you quickly became family in our home. Having lost a child to cancer at the age of 11, my parents addressed the effects of grief and heartbreak daily. For me, their constant acknowledgement that grief is hard, gruesome, and difficult, but ultimately, from grief there can also be spring great blessings made a large impact in the way I choose to live my life.

Margaret Deans Grantz My parents have taught me so much. My dad and mom are 100% my role models and heroes. My dad has taught me the art of giving back and that Nothing is fair in life but a ground ball through first and third. My dad is the most selfless person I know. He is always quietly giving to others whether it is supporting a nonprofit or helping someone in need. My mom has taught me, among so many other things, how a mothers love is one of the strongest things in this world. My mom has six children who are all different. She has never given up on any of us, supported us through highs and lows, and has sacrificed everything to give us the world. The influence they have had on me has shaped me into the person I am today.

Cassidy Green Ive learned so much from my parents and Im still being influenced by them today. My dad has taught me to never stop learning. Not a day goes by where he doesnt seek more information about the things hes passionate about. Whether its listening to a podcast, reading, or attending classes, hes constantly learning, and I try to do the same. My mom has taught me how to treat all people with kindness. My mom has never met a stranger. My childhood was full of her making conversation with people at the grocery store, at church, or anywhere else. She makes everyone feel at-ease, whether shes known them for a lifetime or five minutes, and I try to be as inclusive and intentional as she is.

Kelsey Carter I have overcome a great deal of hardships and heartbreak in my life. I have lost two of the most important people in my life before the age of 25, my brother to cancer and my mother to a neurological stroke. When speaking with friends, my heart still skips a beat when a conservation gets brought up about Mothers Day or simply calling your mom after a long day at work. I have learned that obstacles in life do not define you, you are so much greater than your current circumstances. The only person who has the power to change your life, your outlook, your story is you.

Margaret Deans Grantz I really wanted to be a Child Life Specialist after college but I got a Business Economics degree in college. I went to apply for internships to become a CLS and learned that things had changed and I needed a degree in something more related to child life. I was pretty bummed as becoming a Child Life Specialist was something I really decided I wanted to do. I decided to take a step back and work in the nonprofit sector. It is crazy how everything works out just how it is supposed to. Camp Cole is exactly where I should be and feel so blessed that my dream job of being a Child Life Specialist did not work out and give back to the community through Camp Cole.

Cassidy Green I graduated in May of 2020, which is right after COVID began. As you can imagine, it was a really difficult time to look for jobs. I began to get discouraged, but after speaking with some mentors, I decided to make the most of my free time by volunteering with a local organization. This is how I got connected with Camp Cole! I started as a volunteer, then turned into an intern. After interning for 6 months, I got my job as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Camp Cole. COVID certainly affected the job market, but because I decided to utilize my time wisely by volunteering, I ended up with a job with an incredible organization!

Kelsey Carter Always be kind, you do not know the battles someone is facing.

Margaret Deans Grantz An epiphany I had one day when in the grocery store, I was just in one of those moods where I didnt really want to stop and talk to anyone but saw someone I knew on an aisle. I could have easily avoided the hello but I realized and thought to myself: how hard is it to just stop and smile and say hello to someone. You never know who might need a smile or a hello that day.

Cassidy Green Ive learned that it costs nothing to be kind. There has never been a time in my life when I have regretted making someone feel special or loved. There will always be times when we fall short, but if we always strive to do our best to be kind, the world will be a better place.

Kelsey Carter Patricia Polacco, Marilyn Monroe, and Kid President.

Margaret Deans Grantz Taylor Swift, my best friend, Elizabeth, who died when I was in second grade, and my Dad.

Cassidy Green Reese Witherspoon, Dolly Parton, and Lee Wyndham, my grandmother. They are all strong southern women, so together, theyd be a force to be reckoned with.

Kelsey Carter Ashley Thomas, Founder of the The Hive Community Circle. Nonprofit dedicated to serving women experiencing or have experienced partner domestic violence. The statistics for our state are terrible regarding domestic violence, Ashley is committed to educating teens on healthy relationships, as well as providing intentional services to deserving women.

Leadership Columbia Class of 2021 Leadership Columbia was an incredible experience where I learned a great deal about the Midlands community. Especially with COVID this year, the class has had to be resilient and preserve in a difficult environment. I appreciate their focus and project this year at Midlands Fatherhood Coalition.

Margaret Deans Grantz I am always watching Homeless No More and how they are impacting the community with the work they do with homeless families. The work they do is so important. I am always watching Aja Wilson and following her. I think Columbia is pretty lucky to have someone like her for our young girls to look up too. I love that she makes time to come back and make a difference in the community that raised her. Lastly, I am always watching business leaders like Joe Taylor who work hard to bring businesses to Columbia and make it a place where people want to live.

Cassidy Green Bhavna Vasudeva has been a family friend of ours for years. She is so active in our community, always supporting nonprofits that mean a lot to her. I admire her drive and passion for helping others. Dawn Staley is someone who I and so many others look up to. Her commitment to equality, her players, and the community is incredibly inspiring to me, so she is someone who I am definitely watching. Amanda Harter and Neal Coats are Camps Coles Project Manager and Superintendent with Hood Construction. They have done such a wonderful job making sure that Camp Cole is exactly what we dreamed it would be. After Camp Cole is completed, I know they will continue building many more impressive buildings in the Columbia area. Im excited to see what comes next for them!

