How we are using these words
Cultural consciousness means the ability to be aware of one's own cultural values and those of others, and to consider how these values impact one's choices.
Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and influence both your own emotions and the emotions of others. It is a crucial aspect of personal and professional effectiveness, influencing how individuals navigate social complexities, make decisions, and manage relationships. Key components of EI are Self-Awareness, Self-Regulation, Motivation, Empathy, and Social Skills. For more information, see here.
Individual identity development refers to how people form and evolve their sense of self over time. This development encompasses various aspects of identity, including personal, social, cultural, and psychological dimensions. Internal factors (like personal experiences and reflection) and external factors (like social interactions, cultural norms, and societal expectations) influence the process. Understanding one’s identity is crucial for mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. A well-developed sense of identity helps individuals make decisions that align with their values, build meaningful relationships, and navigate life’s challenges with a stronger sense of purpose and direction. For more information, see here and here.​​​
A liberatory lens refers to a perspective or approach that focuses on the process of achieving liberation, particularly in the context of social justice, education, or activism. This lens emphasizes the dismantling of oppressive systems, the empowerment of marginalized communities, and the creation of conditions where all individuals can experience freedom, equality, and justice. Key aspects of a liberatory lens:
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Focus on Oppression and Power Dynamics: It critically examines how power operates in society, identifying the structures and systems that perpetuate inequality and injustice.
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Empowerment of Marginalized Communities: A liberatory lens seeks to amplify the voices of those who have been historically oppressed or marginalized, supporting their agency and leadership in the struggle for liberation.
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Transformative Action: It emphasizes the need for transformative change rather than merely reformative measures. The goal is to fundamentally alter the social, economic, and political structures that maintain oppression.
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Intersectionality: This perspective often incorporates an intersectional approach, recognizing that people’s experiences of oppression and liberation are shaped by multiple, overlapping identities such as race, gender, class, sexuality, and ability.
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Education and Awareness: In educational contexts, a liberatory lens involves teaching and learning that encourages critical thinking, consciousness-raising, and the questioning of dominant narratives and ideologies.
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Community and Solidarity: It values collective action and community-based efforts to achieve liberation, fostering solidarity among diverse groups working towards common goals of justice and equality.
Person-centered means treating people with dignity and respect, demonstrating empathy, and valuing their individuality, choices, and independence. In its best form, being person-centered also means being trauma-informed.
Professional identity development refers to the process through which individuals cultivate and refine their sense of self in relation to their chosen profession. This involves internalizing the values, norms, and roles associated with a particular field, and integrating them into one’s self-concept. Professional identity development is a dynamic and ongoing process that evolves throughout a person’s career, influenced by education, work experiences, mentorship, and self-reflection. For more information, see here.
Trauma-informed is an approach to DEIA work that recognizes and responds to the widespread impact of trauma on individuals. It emphasizes understanding, recognizing, and addressing the effects of all types of trauma in a way that promotes healing and avoids re-traumatization. This approach is grounded in the understanding that trauma can deeply affect a person’s mental, emotional, and physical health, and it requires a shift in the way we relate to people in every setting.