Liberatory Learning

In this profession, I deal with a lot of emotional issues and at times it gets the best of me. This course has taught me to ground myself whenever I feel uneasy and to put my emotional needs first so I can better serve my clients.

Practicing radical self-acceptance and magical thinking have made me more optimistic, with less self-doubt. I feel more grounded being able to either succeed or learn (not fail) in my work. Removing constraints of what I think/ thought a leader "should" be allows me to develop into my potential. Better understanding myself as a person and leader means I can be more present in my work and mindful of my purpose.

Before this training I felt so alone and burnt out. This training helped me see that there is a community of supportive people out there and that many are feeling the same way. In just 5 weeks, I grew and I honestly think it was because of the training and everyone in the training.

This was a phenomenal way for me to contextualize what I value about the work as a newer staff member.

“Kelli Poole epitomizes the spirit of liberatory leadership: self-aware, community-minded, and unafraid of the work required to make positive change. She has forever changed the way I show up for work.”

“These transformative programs empower individuals to challenge systemic inequalities and drive meaningful change. The focus on liberation, inclusive learning environment, and mentorship provided by Kelli Poole and her team are truly invaluable. Their commitment to social justice inspires us to become active advocates in our communities. Thank you, SJPLA, for your exceptional work in fostering Liberatory Leadership.”

In my 5 years of working in this field, I have never felt so whole heartedly invested in a training/class. I truly appreciate the work and dedication to wellness that is taken at SJPLA.

“I come back every year curious about who applies again and very hopeful to see that people are continuing to do this work. I get to see an evolution of this process and see year over year what changes are being made in a more justice-oriented way.”

“Being an evaluator helps me do my job better. I get to be on the other side, be involved in these discussions, and hear how evaluators talk about the applications. It helps me decide what I’m including in my applications and anticipate what evaluators want to know about our work.”

My participation in Fast Pitch helped our organization move to expand our work beyond our primary programming and allowed us to better handle disruptions created by the pandemic. We developed new programming related to our systems change impact and that has helped anchor our overall fundraising efforts.

Make it a priority to unlearn what you know about racism and social inequities and relearn with SJPLA.

The course has been an incredibly beneficial way for me to acknowledge and examine internalized white supremacy, structural racism and the ways both impact my work life.

I would highly recommend this course to any white person looking to grow in their understanding and capacity to do anti-racist work. This course not only shares knowledge, it also creates a community that pushes you to do the work both personally and professionally.

“A very well-organized and well-researched course that provides a strong scaffolding of personal, interpersonal, institutional, and systemic antiracist knowledge and skills. And the entire course and experience were amplified by the small group discussions and learning pod.”

This is a very useful, very thoughtful, very applied course. It’s serious about advancing racial justice and systematic in thinking through the contributions white people can make. I often found myself reflection on - and using - the approaches we learned in my day-to-day work. I give it my highest recommendation!

Taking this course will transform your life. You will be supported, you will be uncomfortable, you will better understand what it means to be brave.

This was an opportunity to share lived experiences, open up in a safe space, role play, and get into the nitty gritty of discussing the intricacies of racism.