Kelsey Carter Sharon Bryant, Christy Davis, Amanda Harter, Cassy Shea, and Elizabeth Nkuo Johnson are all women who inspire me. They dedicate themselves to serving our community, removing barriers in the workforce, and show up everyday with poise and class.

Margaret Deans Grantz Right now I think MacKenzie Scott is pretty inspiring. She is Jeff Bezos ex wife who gifted $4.2 Billion of her own worth to non profit organizations across the country. But also, my best friends grandmother, Bebe, is someone I really look up to and admire. She lives in Greenville, SC and is one of the most giving women I have ever met. I hope I can raise my children to be as kind as she raised her children, to be able to give back and serve my community in the way she has, and have the heart of Jesus that she has.

Cassidy Green I have been immensely blessed by the strong, intelligent, generous, and grace-filled women in my family. From my youngest relative to my oldest, I have learned so much about how to respect myself and others. I also look up to Kelsey Carter and Margaret Deans Grantz. Im beyond thankful that I get the chance to work alongside them. They are determined to create an environment in which every single person will feel included, special, and worthy, and I am lucky I get to witness their hard work every day.

Kelsey Carter You are worthy of the success you accumulate. You are valuable and you are capable of great things. Do not let anyone dim your light.

Margaret Deans Grantz That you can do anything as long as you believe in something bigger than yourself. A lot of people did not think two girls in their 20s could raise $10 million dollars, build a camp, and create something that has never been done in Columbia before but we have raised $13 million dollars, built a state of the art camp, and have created programs that are already impacting lives and our doors havent even opened yet.

Cassidy Green I want to tell future local women about the importance of being kind to yourself. I really like the expression, you cant pour from an empty cup. Its much easier to take care of others once youve taken care of yourself first. Its so important that we take some time each day to reflect on what we love about ourselves!

Margaret Deans Grantz To change the lives of people through the camping experience. We hope to create programs where there are gaps in our community for children and adults who deserve the chance to connect with people going through similar experiences.

Cassidy Green Our next big step is welcoming campers this summer! We are so excited to see children, teens, and adults make memories at this place that so many people have dreamed about for such a long time. Im just blessed that I get to be a witness to the great things that will happen at Camp Cole!

Kelsey Carter Ashley Thomas, we need to be talking more about women of diverse backgrounds in leadership positions.

Cassidy Green You should interview Darci Strickland, a journalist with WLTX. My senior year of college, she came and spoke during one of my journalism classes. She had so many interesting stories about her time as a journalist!

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COLA Q+A with the women behind Camp Cole | COLAtoday - COLAtoday

By Joe Powers and Ben May

Are We Courageous Enough to Create Our Own Future Now?

Walt Disney said: Courage is the main quality of leadership. Leadership in the fire and emergency services today defines the truth of his statement. Courage is one of the defining characteristics for every man and woman who takes the oath to serve and protect our citizens day and night. There is no nobler mission. But its not as easy as it was some years ago. We dont mean easy in the challenges to do the job. Thats never been easy. It takes a special kind of person to be a firefighteror any kind of first responder. Its an extremely high bar in mental and physical ability and dexterity. The decision to lead firefighters and officers is the high ground of courage. Its never easy to lead. Its messy; sometimes we dont know if weve made the right decision until years later. Today we are faced with every possible emergency facing our citizens and now are in the middle of a global pandemic. It seems like our services just keep expanding in the face of budget cuts and layoffs.

Shaping a New Future

Courage in leadership is defined by shaping the new future, maintaining traditional brand values, creating a foundation for sustainability through fostered innovation, and thinking differently to ensure tomorrows success. The fire services future relies on courageous leaders; however, the success of individual departments providing fire and emergency services hinges on the willingness of those leaders to step out, understand community needs, and begin to adapt now.

21st Century White Paper

The recent 21st Century Fire and Emergency Services White Paper from the Center for Public Safety Excellence is a blueprint for this adaptation. Released just a few months ago, the White Paper is one of the most comprehensive roadmaps for our service at exactly the right time. However, the future it describes is now. The actions it describes need to be taken now because our future is meeting us today. The 21st Century White Paper is exactly the kind of leadership so necessary for our profession and the safety of our citizens. It is visionary, strategic thinking grounded in the reality of the challenges we face with real solutions. This white paper should be a working document for every departments strategic planning process.

A Change in the Wind

In the mid-2000s, the industry began a transformation. Little by little, fire department leaders across the United States started thinking differently and viewing their communities problems not in generalities but in specifics. Fire departments began to understand that, although fires are a high-risk problem, it is not the only risk experienced in the neighborhoods they serve. Todays top fire departments hold the distinctions because their leaders stepped out of line, supported innovative thinking, and used their brand to build a foundation for long-term success in the community.

Community Risk Reduction

One of the key opportunities emerging from the 21St Century Fire and Emergency Services White Paper is the convergence of citizens needs for our service. The growth of community risk reduction (CRR) is the key that unlocks this opportunity for pinpoint service whether emergency or preventive, whether fire and rescue or some other agency that we bring into the equation. Incidentally, its a marketers dream. CRR begins with the brand: Fire Department or Fire and Rescue or Fire and Emergency Services.

