Making Our Assumptions Explicit
The image features an illustration of a person with long brown hair, eyes closed, and a calm expression, holding a green watering can above their head. From the watering can, water flows onto their head, and colorful flowers sprout. The background is a rich blue, with subtle clouds and abstract elements. The quote reads: “True and lasting change must honor and engage the full spectrum of human experience—heart, mind, body, and spirit.” At the top, the handle "@inspirewithalae" is visible, tying the image to Inspire to Change.
Making Our Assumptions Explicit
As someone who has witnessed the power of relationships in navigating both joy and hardship, I’ve come to believe that meaningful change must begin at the intersections of our shared humanity. It’s not just about systems or strategies—it’s about people, stories, and the connections that bind us together.
Through my own journey—whether as a teacher, a mother, or a facilitator of transformation—I’ve seen firsthand how addressing the whole person, embracing complexity, and honoring relationships can unlock transformative possibilities. These beliefs have grown not only from academic training or professional practice but from deeply personal experiences of loss, healing, and hope.
At Inspire to Change, our work is rooted in these lived understandings. We believe that explicitly naming and sharing our assumptions is essential for driving meaningful transformation. When assumptions remain unspoken, even well-intentioned efforts can falter. By making our values and viewpoints clear, we hold ourselves accountable and invite our partners to join us in this intentional practice.
Our Assumptions
Our approach to transformative change is grounded in the following core beliefs.
1. People Are Multifaceted
Every individual embodies heart, mind, body, and spirit. True and lasting change must honor and engage the full spectrum of human experience.
2. Complex Social Beings
We exist within intricate networks of relationships and communities. These networks operate on multiple levels, with non-linear interactions and emergent outcomes that shape our lives.
3. Relationships Are Central
Healthy relationships are the cornerstone of individual and collective wellbeing. They serve as both the medium and outcome of meaningful change, evolving dynamically in response to feedback within social systems.
4. Oppression Must Be Addressed
We acknowledge the pervasive impacts of white supremacy, colonialism, and systemic oppression. Tackling these challenges requires adaptive, multi-layered strategies that address root causes and promote equity.
5. Art Is Transformative
Art has the unique power to unlock and engage the breadth of human experience. It helps us explore complexity, express emotions, and inspire action for transformative change.
What It Looks Like To Honor These Assumptions in Practice
Though our work spans diverse contexts, it is unified by a set of common practices:
Empowering Purpose-Driven Change: We support individuals rooted in purpose and guided by principles, helping them grow as catalysts for transformation.
Embracing Holistic Awareness: We act with an understanding of the interconnectedness of all living systems, recognizing the far-reaching impact of every action.
Nurturing Well-Being: We prioritize the health and vitality of individuals, communities, organizations, and the environment, understanding that thriving systems require care at every level.
Using Art as Both Tool and Goal: We integrate artistic expression as a dynamic means for change and celebrate it as a valuable outcome in its own right.
Fostering Connection: We break down barriers that create division and nurture the interconnections that unite us.
Practicing Continuous Alignment: We actively align with our values, learn from experiences, adapt strategies, and embody principles of growth and transformation.
Pursuing Transformative Possibilities: With our vision as a guide, we move steadily from one possibility to the next, embracing change with intention and purpose.
Inspiring and Being Inspired: We aim to inspire action in others while drawing energy and ideas from the evolving landscape of social change.
Walking Our Talk: We are committed to living out the principles and values that Inspire to Change represents.
Our Intended Impacts
As active participants in our work, we hold deeply rooted values and a vision for collaborative impact:
Foster Holistic Individual Growth
Empowering changemakers to integrate their multifaceted selves into their roles, enhancing personal and collective well-being.Strengthen Community Networks
Building resilience within communities by emphasizing social interconnectedness and the complexity of relationships.Cultivate Dynamic, Healthy Relationships
Transforming relationships to strengthen communication, resolve conflicts, and enhance individual and community health.Address Systemic Inequalities
Actively dismantling structural inequalities rooted in white supremacy, colonialism, and oppression through adaptive, equity-driven strategies.Leverage Artistic Expression
Using art to engage deeply with human experiences, fostering creativity and inspiring meaningful change.Promote Continuous Learning and Adaptation
Encouraging a culture of learning and growth, ensuring actions remain aligned with evolving values and principles.
CALL TO ACTION
At Inspire to Change, we’re not just envisioning transformation; we’re living it. Our work is an ongoing journey of alignment, learning, adaptation, and embodiment, guided by the principles we hold dear. We’re committed to fostering a more whole, beautiful, and liberated world, one relationship, one project, one moment of inspiration at a time.
Want to learn more? Join Club ALAE!
Club ALAE is a vibrant community for changemakers who want to deepen their understanding of transformative practices, align their values with action, and grow together. Whether you’re an accidental evaluator, a seasoned professional, or simply curious about meaningful change, Club ALAE offers resources, connection, and inspiration to take the next step. Learn More.
