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How has the conversation around diversity, equity, and inclusion evolved since 2019?
In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Anne Phibbs, Founder and President of Strategic Diversity Initiatives, explores the dramatic shifts in DEI work over the past five years. From the racial reckoning following George Floyd's murder to current pushback against DEI initiatives, Dr. Phibbs offers valuable insights for family service providers navigating these changes. She discusses the impact of demographic shifts, the importance of sustainable DEI practices, and why diverse teams consistently outperform homogeneous ones.
Whether you're new to DEI work or a seasoned practitioner, this episode provides practical perspectives on building more inclusive services while maintaining resilience in the face of resistance.

Links

• The urgency of intersectionality - Kimberlé Crenshaw

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In this episode, Bob and Jessica explore the value of using a systems lens in community work, highlighting the interconnected factors that influence local development.

Jessica reflects on her experiences working with different groups on local issues, from business growth to health concerns, and shares tools and processes to foster understanding and collaboration within groups. These approaches help participants share their lived experiences and identify commonalities and differences, which can lead to more inclusive and effective solutions.

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We Make the Road by Walking
Cycle of Praxis

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In this episode of the Practicing Connection podcast, hosts Jessica and Bob explore the concept of balancing the "big picture" with "small actions" in their work and personal lives.

The episode delves into a practice inspired by adrienne maree brown's book Emergent Strategy, focusing on how simple, individual actions contribute to larger systemic changes over time. Bob guides listeners through a reflection on the interconnectedness of issues and the role each person plays in creating change, no matter how small their actions might seem. The discussion highlights the importance of patience and acceptance in the face of complex challenges, encouraging listeners to embrace both their being and creating in the journey toward collective progress.

Links

• Worksheet: Applying the Community Capitals Framework (CCF) with Military Families
• 2024 MFRA: Economic Readiness and Military Family Well-Being
• Emergent Strategy

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In this episode of the Practicing Connection podcast, hosts Jessica and Bob explore the Community Capitals Framework, a powerful tool from community development that can enhance your work with military families. They discuss how this framework, developed by Jan and Cornelia Flora, identifies seven types of capital—natural, cultural, human, social, political, financial, and built—and how these capitals can be leveraged to build resilient and supportive communities for military families.

Jessica and Bob dive into practical examples, such as the Stronghold Food Pantry at Fort Leavenworth and the collaborative efforts at Malmstrom Air Force Base, to illustrate how different capitals can be strategically utilized. They also share insights from books like "Strategic Doing" and "Holding Change," which offer valuable perspectives on asset-based approaches and the importance of small-scale changes in group facilitation.

Links

• Strategic Doing
• Holding Change
• Community Capitals Framework
• Spiraling-Up: Mapping Community Transformation with Community Capitals Framework
• Feeding Military Families with Stronghold Food Pantry CEO Monica Bassett
• An Ecosystem of Military Family Support with Nicola Winkel
• Partnering on Early Education for Military Kids
• Coming Together to Support Military Families in Military Bay, USA
• Reconnecting with Nature: Health and Well-Being for Military Communities

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Multigenerational communication is important for military leaders and family service providers.

In this episode, we talk about how to communicate across generations with Corie Weathers, author of Military Culture Shift.

Corie is a licensed professional counselor (LPC), and a sought-after speaker, consultant, and award-winning author. Corie has focused her career for the last 20 years as a clinician specializing in marriage, the military culture, special forces, and leadership development. In addition to providing subject matter expertise on military culture, Corie consults organizations and institutions on building trust, creating impactful programming, and working within a multi-generational team.

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In this episode, Bob and Jessica explore a powerful tool designed to deepen your connection with others—empathy mapping. Whether you're working with military families, service members, or anyone navigating life's challenges, this practice can help you step into their shoes and understand their experiences on a whole new level.

Jessica shares her insights on how empathy mapping can move us beyond surface-level interactions, offering practical steps to apply this tool in your work or personal life.

Links

• Empathy Map Activity
• Opening to Joy and Love by Sebene Selassie

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Navigating conversation about difficult topics, like money, can be daunting. In this episode, Bob and Jessica help you turn those tricky conversations into opportunities for growth and understanding. Jessica introduces the “Hopes and Concerns” activity, a powerful tool from the Constructive Dialogue Institute designed to ease the discomfort and enhance communication during challenging discussions.

Links

• Hopes and Concerns activity from the Constructive Dialogue Institute
• Approaching Money Conversations with Military Couples

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In this episode, join us in exploring how our beliefs and values shape our work, with a focus on financial attitudes and personal reflection. Research shows that investing in self-awareness can really build a foundation that allows service providers to respond to themselves compassionately regarding financial topics and concerns, allowing them to respond to others compassionately around these issues.

Jessica and Bob discuss what's inspiring them, and Bob walks through creating a financial genogram, a detailed practice for examining financial beliefs and family histories.

Links

• True Biz by Sara Nović
• The Self-Reflective Financial Therapist