How do you define ‘culture’? I find that conversations about culture invariably evolve into a conversation about diversity and vice versa. I suppose that both of these words conjure images of and about differences. Those images may be both negative and positive which is bound to have an effect on the communication between and among people. 
 

Change and early childhood

This is a quote I wrote down from a meeting earlier this week. I find it an interesting piece of information. Over many years I have been involved in a variety of teams, collaboratives and boards that were responsible for improving programs and services for children and families. I have also been connected in a number of ways to local families who are the customers to those services.
 

The heart of our work---my reminder is Sophia
 
Last week I spent an evening with my Granddaughter, Sophia who I fondly refer to as “Little Jaguar”. This weekly time with her is sacred and no matter what else is happening in life it is a commitment I honor.   
 

The importance of diversity
 
We often hear that diversity is important in our work. 
 
Have you stopped to ponder why? I have given it some thought and have more to ponder. I believe that reflecting on the value of diversity is a first step in opening up for personal growth. It provides an opportunity to learn in a very different way than how one has learned in the past.  
 

A key component of systems building is change. The moving parts of the system (e.g. the people, the organizations, etc.) must be willing to change and adjust in order to improve. As I mentioned in a previous blog, change shouldn’t be forced just for the sake of change, but in order to improve functioning and therefore outcomes for young children and families.
 

The Boy Scouts of America is doing it. Ford Motor Company is doing it.
 
What are they doing? Embracing diversity!. Both of these organizations recognize that the growth and sustainment of their membership is closely tied to their success in connecting with diverse populations. Does that sound familiar?
 

Recently I received an unexpected phone call from an individual whom I had not heard from in years, and instantaneously I knew to whom I was speaking. 

Yesterday I was at a planning retreat with a work team. The tasks that needed accomplished had the potential to be intense. The group opened the space by each participant offering reflections to one another about the natural gifts and strengths they see each person bringing into their work. At the conclusion of this activity it was very inspiring to see the variety and quantity of talents and skills present in this room of people.
 

If you are keeping up with the ECIC blogs as of recently you may notice there are no shortage of opportunities (or travel) to meet with those in the field locally (and broader) to learn and discuss the exciting work underway, and the exciting work planned for the future.