In a recent conversation with one of our finest young chiefs, she mentioned how one of her challenges in bringing in new firefighters was the reality that only 7% of the job included actual firefighting. Yes, this is generally true, but wedo not see this as a problem. Its the evolution of our profession to an all-hazards mitigation service. Our heritage and history have served us well. It is rich in traditions as the stimulus for innovation, and CRR is that next step, with the White Paper to expand well beyond that.

Defining Risk and Creating a Point of Difference

The mindset of departments using models of CRR is different from all others, and rightfully so. The fundamentals of CRR drive departments to be different from all the others because the communities they serve are individual. Traditionally speaking, the fire service may provide some of the same services throughout the industry. However, we achieve the highest level of positive outcomes when we serve our residents with the programs and services most needed. We best serve our community best by first understanding risk.

Its Not a Name Change

First and foremost, regarding CRR, lets be on the same page. Throughout the industry, CRR may be one of the most misunderstood terms. For those leaders who understand CRR, there is long-term success in operations, community outcomes, and funding. For those who dont understand it, CRR is simply a static name change and an unimpressive replacement for either fire prevention or the fire marshals office. What is the most significant risk to CRR? The lack of understanding by fire service leaders.

Opening the Firehouse Doors for a Transformative Model

CRR is not public education, fire code inspections, fire prevention, or more work for firefighters. It is a complete transformation to a model of risk assessments, prioritization, resource deployment, and evaluation. In the simplest of terms, CRR is all about opening the doors of our firehouses, looking into the neighborhoods, seeing the problems, then going out and helping to reduce the impacts of the biggest problems.

Understanding Enough to Tell the Story

In many cases, CRR uses firefighter perceptions, reliable data, and community insights to better understand the risk faced by residents and visitors. Collecting and studying the information create fantastic opportunities for fire service leaders to tell neighborhood-based stories. When fire departments can understand and articulate the unheard stories, they can use their trusted brand to impact communities positively, save lives, and write the organizations future. This is where we start to see the opportunities of CRR in our departments. Telling the stories of an industrial area may drive changes to our training academy, the information we collect and share during preincident planning, and how command officers allocate emergency resources. Within a multi-family community, the stories may lead us to tailor curricula in that specific school district, improve on messaging during public events, and develop partnerships with social services to improve service delivery.

A Multidisciplinary Approach

CRR, depending on the neighborhood, may have elements of code enforcement and public education. However, true CRR is not fire prevention or kids wearing plastic fire helmets. CRR is community-specific services, programs, partnerships, and organizational changes to improve outcomes. CRR may impact physical fitness training and requirements where wildland and even high-rise risks occur. It may alter how company officers develop riding seat assignments or how home health care providers interact with their at-risk clients.

Is It Worth It? Yes, and Heres How to Do It

CRR sounds like more work, right? Well yes, and no. Creatively collecting information to tell the stories is an additional workload. However, as you begin to define the risks, the models of CRR drive increased efficiency and decreased organizational workload while doing more in the community. Although it sounds like a pipe dream, there are several benefits to CRR that most leaders dont realize. By conducting a risk assessment and understanding the neighborhood stories, departments can better provide the risk-reduction activities communities need. However, CRR works the opposite way, too, by identifying what services communities dont needtrimming citywide programs down to only those communities that require the services to increase efficiency and decrease workload. Also, providing the right services to the right community or population may reduce emergency response demand.

Dig Deeper to Understand the Real Risks in Your Community

Whats also important to understand is this: The first time you try to develop a risk assessment, you may not find the real story. Good risk assessments are the product of trials, innovations, evaluations, and perseverance. Risk assessments are not a one-and-done document you put on a shelf. Useful risk assessments use data, the Web, and even interviews to gather experiential data from firefighters, police officers, social works, and more. Evaluating progress can shed light on improvement opportunities and additional risk assessment elements to better tell the story.

Its a Partnership that Can Work

Being everything for everybody is fiscally impossible, andlets be honestthe fire department doesnt need to try to do it all. There are vast opportunities to partner with government and private organizations to improve communities. Linking up and communicating with social service and mental health resources may improve the holistic response to frequent 911 utilizers. Partnering with in-home health care, property maintenance, or meal-delivery services puts a number of advocates in homes, which the fire service cannot otherwise achieve. Even working with local schools and outlining their students specific risks can drive changes in morning announcements, lunchroom posters contents, and to-home messaging. There are so many capable organizations and people who can make a difference. Provide them with the information and let them do the job.

The Fire in Fire Department

As leaders, we have the responsibility to imbue young firefighters with the evolution of our profession and their responsibility as leaders to take it further. The brand equity and public loyalty are symbolized by the Maltese Cross, our uniforms, and our carenot just in time of need but in a comprehensive, interactive approach to safety and prevention with the citizens we protect in the middle. In our opinion, the name Fire and Rescue or Emergency Services is critical. Our citizens trust us in the way they know us. They know us first as the Fire Department, and it is an undisputed market and brand position.

Comprehensive Safety 24/7

In CRR, the Fire Department is leading and coordinating this comprehensive safety equation. That is marketing leverage from an unassailable position. Its our responsibility to maintain that high ground of brand loyalty and equity. We do this daily in the specific actions with ourselves, the public, and the other agencies and professions we involve in CRR.

The fire service has the opportunity to capitalize on its brand and create a sustainable future through CRR. Risk-matched services, strategic partnerships, and continuous evaluation for improvement can drive outcomes to build our future through strengthening the fire department brand.

