Spanish Banks Beach, British Columbia, Canada
February 1st – Group 6 team post (input by Kate)
This week ew have been using the ELF section on Engaging with identities, social responsibility, and diversity to guide our thinking. We all chose a particular reflective question from that section, to think about in relation to our overall theme of building community in connection with the land.
The critically reflective question we will be writing about today is “How can children/people become aware of diverse perspectives?” This is such an important topic – through understanding and appreciating human and biological diversity, we can build respectful communities where everyone is recognized and able to bring their whole selves forward, and we can all thrive as individuals within a supportive community. Becoming more aware of diversity, in perspectives, in cultures, in gender expression, in religion, in “all our relations” around us, we can start to marvel at the wonder, beauty and strength in that diversity.
One way we can become more aware and appreciative of diversity is through spending time together, getting to know more, hearing stories, playing, and working along side each other. Being outside in nature together can lend itself to meaningful conversations, perhaps side by side while digging in a garden, or exploring a log pile, that ultimately lead to greater understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives.
Being together in community, and working jointly on projects, can help break down barriers, and build up a sense of appreciation for diversity, and the strength, resilience and interest that it brings.