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International Day For The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination

Jaclyn Baker
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March 21st is known as International Day For The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination. It is observed annually on this day to commemorate the time police in South Africa opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960. 

Since then, it was decided that a week of solidarity would call to light racism and racial discrimination. Although many racist laws and practices have been abolished in some countries today, we still need to fight against racism that still is present. 

It’s important to remember that we are all human beings and born free and equal. To celebrate this day, we can challenge the discrimination in our society by supporting those who are marginalized. 

This year’s theme is “youth standing up against racism” to foster a culture of inclusion and anti-discrimination. It emphasizes the work that youth across the country are doing to stand up to racial injustice. 

Together we all have an opportunity to make progress and continue to fight against discrimination so we can build a safer community where everyone feels respected. 

Check out the resources below to learn more:

Youth Standing Up Against Racism – A Future Of Race Equality Is Within our Grasp | YouTube 

Anti-Racism Resource Library

10 Organizations That Support Racial Equality

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Developmental Disability Awareness Month – Deaf History Month

Jaclyn Baker
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By: Christina Bein – LCSW

March is often known to be the start of a new season, where we can move out of winter and into spring. It’s also a month of bringing awareness to Development Disabilities and Deaf History Month (from March 13 – April 15). 

In a world where people come in all shapes, colors and sizes, we also have variations in our developmental and physical capabilities. 

Some limitations in capabilities are more noticeable and some are less obvious – yet each person learns to find a way to navigate through the intricacies of being part of society.

During the height of protests and marches in support of Black Lives Matter in 2020, diverse groups of people came together to take a unified stand on how this country, government, police, etc – need to do better when it comes to how we treat and support our black communities.

In these protests, deaf people and translators came and represented. They also took it a step further to re-language how people sign “black” (referring to the people) to make it more appropriate, empowering, and respectful. 

The intersectionality of being black and deaf is a unique experience not often shared or discussed in mainstream society. 

During the 2020 protests, and even before it, black deaf people were targeted and misunderstood for using sign language, mistaking them for communicating gang signs. 

When protests were happening there was not enough clear warning to those of impaired hearing, inability to read lips because of masks, or other developmental disability to avoid nearness to flashbangs, gasses, and other tactics used by police forces to disperse protestors. 

The argument from the other side is that these particular persons should not attend protests. It speaks to how little society allows for the integration of developmentally disabled or deaf individuals to participate as their whole self.

What does it look like to help build an environment for our fellow human beings to show up as their whole self?

We could expand our understanding and help by being an ally to their advocacy, sometimes using our voices to amplify theirs to be heard.

Here are some local agencies whose mission is to support communities with developmental disabilities.

Local agencies & resources with information and events supporting developmental disabilities:

Community Pathways

Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities

Compilation of services/agencies in Lane County

Oregon Association of the Deaf

Video for ASL “Black Lives Matter” from June 2020 during protests

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International Women’s Day

Jaclyn Baker
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On March 8th we celebrate International Women’s Day. This day is meant to recognize the cultural, political, and socio-economic achievements of women from all around the world. During this time we can remember the challenges women have overcome throughout history and bring the women’s rights movement to the forefront. 

The earliest Women’s Day was celebrated on February 28, 1909 in New York City and was sponsored by the Socialist Party of America.  It was encouraged by the women’s suffrage movement in New Zealand as well as originating from labor movements in North America and Europe during the early 20th century.  It is now a day to think about gender equality and how we can create equal opportunities for women across the globe. The 2022 UN theme for International Women’s Day is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.”  The goal is to highlight the contributions of women and girls around the world in promoting climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response, in order to build a more sustainable future for all. (Wikipedia)

We can all come together to provide support to women who are facing oppression, prejudice, or violence. 

We can advocate for women by acknowledging the injustices they face and seeing how to create lasting change within our own communities. 

Learning more about women’s rights and the inequalities they still face today can help us to have open conversations about these topics. 

International Women’s Day is also a time to celebrate the accomplishments of women. Whether it be from iconic women figures in our society or the everyday achievements of women of our family, friends, and peers. 

We can all take a moment to think about the women in our lives who inspire us daily. 

For additional resources, you can check out the links below:

Organizations Committed To Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

IWD 2022 Campaign Theme: #BreakTheBias

#BreakTheBias For IWD And Beyond Through Your Message To The World | YouTube

International Women’s Day | Books

History of International Women’s Day

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Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Jaclyn Baker
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February 28th to March 6th is Eating Disorders Awareness Week which is a time to raise awareness of eating disorders and those who have lived through the experience.  A 2007 study published in Biological Psychiatry, found that 0.9% of women and 0.3% of men had anorexia during their life, 1.5% of women and 0.5% of men had bulimia during their life, and 3.5% of women and 2.0% of men had binge eating disorder during their life.

The consequences of eating disorders can be life-threatening and the stigma often associated with these disorders can impede timely diagnosis and treatment.

This week is meant to provide hope and support to the individuals and families who have been affected by eating disorders. Shining a light on the realities of eating disorders and making way for more visibility of these voices can pave the way for change. 

It’s important to challenge the myths and stereotypes connected to eating disorders as well as being aware of the risk factors for developing an eating disorder, including family history, cultural ideals of thinness, perfectionism and depression or anxiety.

We can learn more about eating disorders by watching videos, reading books, and listening to stories of those who have struggled.