Courageous with CRR

Being courageous enough to intentionally instill CRR elements with the trusted brand of your fire department will put firefighters at the forefront of community change. Funding for your organization is no longer a government liability, as is seen in a traditional firefighting department; its an investment in intentional community change. Community investments that drive positive outcomes while reducing workload are a sustainable model for our industries future. The outcomes of CRR in one department cannot be duplicated in another. CRR requires leaders courage to step up and intentionally understand the communities served to tell the stories for successful outcomes.

Leading the Evolution of Our Future

The future of fire, emergency services, and comprehensive safety is in our hands if we have the courage to lead and shape it. Every fire officer, firefighter, and probie has the intelligence to embrace the shifting paradigm that includes the wellness of our citizens as well as their emergency needs. As the 21st Century White Paper notes: We will have specific data drawing a picture of the hazards and needs of every building, business, and family by jurisdiction and location. We are building a safe future for all our citizens with the fire service in the lead as the master builder.

Joe Powers is a 27-year veteran of the fire service and has a masters degree in public administration and a bachelors degree in health sciences.He works with fire departments to improve operational response, reduce operational workload, and tie data to strategic decision making.Powers is the deputy chief of community risk reduction at the Charlottesville (VA) Fire Department.

Ben May is a board director of the Center for Excellence in Public Safety and recently retired global director of corporate alliances for the Walt Disney Company. He has been a marketing consultant to Fire Service Publications (IFSTA) of Oklahoma State Universitys School of Fire Protection Technology, the U.S. Fire Administration, and metro fire departments across the country. He has a master degree with honors in international communication and Russian.

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Taking the Long View - FirefighterNation - Firefighter Nation

As the COVID19 pandemic has upended everything at UC Santa Cruz, the Center for Innovations in Teaching and Learning has stepped forward to help.

The center, now celebrating its fifth anniversary, has played a vital role in providing resources and research to faculty to aid them in redesigning their classes for the new reality.

Founded in 2016 to continue and refresh the universitys long tradition of educational experimentation, CITLs goal is to help educators and students thrive through use of the latest research and educational technologies.

Susan Strome, a professor of molecular, cell and developmental biology, said working with CITL has been transformative for her. Because of advice she received through CITL, she redesigned her syllabus to be more engaging and welcoming. She emphasized that she believes all students can succeed, and she outlined what she will do in partnership with students to help them achieve their goals. CITL also provided critical guidance in how to redesign her course for remote instruction.

CITL is having a profound impact on teaching on campus, Strome said, adding that many faculty members have looked to the center for help on offering remote instruction classes. When we go back to in-person instruction, we will be better instructors.

Over the last year, CITLin close collaboration with Online Education and Information Technology Serviceshas offered numerous webinars and a teaching newsletter with ideas on such things as how to manage Zoom classes, incorporate videos, provide inclusive teaching and how to facilitate active learning. CITL also provided information on how to offer trauma-informed teaching. Faculty were encouraged to regularly ask students how they are doing during the pandemic and to ask about their needs.

What were trying to do is have everyone learn, said Jody Greene, the centers founding director and associate vice provost for teaching and learning.

Prior to the pandemic, it was harder to get faculty engaged with the centers efforts because they were so busy with their many responsibilities, Greene said. Understandably, they didnt have endless hours to rethink how to run their courses. But with the onset of COVID19, everyone had to rethink how they run their courses. Greene said shes pleased to hear that Strome and many professors felt they benefited from the process.

If youre real clear on what you want students to learn and you design what you do in class and how you affect their learning in an intentional way, then youre going to get a lot more learning than out of a really entertaining performance, as one example, Greene said.

Because of encouragement from CITL, some professors have been willing to try things they never have beforelike allowing students to retake exams until they got it right. The idea is to stop using tests as a way to sort students into good and bad, and to instead use them as assessments to help students learn.

Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz, an astronomy professor, said that the way UC Santa Cruz approaches teaching and evaluates teaching can be divided before or after CITL.

It has changed the mentality around here, he said. Its generated a really beautiful, supportive, intellectually brilliant community of learners and teachers.

Ramirez-Ruiz, who has been a CITL fellow for many years, particularly appreciates how the center encourages professors to be better mentors to students.

Good teaching, good mentoring practices are going to be rewarded and are essential to the way people are promoted, he said.

He said CITL has also played an important role in getting departments to look at where they are losing students of color, and to take steps to correct that problem.

CITL will celebrate its fifth anniversary April 14 with a convocation featuring Estela Bensimon, professor of higher education at the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education and director of the Center for Urban Education, which she founded in 1999.

Bensimon is known nationally and internationally for her role in promoting equity in higher education. She developed a toolkit, which Strome used, to help faculty redesign their syllabuses in a more inclusive way.

Bensimon asks faculty members to be race-conscious and to pay attention to how minoritized students do on homework assignments. As an example, Latinx students in a class might have good attendance but might not be handing in homework because they think its optional.

A lot of this is hidden curriculum, Greene said. Its about making everything transparent so that everyone has an opportunity to navigate the course expectations and succeed.

Bensimon also encourages faculty members to look at the strengths of minoritized populations. For example, faculty members should become conscious of the collaborative skills from communities less individualist than white culture. Shes very adamant about a strengths-based approach, Greene said.

Greene hopes people who hear Bensimons talk will come away inspired to continue working with CITL and the many partners with whom they closely collaborate to improve teaching and support equitable outcomes for students on campus.

