deeprootcenter
  • Home
    • Contact
    • Testimonials
    • Guiding Principles
  • About Us
    • Consultations
    • Summer Program
    • DRC Calendar
    • Resources >
      • Liberated Learners Network
  • Get Involved
    • Unconditional Love Fundraising Campaign
    • Donate
    • Sponsor a DRC Kid
    • Thank you
  • Blog

Explore the Possibilities with Us

Donate

Diversity

4/16/2022

 
Every living thing relies on diversity to survive. Based on the research of Mendel, Wallace, Darwin, and the biological scientists who followed, we understand that widespread variation is a large part of the evolutionary process of absolutely everything in the natural world. We know that there needs to be an array of genetic material for successful reproduction and survival. 

When you replicate the concept of evolution into a non-biological application - the same holds true. We need diversity in every aspect of our lives to allow for meaningful personal connections and ultimate success for the entire group. 

Yes, this all sounds super high brow and academic (unlike the typical pieces you receive from me) - but I would like you to take a moment to consider how our homogenized, milky white societal ideals have been detrimental to so many - for so long. 

Through highly effective propaganda, for a good portion of modern history, we (humans of every stripe) have learned to despise (and fear) the "other" for a variety of made-up reasons. (See the definition of propaganda here. I don't generally use Wikipedia - but this provided a pretty representative definition.)

Therefore, when something very different or new from what we are accustomed to pops up in places - that we frequent, we may feel uncomfortable, startled, or even afraid. This is exactly the desired response and the result of all of that unconscious, subliminal training.

I work with many neurodiverse children - a good number on the spectrum, some with ADHD - and more than a few undiagnosed. I don't actually care about the official diagnosis - because, in the end, we (the DRC staff) recognize the amazing gifts every child brings to the group and we love spending our days with them. 

The thing I do care about is the reason why so many neurodivergent kids seek out DRC. I believe that the people in the system they came from feel uncomfortable, do not know how to interact, and do not fully appreciate their talents and uniquely wonderful way of thinking. For these reasons, these kids are, quite literally, forced to change themselves to fit into this homogenized world I spoke of earlier. And, if they don't (or can't), they are frequently admonished or punished. Indeed, Pavlov's methodology isn't just used for animals. Therefore, understandably, they are unhappy, disenfranchised, and anxious, and seek out other educational environments.

When we neglect to openly invite (and remove barriers for everyone to participate), especially those who have diverse ways of thinking and being (not only folks with ASD or any of the other "disorders") into our personal spheres, we are actively traumatizing human beings while ultimately inhibiting societal growth, change, and possibly (probably) our own survival.

Diversity is not a talking point. It can't be achieved by hiring a "Diversity Officer," or implementing token policies and meaningless training sessions. It is deeply entrenched in the basic human need for connection and engagement. And the only way it will happen on a large scale is if every one of us welcomes, into our personal world, those who are not typically allowed a place at the table.

Ultimately culture will only change and grow through inclusionary practices and by exterminating misinformation, our reasons for fearing the other, and unimaginative thinking. 

Weekly Creative Meditation
Picture
Shh, don't tell, anyone. This isn't technically a haiku.
DRC News

Both Centers are on Spring Break this coming week.  However, fundraising efforts are still very much on our agenda.

Find the Color Street fundraiser here. We have had several vendor registration forms submitted for our Party in the Park over the past few days. If you know anyone with a side hustle or small business who would like to promote themselves and have some fun with us on May 21st- please share this link with them. We are also seeking food trucks and local musicians. Please get in touch with angie@deeprootcenter.org.

We are still collecting bottles and cans - bring them to 48 Riverside Dr. in Canton and place the bags in front of the garage.

I am sending this out a day early to catch those of you celebrating Passover, Easter, or all the delights of Spring this weekend. 

Best wishes from the entire DRC Crew!


Comments are closed.
    Don't miss a post!

    Sign-up here to get the DRC Blog delivered to your inbox.

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013

Picture
© 2023 Whole Learners, Inc. 501(c)3
Deep Root Center
48 Riverside Drive, Canton, NY 13617

​315*244*3034/maria@deeprootcenter.org
  • Home
    • Contact
    • Testimonials
    • Guiding Principles
  • About Us
    • Consultations
    • Summer Program
    • DRC Calendar
    • Resources >
      • Liberated Learners Network
  • Get Involved
    • Unconditional Love Fundraising Campaign
    • Donate
    • Sponsor a DRC Kid
    • Thank you
  • Blog