The Equity of the Human Experience

Perspectives on Equity: A Revitalizer Column

by Tecoria Jones, Be Strong Families board member, National Parent Cafe Leadership Team

Be Strong Families is an organization focused on building trust. We do this by valuing shared experiences and committing to human-centered practices. Be Strong Families doesn’t talk to the people and teach them things Be Strong Families thinks they should know. Instead, Be Strong Families highlights the social connectedness that is so inherently human and creates a space for people to make space for other people.

What does people making space for other people look like? It looks like creating community.

We do our work here at Be Strong Families embracing the transformative mindset, knowing that it resonates when we truly respect and authentically value the brilliance and talent and capability of the people. We don’t engage parents because it’s required: we engage parents because we value their wisdom and we know everything is better when they’re actively participating at the table. Academia has its strengths. It also has its place. It cannot replace the stoutness of being there, doing that, living it. The best lessons are learned from those closest to the topic. For Be Strong Families, we’ve learned that parents (and other family members) are closest to the topic when it comes to families.

The work of Be Strong Families rests on two pillars,  human connectedness and human-centered design. We are received, appreciated and respected, but most importantly trusted, in communities. This is so only because Be Strong Families is firmly rooted in the equity of the human experience.