CITL is not changing teaching but changing the culture of teaching, she said. This is something we expect people will develop over the course of their careers.

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Marking fifth year, Center for Innovations in Teaching and Learning plays vital role in campus mission - UC Santa Cruz

Canvas Ventures closes CV3, a $350M fund to offer visionary founders early-stage capital and go-to-market expertise.

Intentional Approach to Thesis-Driven Investing

Canvas engages in thesis-driven investing in fintech, digital health, marketplaces, and logistics, primarily leading Series A rounds with check sizes ranging from $5 million to $15 million. The four partnersRebecca Lynn, Paul Hsiao, Mike Ghaffary, and Gary Littletake on a select number of companies, ensuring that each investment receives maximum support. The Canvas partners proactively scout and select founders who demonstrate they are best-in-class technologists focused on building impactful companies.

"In today's market, nothing is more important than focus. At Canvas, that means honing in on strategic sectors so that when we see a company, founder, or idea we believe in, we can move quickly. This intentional approach is how we find, support, and grow transformational companies," said Rebecca Lynn, co-founder and general partner at Canvas Ventures. "I've spent my career in go-to-market. We've now seen, through successes in our past funds, that our deep operational background paired with our thesis-driven approach produces strong results and allows us to make successful, bold bets. We're doubling down with CV3."

Canvas Ventures' first fund, CV1, includes Luminar Technologies (Nasdaq: LAZR), a global leader in automotive lidar technology that went public via SPAC in December 2020; Zola, online wedding registry, planner, and retailer; Vida Health, virtual care for chronic conditions; and Transfix, a digital freight management software. Notable investments from CV2 include logistics companies MasonHub and Flowspace, proptech leaders Roofstock and Flyhomes, and fintech pioneers Possible Finance, Gabi, and Skyflow.

One of the venture industry's earlier female-founded firms, Canvas has an investment and platform team today composed of 40% women. And across the Canvas portfolio, 1/3 of its companies are founded or led by women, including Zola, Transfix, Thrive Global, Casetext, Platform9, and Vida Health, among others.

Founders' First Call for Growth Guidance

Canvas Ventures' four General Partners take a hands-on approach to each investment, lending early-stage growth guidance drawn from a collective 45 years of operational experience:

Rebecca Lynnworks with early-stage founders to refine their product-market fit and expand their go-to-market strategy. Rebecca has a passion for unlocking new channels for growth and building out consumer and brand marketing, drawing from early career experience at Procter & Gamble and operational experience scaling fintech companies from early-stage to IPO.

Paul Hsiaoapproaches investing with an innate respect for how founders and leaders build meaningful companies. Paul draws on deep experience as a two-time founder and leverages hard-won wisdom scaling companies from garage-scale to IPO. His unique skill is in helping early-stage companies identifyand landtheir most valuable customers.

Mike Ghaffarybrings a unique perspective as a founder and operator with a particular focus on marketplaces and business development. Understanding how BD can be a lever for growth, Mike counsels portfolio companies with firsthand advice from his experience as an executive at Yelp and CEO of Eat24. He helps companies with early business initiatives including new revenue lines, strategic partnerships, and go-to-market strategy and execution.

Gary Littlehas several decades of experience operating and investing in enterprise companies. Gary has a particular interest in innovative software and services, and lends portfolio companies his deep expertise in product-led growth and developer marketing for products with strong open source communities. He has helped his portfolio companies grow from pre-revenue to IPO and multi-billion dollar exits.

"In an environment where expectations have never been higher, the team at Canvas is fortunate to be investing in founders building companies that facilitate true digital and physical transformation. Each partner lends extensive operating experience, ultimately helping our portfolio companies scale and succeed. We know first-hand what it takes to grow a company from $1M to $1B, and we work tirelessly to ensure the best outcomes for our portfolio companies," said Paul Hsiao, Co-Founder and General Partner at Canvas Ventures.

A Growing Team to Support Growing Companies

With CV3, Canvas Ventures is launching a GTM Council to provide portfolio companies with advice and insights from best-in-class marketers across B2B and B2C disciplines. The Canvas GTM Council is an elite group of proven operators with experience guiding early-stage growth across sales and marketing at industry-leading tech companies.

The Canvas team has grown significantly, with new hires spanning the investment team, talent, and marketing. The team scouts new investments, offers guidance to new and existing portfolio companies, builds the Canvas brand, and supports portfolio marketing.

Grace Isfordis an investor with a passion for scouting humble and ambitious entrepreneurs across sectors ripe for innovation, with a focus on B2B business models in fintech, digital health, and enterprise. Prior to Canvas, Grace worked in product at Handshake, in growth equity at Stripes Group and on the LP side at the Stanford Management Company. She holds a BS/MS from Stanford where she was a Mayfield Fellow.

Evan Hatchis an investor interested in the modernization of infrastructure within financial services and enterprises. Prior to Canvas, Evan worked at Insight Venture Partners and Global Founders Capital.

Harrison Lieberfarbis an investor enthusiastic about connecting with mission-driven, category-defining entrepreneurs. His focus as an investor is on consumer and B2B marketplaces, fintech, and software. Harrison was previously an investor at Softbank Group and worked in business and corporate development at Yelp.

