On Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Multiculturalism with Paul Porter | Engagement Series | Ep. 125

What are the real ways that we can embrace the complexity of our experiences? How can we let go of a scarcity mindset in favor of a mindset of abundance? How can we see the stories of others as adding something important rather than taking something away from us?What does it actually look like to make more space for people and their stories? How can we start to “build a bigger table”? Instead of dismissing our vision as unrealistic or unattainable, how can we learn to use imagination and hope as tools to make our dreams a reality? …Dr. Paul Porter is the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA). Like Abbie, Paul graduated from Ball State University and was a member of the Ball State Speech Team. Paul went on to earn his Master’s in Communication and Rhetorical Studies at Eastern Michigan University and his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Indiana State University. Paul has worked on the development of programs and initiatives designed to help create inclusive environments for diverse student populations, as well as diversity strategic plans and program assessments. Paul has presented on topics such as multicultural competence and unconscious bias across the state of Indiana and nationwide.In this conversation, originally published in April 2023, Abbie and Paul reflect on meaningful experiences in their lives. Paul and Abbie discuss multicultural competence, cognitive schemas, and puzzles. Paul shares his journey into the world of communication, from 3rd grade tests, to junior high morning announcements, to high school and college speech, and beyond. Paul talks about when he first learned what ADHD and depression are, when he was diagnosed, and how this language changed how he saw himself. Abbie and Paul consider what it looks like to live out values around diversity, equity, and inclusion on a personal and organizational level. ..."If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other” -Mother Teresa “We are only but one conversation from the relationship that changes the rest of our lives” -Lee Mun Wah...Take the Survey here!Subscribe to the CosmoParenting Substack!Register for the 2024 CMMi Fellows Presentation here!...Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution....Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann....⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Explore all things CMM Institute here.