My values inform my approach and decisions.
These values are inspired by the generous wisdom and brilliance shared with me by social justice educators, black feminists, white anti-racists, co-conspirators, and movement leaders.
Partnership
I am in relationship with everyone I work with. We take the time needed to build trust and identify the mutually-beneficial purpose of our work.
Trust
In my relationships, I trust others to show up fully with their gifts and talents and that we will all follow through and follow up on our commitments. I also trust that the solutions and wisdom we seek already exist among us. Our work together is to uncover them.
Curiosity
Approaching our work from a place of curiosity allows us to defer judgments and listen to others, facilitates creative solutionary thinking and opens us to new possibilities.
Joy
I evoke joy in all that I do. I have learned from black feminists that joy is the foundation of liberation and helps us understand our purpose.
Accountability
As a white woman working in social justice spaces, I strive to center the experiences and wisdom of BIPOC folks and communities I work with, and hold myself actionably accountable to supporting their leadership and vision.
Authenticity
I want everyone, including myself, to feel supported in showing up in their fullness at all times. In order to do that we must name and address the dynamics of power and oppression in our shared space.
Honoring Process and Outcome
Creating change is a process that involves consistent and on-going engagement. Through our process together we achieve small and short-term outcomes – such as connection, joy, and creativity – that cumulatively are just as meaningful as the long-term outcomes
Hilary Pollan Facilitation 