Ripley Hartmeyeris head of talent & community, with a focus on sourcing, cultivating, and placing top talent across the Canvas portfolio, as well as building the Canvas entrepreneurial community ecosystem. She also plays a key role in investor communication and relationship building. Ripley previously worked at Spencer Stuart, a leading global executive search firm.

Nina Willdorfis head of marketing & communications, where she works closely with Canvas portfolio companies to develop their brand narrative and marketing strategy, in addition to helping position Canvas's brand. Nina brings years of marketing storytelling experience at tech companies including Coinbase, Airbnb, and Trulia, along with working as an editor and journalist for national media outlets such as All You and Travel + Leisure.

About Canvas Ventures

Canvas Ventures is the boutique firm for visionary builders. Leading Series A investments in transformative companies, Canvas follows a thesis-driven approach to investing, scouting, and securing fields ripe for disruption, including: fintech, digital health, marketplaces, and logistics. Canvas Ventures' investing partners are Rebecca Lynn, Paul Hsiao, Mike Ghaffary, and Gary Little. Founded in 2013, Canvas Ventures and its partners have been named to Forbes Magazine's Midas List several times over. Visit http://www.canvas.vc to learn more and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Media Contact: [emailprotected]

SOURCE Canvas Ventures

http://www.canvas.vc

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Canvas Ventures Closes Third Fund at $350 Million to Offer Visionary Founders Early-Stage Capital and Go-To-Market Expertise Proven to Accelerate...

In this moment, Rachel Cargle is resting in her joy. Shes just moved into her favorite apartment in Brooklyn, New York; shes enjoying the solitude of the new (virtual) normal and shes finishing up writing her debut book. The multi-hyphenate activist, educator, entrepreneur and writer is known for her examinations of the intersections of race, feminism and womanhood, and does so through social media and her plethora of initiatives: The Great Unlearn, the Loveland Foundation, Elizabeths Bookshop & Writing Centre and Rich Auntie Supreme. Though her work contains many facets, each arm of Cargles portfolio reveals a singular objective: to center and protect her Black community.

Speaking with kindred spirit and fellow businesswoman Tamu McPherson of beauty, culture, fashion and wellness blog All the Pretty Birds, Cargle discusses her upbringing near Akron, Ohio, finding a non-traditional path to purposeful work and using her talents for empowerment, of others and self.

Tamu McPherson: What in your experience as a young person in Greene, Ohio put you on your pathway to what youre doing now?

Rachel Cargle: Ohio was a really wonderful place for me to grow up because of my mother and the way she raised me. I had a very pleasant childhood, even in the midst of not understanding that we were very, very poor, and the experiences that I was having as a Black woman living in a very white space. But my mother instilled in me so much curiosity, and so much confidence, that I really enjoyed the experience of navigating the world. I also feel like she knew the type of world that I was existing in before I could even really comprehend what it meant for me to be the only Black girl in my elementary school, or to move through spaces without really having reflections of myself.

I think about Ohio springs and summers a lot. Even though New York City is the love of my life, and I cant fathom ever leaving here, I definitely have a very soft spot for Ohio forever.

TMP: I hear you. As you know, I migrated to New York from Jamaica, and we were quite poor. I didnt know that we were poor. And it just makes me feel like poverty is a state of mind and what your parents are nurturing you with is really what determines how you experience your life as a young person. What about your relationship with your mother and your older sisters? I get a sense that those relationships deeply shaped the way that you love women today.

RC: Thats very challenging to me. My relationship with my sisters is very complicated. My sisters are twelve years older than me and their whole adult lives have been in and out of drug addiction and in and out of alcoholism. For me to be able to go on to do something like this, and for my sisters to have gone on to make their decisions makes me think a lot about nature versus nurture, and has influenced my decision not to have children. I think that my sisters in particular are a constant reminder for me of the ways that Black women exist in the world. It informs how I love Black women and the sometimes fragility of our survival.

Rachel Cargle at home. Interiors by lr Interiors. Dress by Mara Hoffman, earrings and necklace by Bulgari, bracelets by David Yurman & Bulgari.

TMP: I obviously did not know about that. But I think that the great thing is that even though youve had those challenges in such intimate relationships, you are whole and that you want to continue to give love and to nurture women that you dont even know. The Loveland Foundation is an example of that: youve created healing for Black women, for women like your sisters. Youre giving the gift of mental health to so many women and in such a critical way. And youre dismantling the taboos and stigma that surrounds mental health and therapy.

RC: I think that a lot of my intent, and a lot of my motivation in my work, and particularly in the approach that the Loveland Foundation is recognizing that it definitely could have been me and I am deeply grateful that I was able to exist on the path that I am. When I started the Loveland Foundation, I imagined a ripple and I chose Black women and girls as the people who would be getting our initial support because they are the bedrock of families of communities, of churches, of organizations.

TMP: Your path has also led you to academia. How did your experiences at collegiate institutions propel you to create your own direction as a scholar?

RC: Learning was always a pillar of my existence. I enjoyed it; I leaned into it and I was always looking forward to it in one way or another. So, particularly in my experience attending Columbia University as an adult older than most college students, I was, again, very excited to be on campus and in the classroom. Then, at orientation when the dean is walking us around she says, Oh, when youre on campus grounds, its just like youre back in 1842. And I thought, No, thats actually not where I prefer to be.

