What if I make a mistake?
Andrews, M. Rogers, C. (2022) Ask an Ally - What do you do when you make a mistake as an Ally? [VIDEO] Youtube. Evolve Communities. https://youtu.be/nAhW_DMak6E?si=i7kvJ_Cd0XUjwFHK
The Evolve Community developed in Australia to promote Indigenous Allyship. There is a whole series of utube videos called "Ask an Aunty" and "Ask an Ally", which you can watch with answers to important questions about allyship. They use a handy "3R" strategy, which means "reflect, relate and reconcile", which is explained in this video.
Fear holds us back, courage and humility allow us to learn from mistakes.
Truth & Reconciliation is going to be a difficult journey. Have no doubt, this will be hard work involving a lot of personal reflection and moving out of our comfort zones. It is perfectly understandable that you might feel nervous and unsure of where and how to begin. There are and will be tremendous obstacles. But just because it is hard, it doesn't mean that it is impossible. When our students make mistakes, we know that this is a learning experience, that it will help them grow and become stronger. I often tell my students there is "no learning without mistakes". Learning and growing as good human beings is hard work; it it involves making mistakes and picking ourselves up and persevering. When we do make mistakes, it's helpful to use the 3R strategy -"Reflect, Relate, and Reconcile" (Andrews, 2022), explained in the "Ask an Ally" video (left). We know in our hearts that change needs to happen. It is in reconnecting with our hearts that we will begin to find the way towards Truth & Reconciliation.
Reflection Question for Educators:
"What fears might you have about doing this work? How can you respond to those fears in ways that do not shut down your learning?" (Chrona, 2022, p17)
Think of a time when you were willing to make mistakes to learn and grow? What about this past experience can inform you on your journey towards Truth & Reconciliation?
What would you tell one of your own students who was struggling with these same fears?
What has helped you find courage in the past? What are some things you can do to cultivate courage in your life?
How has humility helped you accept things as they are in your life?
How easy is it for you to forgive your own mistakes? What are some ways you can offer yourself forgiveness for past mistakes?
When you have made mistakes in the past, how have you repaired the harm?
References:
Andrews, M. Rogers, C. (2022) Ask an Ally - What do you do when you make a mistake as an Ally? [VIDEO] Youtube. Evolve Communities. https://youtu.be/nAhW_DMak6E?si=i7kvJ_Cd0XUjwFHK
Chrona, J. (2022) Wayi Wah! Indigenous Pedagogies – An Act for Reconciliation and Anti-Racist Education. Portage & Main Press.