Having these challenging conversations about eating disorder awareness and prevention with family, friends, and peers can help us all explore the importance of self-compassion and self-esteem.

Ideas for self compassion include meditation, mindfulness, gratitude, mirror work, finding joy and asking for help

We can take time to think about body image and how we can promote more kindness to others and ourselves.

You can check out these additional resources below to learn more:

What Are Eating Disorders? 

Eating Disorders Anonymous 

Contact The Helpline | Neda

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The Benefits Of Being Open-Minded

Jaclyn Baker
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Having an open mind can help us grow, thrive and learn in so many ways.

It can also make it easier for us to respect others’ opinions and ideas. 

Being curious and asking others in-depth questions can open the door to new possibilities. 

Challenge Your Thoughts

We can often be more inclined to feel strongly about our thoughts and ideas because we have experienced them first hand. 

However, it’s up to us to challenge ourselves daily, especially when talking with others.

To connect on a deeper level with ourselves and those around us, we can take time to see how we think about certain situations. It all comes down to putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes. 

Ask Questions Often 

Asking other people questions can change the way we think and feel about situations. 

But in order to successfully do that, you may have to ask yourself a few questions first. 

“Are there other ideas that I can consider?”

“What is influencing my opinion right now?”

“Why would someone else think differently?”

Questioning our patterns, thoughts and habits can help us look at them in new and improved ways. 

Take Some Time To Think

Have you ever disagreed with a friend or family member without even taking the time to think it through? 

Giving yourself some extra time to think about their feelings can make it easier for you to see the situation through their eyes. 

You should always be true to yourself and do what makes you happy.

But at the same time, acknowledging others can help change your perspective and, in turn, become a more open-minded person. 

“The mind that opens up to a new idea never returns to its original size.” – Albert Einstein.

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Boosting Confidence And Self-Esteem

Jaclyn Baker
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Having a healthy level of self-confidence can help us in so many areas of our life – both personal and professional. 

It can also help increase our overall motivation, which in turn can make it easier to achieve our goals and move forward in life. 

Now, developing a healthy level of self-confidence is easier said than done. 

However, several tactics can help you grow day by day.

Write Yourself a Letter

What do you want? What do you need? What has been on your mind lately?

Putting our thoughts, goals and ideas onto paper can make them easier to understand.

This can be done by journaling or by writing a letter to ourselves. 

Writing a letter to your past, current or future self can help you look at your life and goals in a new way.

Sometimes we can hold back on saying what we really feel due to the fear of being judged.

Your letter or letters are for your eyes only – so you can be raw, open and honest. 

Ditch Comparisons

You know what they say. The grass is always greener on the other side.

You never know what another person has gone through or is currently going through. 

Just because someone else’s journey appears “perfect” doesn’t mean it is.

Instead of focusing on what others may be doing, we can realign our energy on ourselves. 

Take inventory of your strengths and accomplishments as they rise. You have a lot to be proud of.

Be Kind to Yourself

Do you ever feel like you are kinder to others than yourself?

Self-compassion is all about being kind to ourselves no matter what! Forgive yourself when you make mistakes and appreciate the lesson learned. 

Sometimes setbacks are actually opportunities in disguise. 

“The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” – Sylvia Plath

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Embracing Our Emotions

Jaclyn Baker
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Trying to fight or ignore emotions can give them even more power.

While facing and accepting them head-on can help us better understand and embrace them. 

Welcome Your Emotions 

Have you ever tried naming your emotions? 

Certain emotions can often feel a little confusing, and it can be hard to differentiate if they are positive, negative or somewhere in between.

Take note of what your body is trying to tell you.

You can do this by assessing the situation you are in and simply stating exactly what’s on your mind.

Sometimes saying exactly what’s going on in your head out loud can help make those thoughts easier to understand. 

Say Thank You

When friends come to visit us, we thank them.

Why can’t we do the same thing with our emotions?

Every emotion has something to teach us – and we can thank them for that. 

Here’s an example. Let’s say you’re starting to get worried about a deadline at work.

You can thank your worry for keeping you on track and on top of your deadline.

After all, all feelings visit us for a reason! 

Listen And Learn

Emotions do so much for us. 

They can help us dig deep, stay safe, set goals and step outside our comfort zone. Taking the time to really listen to them can teach us valuable lessons. 

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The Pursuit Of Happiness

Jaclyn Baker
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Instead of looking elsewhere, we can find happiness within ourselves. 

Accept The Imperfections

What makes life unique is that it’s imperfect – and that’s okay!

Having such high expectations for ourselves can be stressful. 

It’s so easy to constantly want “more” or to be “better.”

Accepting the imperfections of life starts with embracing being comfortable with the uncomfortable.

Express Gratitude

Expressing gratitude for what you already have can change how you look at things. 

Simply writing down five things you are grateful for every morning can help you start each day on a positive note.  

That small exercise can help you reevaluate your values and challenge yourself to dig deeper. 

Gratitude is a powerful force!

Leave Judgement Behind

Investing time and energy in positive thoughts can be very inspiring.  

Now’s the time to be your biggest cheerleader by creating a judgement-free zone in your mind. 

Our days won’t always turn out as planned, and that’s okay. You deserve to cut yourself some slack. 

“You have everything you need for complete peace and total happiness right now.” – Wayne Dyer.

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