Its those microaggressions that wither away at you that really make you question so much. Columbia just continued to not show up for the Black students and the Black community. But, I also have to acknowledge the privilege that I had in that moment. I had been getting momentum with my writing so I already felt a lot more autonomy around my learning. What it ended up looking like was me curating my own syllabi: reaching out to these mainly queer BIPOC scholars and experts, and learning what I wanted to learn in the way I wanted to learn it from who I wanted to learn it from. The really fun part of the autodidactic and pursuing things as a public academic is the ability to pull resources that you might not have always even considered within the constraints of the institution. It was really revolutionary for me and its been really wonderful to witness other people see how Ive been trying to move into this space, and then creating their own learning experiences, as well.

TMP: I did it like I was supposed to do it: I went through school, and then I figured out, at 26, that I didnt want to be a lawyer, or I didnt want to work in finance, and that I wanted to work in fashion. Its taken me this long to even realize that Im an entrepreneur because I went to all those institutions that trained me to work for someone. I think that were kindred spirits in terms of getting to where we are today.

RC: I love that you had that realization, as well.

Dress by Wray, shoes by Christian Louboutin, earrings and necklace by Khiry, bracelet by David Yurman.

TMP: As an entrepreneur, youve structured your brand in such a way that from a sociological and anthropological standpoint is genius. The majority of your audience is white. Youve figured out your brand of social justice, social activism and you know who you hold space for for healing.

RC: I was very methodical about how I built my company, once I started in the entrepreneurial world, even when I was just a babysitter and I was learning about womens empowerment and pay equities. I took a lot of time pouring into how Oprah built Harpo Productions, and how Beyonc built her brand. There are so many things that I disagree with both of those women in a variety of areas. Theres also so much that I adore of and learned from them in how they decided to build their careers on their terms. I decided early on that I was not going to be only known for surviving whiteness, or helping white people be less racist. I started to be intentional in being vulnerable and showing other aspects of me: this is me walking in fashion week; this is me writing about love; this is me moving into the world of philanthropy and doing something that centers my community. I am very proud of how I have been able to define myself within any industry Ive decided to explore.

TMP: I feel that we are definitely in a space where people identify with one category, but I dont think its sustainable or healthy. On social media now, there are a lot of pedestals, and I feel uncomfortable with all of those pedestals.

RC: In the most literal sense, starting Elizabeths Books & Writing Center was me diversifying to a physical business. If we could no longer connect to each other over the web, I could still do my meaningful work for the community.

TMP: I feel thats what a lot of people are suffering from now. Theyre proverbially putting all their eggs in one basket, which is fine, because this is a game of trial and error. Its just the power of social media to put you there. I worry about what happens after.

RC: Especially in thinking about the anti-racism space, no one deserves to stay here for too long, because it will kill you. Itll kill you with overwhelm.

TMP: As a female entrepreneur, how did you reconcile the work you do with actually structuring compensation? This is a public service, but you absolutely have to be compensated, and then you have to compensate your community that supports you.

RC: In stereotype, activists are supposed to fit in the struggling artists beat. I believe that we actually should be pouring resources into them so that their art can continue to serve us. It was new and scary, but it was necessary to explore the ways that we exchange this community, particularly within the Black and white audiences. And I hope that my demanding to be paid for the work opens lots of doors for other people to come here to be paid for their emotional labor, too.

TMP: I really want to talk about Rich Auntie Supreme because while society doesnt dictate a picket fence anymore, were definitely pressured into getting married and were pressured into having children. How did this emerge, your desire to uplift women in your community who choose to not have children?

RC: You know, a phrase that has come up in my mind a lot is a Renaissance of my own. I decided a while ago that I knew I didnt want children. I was a nanny for a very long time and so I felt like it was an educated decision. Instead, Id like to join a group of women who are dedicated to their experience of enjoyment and luxury, and using all of the resources that come from not having children to pour into the community that we do love. Thats where the Auntie part of it comes in because I love being able to show up in ways that often our parents arent able.

TMP: The healing never stops for our community. We live in the families and the communities that we build. Something that feels so indulgent is going to liberate so many women.

RC: You know, I walked away from a marriage that was good. I just knew I wasnt supposed to be there. We were such a celebrated couple and he was making six figures very young. There were all of these things that made it check every single box. When I got my divorce that was me saying, This is good, but its not for me, and I trust myself to know whats for me. So Im going to walk away until I find whats for me. That is what Rich Auntie Supreme is.

TMP: What is bringing you joy in your life right now? I think its being a Rich Auntie Supreme.

RC: I am deeply enjoying that, but Im also enjoying solitude. I think that it is so glorious to wake up knowing I dont have to jump on the train to go to a meeting in SoHo. And I just moved into the apartment of my dreams in New York. I feel like Im existing as a special version of myself right now in my work, in my personal space, in my love life and in my creativity. Im really resting in it, and Im grateful.

TMP: Im so relieved, because as we said before, a lot of activists are currently suffering due to the stress and demands of the work. I always say to people, Ive worked in fashion, Im a fashion person, I create content, and people say, Oh, youre an activist. Im not. All I can do is build critical lenses for us to think because no one thinks critically anymore. I feel like social media is really dulling us.

RC: I first have to address the realities of people assuming that however a Black woman exists in the world that shes an activist, that she is fighting for her life, that she is responsible for educating people. Like me, or any Black person finding ease, that is revolutionary. Existing is a political act, and I hate that you cant just exist to be in fashion, that clothes on your body cant just be on your body for joy; they have to be in resistance. Who would we be if our genius didnt have to be applied to surviving white supremacy? Im hoping that Black women, and Black people in general, can continue to explore how to use their skills, their joys, their passions in ways that have nothing to do with surviving whiteness.

