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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: [email protected] 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

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: [email protected] 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...

Before he was assassinated on April 4th, 1968, Dr. King was hated by many of the people and institutions who now claim to honor him today. In reflecting on his life and legacy, here are 10 quotes from Dr. King that deserve more of our attention. Blog Post referenced in this episode: https://notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com/beyond-the-dream-10-quotes-from-dr-king-that-deserve-more-attention/ Support the podcast by becoming a patron: patreon.com/NAHBlog Other Important Links: Blog: 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.

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.

In this episode, Relando discusses the importance of checking in on the "strong" friends in our lives who always support everyone else. He shares practical tips on offering real help, including listening without judgment. He also talks directly to the "strong" friends, affirming that they deserve the same level of care and attention that they so often provide to others. He reminds them to practice self-care, set boundaries, and reach out for help when they need it. Relando emphasizes that we all need community, and asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. 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.

In this week's episode, Relando shares an introductory talk he provided on Critical Race Theory as part of a Social Justice Speaker's Series in April of 2021. Much has happened since then from increased pushback against Pulitzer Prize-winning Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and her work in creating the 1619 Project, to efforts in states to effectively ban the teaching of critical race theory. These manifestations of white backlash prove the points made in Critical Race Theory, and reinforce the message that "white privilege is the ability to pass laws that prevent everyone from learning history that makes white people feel uncomfortable." The work continues. In the talk, Relando touches on dominant narratives, the power of story and counter-narratives, and basic tenets of Critical Race Theory. 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.

Contrary to what many of us have been told, there is a place for Black anger and rage in racial justice work. In this week's episode, Relando affirms that there are things that we just should never get used to, and that Black people have every right to be angry about their oppression. Blog Post referenced in this episode: Yes, Anger Does Influence My Work for Racial Justice, and No, We Won't Calm Down: https://notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com/yes-anger-does-influence-my-work-for-racial-justice-and-no-we-wont-calm-down/ Pairs Well With You Deserve Better. Solidarity Should Not Be Conditional in the Fight for Racial Justice: https://podcast.notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com/you-deserve-better-solidarity-should-not-be-conditional-in-the-fight-for-racial-justice/ 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 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.

The pandemic has had a disproportionately negative impact on the lives of people with marginalized identities, and the workplace is no exception. In this week's episode, Relando shares a call for organizational leaders to center equity in their decision-making, and an affirmation for staff with marginalized identities in the event that their organizations are unwilling to do that. Blog Post referenced in this episode: Reflecting on Organizational Leadership in a Pandemic:https://www.relandothompkinsjones.com/reflecting-on-organizational-leadership-in-a-pandemic/ It's Okay to Shift: https://www.relandothompkinsjones.com/its-okay-to-shift/ 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.

Acknowledging power dynamics is important in social justice work. When working in closed groups, none of us passes through some invisible barrier that removes our privilege or oppression. In this week's episode, Relando shares four socially just considerations for practitioners to keep at the top of their minds when engaging in group work. Blog Post referenced in this episode: 4 Ways to Stay Mindful of Social Justice Issues in Group Work Practice: https://notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com/4-ways-to-stay-mindful-of-social-justice-issues-in-group-work-practice/ 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.

We make Black History Everyday. We rise, we survive, we fly. Dedicated to Black people everywhere; in this week's episode Relando shares some important imagery that helps to remind him of how we are connected to a larger whole on the path to racial equity and justice. Blog Post referenced in this episode: We Make Black History Everyday. We Rise, We Survive, We Fly https://notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com/we-make-black-history-everyday-we-rise-we-survive-we-fly/ 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.

If you are passionate about social justice work in education and are currently in the interview phase for a position that works toward inclusion and equity at an institution, it is important to recognize that you are interviewing that institution as much as they are interviewing you. This is especially true if you hold multiple marginalized identities. In this week's episode, Relando shares examples of questions to ask to provide some additional clarity in deciding if the environment you are considering entering into is the right one for you. Blog Post referenced in this episode: Crowdsourced Interview Questions for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Positions in Education: https://notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com/crowdsourced-interview-questions-for-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-positions-in-education/ Original document--"Crowdsource Interview Document for DE&I positions": https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CUDuHkznSS88GEmoAlbezBAqRNrznw4rCFrT921dqP0/mobilebasic 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.

Think of a time where you have let others down in your social justice journey. What happened? How did you feel? What did you do? This week, Relando discusses the importance of embracing both-and-thinking, and taking ownership of the moments when we don't follow through with practicing solidarity in social justice work. Blog Post referenced in this episode: Sometimes, We Really Let Each Other Down in Social Justice Work: https://notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com/sometimes-we-really-let-each-other-down-in-social-justice-work/ 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.

Some people want everyone to strictly address one another with a "Merry Christmas", while others instead prefer to use "Happy Holidays" as a greeting this time of year. This week, Relando explores the underlying issues of this familiar debate and explains why choosing the inclusive route is the most affirming way to care for others this season. Blog Post referenced in this episode: What's with the Conflict? Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays: https://notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com/whats-with-the-conflict-merry-christmas-happy-holidays/ 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.

The time for false advertisement is over. Anti-racism is about actions not just words. In this week's episode, Relando shares six reasons colleges and universities need to face race and not ignore it. Blog Post referenced in this episode: 6 Reasons Colleges and Universities Need to Face Race and Not Ignore It: https://notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com/6-reasons-colleges-and-universities-need-to-face-race-and-not-ignore-it/ 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.