Episode 86: DEI - Learning from Lived Experience
In Episode 86, NAPO Stand Out Podcast Host, Clare Kumar interviews Janine Sarna-Jones, CPO and Todd Allan as they share their thoughts and experiences in the ongoing discussion of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
In today’s episode, we spend some time unpacking the personal and professional realms to diversity, equity, and inclusion, talking about awareness, alignment, action. You will hear Janine and Todd highlight the power of noticing, share some ideas about speaking up and how to go about this, the role of the ally, and much more! This conversation fully embodies the nuanced nature of the subject, and the need for personalized choices, a strong stance, and most importantly, necessary change in the world around us.
Tune into this episode to learn more about DEI!
About the Speakers:
Janine Sarna-Jones is a Certified Professional Organizer and Certified Move Manager, and has a history with NAPO stretching back 20 years!
Todd Allan started his work in organizing focusing on residential projects but has graduated to the digital space, applying his love of technology to help clients deal with digital clutter, specializing in Google Workspace and Evernote.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Discussing Janine’s upbringing in East Palo Alto and her experiences of otherness.
- Exploring the idea of masking and how Todd’s early years impacted his later life.
- Balancing genuine curiosity with sensitivity to the offense that can be caused.
- Exploring the kinds of questions that might make people uncomfortable in certain circumstances
- An approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion that focuses on overcoming hurdles.
- The work of allies and some simple steps towards better awareness and action.
- Todd’s story of a homophobic joke, speaking out, and the positive results.
- Applying the lessons of diversity, equity, and inclusion to the organizing profession
- Reflecting on the DEI initiatives at NAPO and the work that is still to be done!
- And much more!
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
NAPO — http://napo.net/join
Todd Allan on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-allan
Structured Space — https://structuredspace.net/
Janine Sarna-Jones on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsarnajones
Organize Me Inc. — https://organizeme-inc.com/
Evernote — https://evernote.com/
NASMM — https://www.nasmm.org/
NABPO — https://nabpo.org/
The Painted Bird — https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18452.The_Painted_Bird