Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian

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.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 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.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 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.

Are you a person who is older? Can you remember times in your youth when you were dismissed due to your age? Are you a person who is younger? Have you heard others make jokes or stereotypes against people who are older? In this week's episode, Relando shares how pausing to reflect on aging as a shared experience can create opportunities for empathy and connection. Blog Post referenced in this episode: Considering Age as a Shared Identity Creates Opportunities for Empathy: https://notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com/considering-age-as-a-shared-identity-creates-opportunities-for-empathy/ 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 experience helping his white therapist understand power and privilege instead of processing his feelings as a client highlighted the need for more Black therapists and Social Workers. Blog Post referenced in this episode: Representation Matters in Social Work: We Need More Black Therapists 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.

Who has created a positive rippling effect in your life? In this week's episode, Relando shares one example of a person who influenced his social justice journey and invites you to consider the ways you can do the same for others. Blog Post referenced in this episode: Ripples 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.

There's room for you to lead for equity even if you struggle with public speaking. In this week's episode, Relando shares what keeps him energized about speaking publicly for social justice as an introvert, as draining as it might be. Blog Post referenced in this episode: Speaking 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.

Black people. If your friendships with the white people in your life require your silence, if the glue that holds those relationships together is predicated on the assumption that you will never hold them accountable for the ways they are complicit with white supremacy, then those “friendships” are no friendships at all, as those relationships do not allow you to be seen as your full self. You deserve better. In this week's episode, Relando shares why, and offers an alternative set of thought processes for white accountability. Blog Post referenced in this episode: You Deserve Better: White Friends Who Need Disclaimers in the Fight for Racial Justice Are Not Truly Your Friends 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.

Supporting Black male students on campus means supporting students that institutions are the worst at retaining. For historically white institutions especially, it is imperative that leaders remain critical of the ways white supremacy culture negatively impacts Black male students’ experiences, persistence, and retention. In this week's episode, Relando offers advice to those who wish to take on this important work. Blog Post referenced in this episode: Supporting Black Male Students on College Campuses 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.

To be Black and raise Black children comes with a lifetime commitment to safeguarding their physical and emotional safety as much as possible as they navigate systems that are hostile to them. The education system is but one of many. In this week's episode, Relando shares an experience that highlights how some things that are taken as "normal" or "routine" pieces of curriculum can be harmful to Black children. Blog Post referenced in this episode: On "Crazy Hair Day": A Letter to Daycare Articles Mentioned: Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Dr. Joy Degruy Times Black Girls Were Suspended for Their Hairstyles Wearing natural hair, braids now protected in New York Schools, Stop doing "Crazy Hair Day" The Problem with "Crazy" Hair Day Yet Another Black Girl's Hair Policed by Her School, Her Afro Called "Out of Control" Black students at Massachusetts charter school sereved detention, suspended from sports teams for wewaring hair in braids When Black Hair Violates The Dress Code Tiana Parker, 7, Switches Schools After Being Forbidden from Wearing Dreads Parents Demand School Let Their Kids Wear African Head Wraps When hair breaks rules: Some black children are getting in trouble for natural hairstyles NYC Commission on Human Rights Legal Enforcement Guidance on Race Discrimination on the Basis of Hair Support the podcast by becoming a patron: patreon.com/NAHBlog Other Important Links: Blog: notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com Podcast Website: podcast.notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com...

Far too often, the burden of responsibility to change and adapt to inequitable systems is unjustly placed on the shoulders of students with marginalized identities. But who is it that really needs to change? Who is it that really needs to adapt to the world as it is now, and be prepared to respond to where it's going? In this week's episode, Relando shifts the burden of responsibility to where it truly belongs. Blog Post referenced in this episode: Preparing Students for "The Real World" 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.

One of Relando's challenges with faux positivity thinking is that there’s a really thin line between it and gaslighting. There’s a point when the law of attraction stuff crosses a line into victim blaming territory that offers simplistic explanations for complex, systemic problems. In this week's podcast, Relando reflects on toxic positivity, and the need for people in our lives who can hold space for a wide variety of emotions. Blog Post referenced in this episode: "Positive Vibes Only" 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.

Have you ever been warned against using social media to speak out for topics related to diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice out of fear of being perceived as "disruptive" by current or prospective employers? In this week's podcast, Relando uses an equity perspective to explain his three rules for using media for social justice, as an example of why it's time to redefine "professionalsm" in this area and so many others. Blog Post referenced in this episode: My Threee Rules for Posting About "Controversial" Topics on Social Media 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.

One of the ways that oppression is maintained is through the expectation that large numbers of people will accept explanations of inequity as "natural" and inevitable. One way to resist is to increase our ability to recognize the design in oppressive systems, and understand that another way is possible. This week, Relando describes four major strategies that are used to manipulate people into rationalizing and justifying the oppression of others in order to identify ways to interrupt and intervene. Blog Post referenced in this episode: The Art of War: How the Masses are Convinced to be Complicit with Oppression 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.

This week, Relando describes two major assumptions that if left unchecked, limit our ability to lead for equity. Blog Post referenced in this episode: Getting in Our Own Way: 2 Barriers We Contribute to That Limit Social Change 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.

This week, Relando shares exactly what he means when he identifies as an aspiring humanitarian and invites you to join in on the work to build a more equitable and inclusive society. Important Links : Support the podcast by becoming a patron: patreon.com/NAHBlog 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.