Shared Power in Public Libraries with Naghem Swade

Shared Power in Public Libraries with Naghem Swade

How do we reframe power within the shared space of a public library? How do we engage Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) work within our current political climate? How do we remain conscientious leaders while prioritizing individual and collective healing? In this final episode of season 2 of the podcast, Mia Henry welcomes Naghem Swade from Denver Public Library to discuss concepts of identity, self-reflection, trauma and healing, shared power in public spaces, and EDI work within public libraries. Whether you work within a public library system or you visit the library on occasion, this episode has something for you. Together, Naghem and Mia Henry envision a world where we find refuge in each other and in public space. Episode Webpage [https://app.kit.com/campaigns/17894082/www.freedomlifted.com/shared-power-podcast/naghem-swade] Produced by Cassaundra Sampson & Mia Henry

Exploring Shared Leadership Models with Anisha Desai

How does shared power translate to shared leadership in organizations and movements? What's required to create or maintain a "shared leadership model"? Does every organization rooted in justice & equity require this? In this episode, Mia Henry introduces Anisha Desai of the worker-owned co-op AORTA to answer all these questions (and more!). Together, they discuss Anisha's background in movement work, what questions to ask if you work within a shared leadership role, and people-oriented structures that allow for shared leadership… and followship. Listen in to hear Anisha's thoughtful voice on a topic a lot of us are curious about, but know very little. Episode Webpage [https://www.freedomlifted.com/shared-power-podcast/anishadesai]

Claiming Power for Self + Sharing Power across Generations, Part 2 with Mary E. Scott Boria

"We've got to believe that there's a 'next point' that's going to be better… if we don't believe that, how do we encourage [young people] to believe in that?" - Mary Scott Boria Every person desires (and deserves) respect and collaboration. How can we work together in intergenerational spaces for social justice to create shared power that makes a real and collective difference? In this episode, you'll hear Part 2 of Mia's two-part conversation with Mary Scott Boria. They talk about their lived experiences as young activists seeking mentorship and seasoned activists learning to mentor. Mary and Mia discuss how to create and invite dialogue between generations, how they might build a conversation (rather than deliver a lecture), how to build intergenerational relationships and collaborations, plus how to acknowledge the personhood of the people they're working with (and why that's important). Mary also tells Mia about her intergenerational book club (that gathers more for conversation than reading books!) and why she encourages everyone she mentors to find a way to nurture their soul. "[To young activists:] We see you. We're still here. We're in this together. And we love you." - Mia Henry & Mary Scott Boria Episode Webpage [https://www.freedomlifted.com/shared-power-podcast/bonus/episode-13]

Claiming Power for Self + Sharing Power across Generations, Part 1 with Mary E. Scott Boria

"Shared Power is an evolving process." - Mary Scott Boria Mary Scott Boria grew up as a Black child in a biracial family, bouncing from her home in small town Michigan to Chicago, Illinois. She participated in her first protests with her white mother in the sixties and later joined the women's movement as a teen mother herself. Mary is an inspiration to young activists for her relationship-based mentorship and willingness to pay attention and listen to minority voices. She's both strong and soft, bold and quiet, courageous and thoughtful. We hope you enjoy her wisdom and her story! In this episode, you'll hear Part 1 of Mary and Mia's two-part conversation. Mary shares her diverse family history, her first experiences with the women's movement and working inside an abortion clinic, how she's learned to speak up in shared spaces - as someone who's generally very shy, and the ways she creates Shared Power in her activist work. Content Warning: Mention of sexual assault, rape. Episode Webpage [https://www.freedomlifted.com/shared-power-podcast/bonus/episode-12]

Shared Power on Nonprofit Boards with Genita Robinson

"'[Hoarding power] can feel safe for you… but it's not safe for everyone else." - Genita Robinson Seasoned consultant Genita Robinson joins Mia for an in-depth conversation about her work supporting nonprofit organizations and boards. Genita is well-versed and experienced in creating and working with boards of directors who are rooted in equity and thinking about power in progressive and abundant ways. In this episode, Genita details some common challenges boards face, plus a handful of solutions you might consider if you're part of a board (or if you work within an organization that maintains one). We also dig into the very common fear of losing power and control that's sometimes hidden behind "urgent" decision-making, the importance of allowing for dissent and disagreement, and what to do if your Executive Committee is making all the decisions behind closed doors. Episode Webpage [https://www.freedomlifted.com/shared-power-podcast/bonus/episode-11]