This part "Here’s who I think is actually awesome: people who didn’t learn habits of community-building and inclusivity from whoever raised them, but cultivate these habits anyway." totally made me tear up! I love my parents very much and have learned so much from them, but don't necessarily have those origin stories of "...at the weekly 12 hour dinner party" or "...I had 40 aunts growing up because so many people were always around!" I have always been drawn to the parents and families where this was the case, though, and also find my journey to become a better friend/community buddy/auntie deeply intertwined with looking for any model I can, even into adulthood.
Loved this piece, thank you for sharing this beautiful writing.
A little behind on my newsletters this week, but wanted to add on my support of the Held v. MT youth plaintiffs! I work for an environmental nonprofit in Montana, and we presented them with our Conservationist of the Year Award over the summer. Two of the plaintiffs were able to come in person, and to be in a room that gave them an extended standing ovation, and then to listen to them so articulately speak, was incredibly powerful. Thanks for highlighting their important work!
This part "Here’s who I think is actually awesome: people who didn’t learn habits of community-building and inclusivity from whoever raised them, but cultivate these habits anyway." totally made me tear up! I love my parents very much and have learned so much from them, but don't necessarily have those origin stories of "...at the weekly 12 hour dinner party" or "...I had 40 aunts growing up because so many people were always around!" I have always been drawn to the parents and families where this was the case, though, and also find my journey to become a better friend/community buddy/auntie deeply intertwined with looking for any model I can, even into adulthood.
Loved this piece, thank you for sharing this beautiful writing.
You're a hero, Elise. We need lots of people like you!
Lisa, I am SO glad you are writing and have found THIS way to do it. Walter
Thank you, Walter! Me too! I’m looking forward to taking about it next time we get together.❤️
A little behind on my newsletters this week, but wanted to add on my support of the Held v. MT youth plaintiffs! I work for an environmental nonprofit in Montana, and we presented them with our Conservationist of the Year Award over the summer. Two of the plaintiffs were able to come in person, and to be in a room that gave them an extended standing ovation, and then to listen to them so articulately speak, was incredibly powerful. Thanks for highlighting their important work!