Weekend Learning & Development

This weekend, I returned for the 3rd time to teach a class at the annual “Leader Education and Discovery program” (aka, LEAD); a full day of training and upskilling hosted by my local Scouts BSA (Golden Gate Area) council. It was a great way to spend a Saturday; another instance where my chosen profession in learning and development and my personal passions dovetail. When I attend this event, I love seeing “old” friends, and networking with new acquaintances like Flory (pictured) who is doing amazing work in diversity, equity and inclusion. As someone whose work is done remotely, I crave “in real life” meet-ups.

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The session I led covered event planning to celebrate achievements of youth and adults in scout troops. It’s an activity I had a hand in as a volunteer with my son’s troop, and I enjoy sharing my lessons learned. Inevitably what happens when I teach is that all of us in the room come away with fresh ideas and approaches.?

I taught my class during the first session of the day, so I browsed the schedule for other training to drop in on. I took a seat in a session where I learned what it means to be an upstander. If this is a new term for you, an upstander is the opposite of a bystander.?

The discussion centered around how one can embody the upstander idea individually and also expand the concept by creating communities of upstanders. I left the session with practical strategies for applying this in my daily life.

For all who have read this far, recall a time when you have observed others dealing with sadness, teasing, bullying, pain or grief. Sometimes, it is easy to offer up help, encouragement, or a shoulder to lean on. Other times, upstanders must bravely confront, not ignore, the internal voice that tells us to keep walking. That’s how I see it. Behavior change can be hard and uncomfortable. I find that by writing and talking through my struggles, I discover new ways to act differently. If you would ever like to talk about this, please reach out. #upstander #learninganddevelopment #volunteering #DEI