TMP: Exactly. I definitely feel that were all woke right now. And on social media, were all sharing stuff to prove it. But I wonder, are we really breaking down and making sure that we truly understand what were sharing? Even if its the best piece of advice, the best theory, the best critical thought, at the speed with which were sharing, are we processing?

RC: Yes, and are we engaging with it? Are we considering what role we might play within this issue at hand? I think that that is critical for the learner and for anyone who is looking to be a meaningful part of their community. I think my core values show up in every single venture I have. My company is very rooted in a matriarchal system, not as in gender, but the values of education, support, rest, being intentional in who we partner with. Each brand is a new way to show up for my community.

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In Life and Work, Rachel Cargle Is an Architect of Community - Cultured Magazine

Violence and pain change the way we experience our surroundings and the way our bodies move: our eyes become wide in search of potential dangers, our bodies become tense.

What is the power both negative and positive of understanding such violence and pain with numbers? There are dangers in reducing our pain to numbers, but at the same time, we can use mathematical literacy for social causes by revealing hidden violence, such as the violence against migrant racialized women.

Mathematical literacy doesnt just mean mastering mathematics defined by school curriculum; it also means gaining a sense of how to apply mathematical concepts to everyday life, for social causes and gaining insight into how numbers and data have inherently political resonances. It can also provide us with the opportunity to listen to historically marginalized voices to analyze interlocking systems of violence and oppression.

The recent mass shooting in Atlanta that violently took the lives of eight people, six of which were Asian American women, sparked demonstrations against anti-Asian racism that have long been silenced through the model minority myth which minimizes and undermines the experiences of racism among Asians.

Read more: The model minority myth hides the racist and sexist violence experienced by Asian women

The intersection of racism and sexism and other interlocking systems of oppression, like migration, geo-economic politics and the criminalization of sex work are considered to be at play in the violence that happened in Atlanta.

Read more: The Atlanta attacks were not just racist and misogynist, they painfully reflect the society we live in

A lens of intersectionality shines light on the violence against Black women, Indigenous women and racialized women at large. And it also reveals the violence against Asian women who have been stereotypically hypersexualized and deemed submissive, disposable and consumable.

Understanding intersectional violence through numbers can help make visible the invisible.

In an era of protests, the political neutrality of mathematics is being questioned.

The power of mobilizing mathematical literacy for local policy changes became evident in my work with Virgie Aquino Ishihara, a longtime volunteer and community activist, at the Filipino Migrants Center, in Japan.

The Filipino Migrants Center worked tirelessly with migrant communities to redress violence rooted in human trafficking in the urban entertainment industry. It countered official data on domestic and work-place violence that did not reveal historically marginalized voices and violence against their bodies, through the numeration of hidden violence. Mobilization of mathematical literacy became a powerful tool in the context of social movements to redress human trafficking associated with entertainer visas.

By analyzing the economic impact of remittance from migrants in relation to governmental policies, the Filipino Migrants Centre was able to contextualize what pushed women to migrate as entertainer visa holders. These big-picture understandings led the activists to see historical and macro-economic dilemmas around domestic and workplace violence against migrant women something that has been historically construed as personal problems.

When violence against racialized womens bodies is reduced to a number (one incident), and discussed simply as one more violent act against an anonymous racialized woman, elements and stories that women embody begin to be erased.

In this light, movements such as #SayHerName are important in centring stories of Black women who have been victimized by racially charged police violence from becoming a number (as seen in the recent killing of Breonna Taylor). Journalist, Shiori Ito, who led Japans social movement to fight against sexual violence chose to de-anonymize herself in order to challenge media that reports and speaks for these numbers whose stories and bodies end up erased through anonymity.

Such politics of de-anonymization, however, should also respect the choice of silence. To stay silent and to endure the hardships toward dignity a notion captured by the Japanese term shinbo was a choice made by some Japanese Canadians and Japanese Americans who experienced internment during the Second World War.

Numeration can also risk reducing our intersectional histories and experiences to deterministic categories. Binary and categorical frameworks (e.g. women versus men) inscribed in statistics can perpetuate genderism and queerphobia that privileges those who can conform to gender norms, cisnormativity and heteronormativity.

The complexities of human stories and the voices that deviate from the norm shouldnt be lost in the process of numeration and mathematization.

In our study, the Filipino Migrants Centres efforts to make visible the invisible by exercising mathematical literacy brought consequential changes in the urban entertainment district.

As we walked around the district, we noticed significant changes that took place in the public park migrant women and allies came together. And as people came together, resident-led safety efforts developed as an alternative to institutional policing and surveillance. Creating a safer outdoor place required changing the actions of bystanders who can intervene in violence.

Mathematical literacy can allow us to listen to historically marginalized voices that are less heard yet powerful and strong to analyze interlocking systems of violence and oppression. However, numeration and mathematization have to be done through a non-hierarchical distribution of power with people who are directly impacted by historical oppression with respect to pain that cannot be reduced to numbers.

Intentional design of spaces toward solidarity, backed up with ethical mobilization of mathematical literacy, could move us toward healing our collective pain of violence.

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Power in numbers: Making visible the violence against racialized women - The Conversation CA