We talked to Debo Ofsowitz, a local legend in the LGBTQA+ volunteering space and our dear friend, about volunteering, being an ally, building trust, increasing self-awareness, and steps to increase your own empathy for others. We took a little deep dive into The Four Agreements and purposefully practicing checking your implicit bias. When asked what were her motivating factors for volunteering: “The more plugged in you are, the better your experience is. The more you connect with people, the more you feel accomplished… Participating makes the experience better.” You can also meet people who have a similar interest and have a passion for something. If anyone wants to be a better ally, reach out to the people that you know and ask them how you can be a better friend to them and a better ally to their community. More often than not, they’ll tell you something. The more people you know in a community, and the more you connect with them at a personal level, it is easier to be an ally because you care more about what happens to them. It helps you check your implicit bias, and it helps you hear others’ biases and stand up for your friends.
If you liked what you heard and want to hear more about these topics, check out our other podcast episodes that were centered around these themes:
S2E11 – Being an Ally, where we talk about lifting up the voices of people who have been discriminated against. Find it here or wherever you listen to podcasts: https://anchor.fm/pattiisstilllearning/episodes/S2E11—Being-an-Ally-eh9abg
S2E03 – Knowing Your Values, where we discuss how knowing your own values acts as a compass for how you behave and the choices you make; and knowing others’ values helps you better understand their priorities and choices. Find it here or wherever you listen to podcasts: https://anchor.fm/pattiisstilllearning/episodes/S2E03-Knowing-Your-Values-ea4ujk
Season 1 Getting Involved, where we chat about how we’ve been involved in local activities and interview some gal pals who are in charge of a local leadership group. Find it here or wherever you listen to podcasts: https://anchor.fm/pattiisstilllearning/episodes/Getting-Involved-e4ref4
Patti is still learning 