We The Community

We The Community Talks Working Across the Aisle and Defining Progress with Lifelong Change Agent Jen Guzman

Keywords:
 
change work, community engagement, authenticity, leadership, listening, political conversations, core values, humanity, social justice, personal identity
 
Takeaways
Change work requires authenticity and vulnerability.
Listening is crucial for effective change making.
Building relationships is key to working across party lines.
Core values should never be compromised for progress.
Personal stories can bridge gaps in understanding.
Navigating tension requires empathy and patience.
The future of leadership lies in shared humanity.
Progress can be incremental and still meaningful.
Community engagement is essential for lasting change.
Leadership is about serving others, not seeking power.
Summary:
 
In this conversation, Amanda Zahorak and Jen Guzman explore the intricacies of change work, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, listening, and building relationships across political divides. They discuss personal identity, core values, and the role of humanity in leadership, while also sharing insights on navigating tension in conversations and the significance of community engagement. The dialogue culminates in a message of hope for the future, highlighting the power of collective action and understanding in creating meaningful change.
 
Links:
 
Bestola Collective
PODER 
RISE Chicago
 
Titles:
Bridging Divides: The Art of Change Making
Authenticity in Leadership: A Personal Journey
Sound Bites
"Your power is in your humanity."
"Don't be your own villain."
"Change work is an act of love."
Chapters
 
00:00 Introduction to Jen Guzman and Her Background
08:56 Embracing Intersectionality: The Mexiju Experience
13:25 The Power of Authenticity in Leadership
17:22 The Essence of Change Making
21:13 Listening and Understanding in Leadership
24:32 Working Across Party Lines and Building Bridges
29:31 The Challenge of Change
31:27 Building Relationships for Progress
33:42 Listening to Your Body
37:29 Core Values and Boundaries
40:33 Defining Progress
44:00 The Importance of Bipartisanship
47:17 Leadership Standards and Accountability
49:48 Dealing with Opposition and Self-Care
56:17 Navigating Life's Messy Paths
57:33 Understanding Different Perspectives
01:00:02 Bouncing Back from Power Loss
01:02:42 The Importance of Resilience
01:05:08 Building Relationships Across Sectors
01:07:40 Embracing Diverse Opinions
01:08:44 Inquiry as a Tool for Change
01:09:25 Lessons from Leadership
01:11:14 Using Voice for Good
01:12:09 Legacy of Humanity and Love
01:13:31 Finding Hope in Humanity
01:14:31 Engaging with Community Initiatives
01:15:52 Introduction to We The Community Podcast

We The Community Talks How to Get Involved and Stay Well While Doing It with Clinical Therapist, Kelly Wynne

Summary
 
In this episode, Kelly Wynne shares her journey from journalism to becoming a therapist, emphasizing the importance of mental health advocacy, community engagement, and self-care. She discusses redefining leadership in therapy, the significance of listening, and the need for boundaries in advocacy work. Kelly highlights the importance of finding hope and good in the world, especially during uncertain times, and encourages listeners to prioritize their well-being while making a positive impact in their communities.
 
Keywords
 
Mental health, therapy, community engagement, self-care, leadership, anxiety, resilience, boundaries, hope, legacy
 
Takeaways
Kelly Wynne's journey began with a viral blog post on anxiety.
She transitioned from journalism to therapy to help others.
Leadership in therapy is about guiding clients, not saving them.
Listening is a powerful form of leadership.
Community needs vary; understanding them is crucial.
Self-care is essential for advocates and change-makers.
Rituals can ground us in times of uncertainty.
Boundaries are about how we respond, not changing others.
Finding good in the world can combat feelings of fear.
Legacy is about helping others find their worth.
Links:
Micro Activism by Omkari Williams
Find Mental Health Resources at: Psychology Today 
 

We The Community Talks Local Leadership and Changemaking with Dexter Mason, Executive Director of Change Collective

Summary
In this episode of the We The Community podcast, Amanda Zahorak interviews Dexter Mason, the executive director of the Change Collective. They discuss Dexter's journey to leadership, the mission of the Change Collective, and the importance of investing in local leaders. The conversation highlights the significance of community engagement, the selection process for changemakers, and the curriculum designed for local leaders. Dexter shares insights on humility in leadership, the role of local solutions in addressing societal issues, and the importance of building diverse networks. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions about leadership inspirations and future aspirations.
 
Takeaways
Dexter Mason emphasizes the intertwining of service and leadership.
The Change Collective aims to redefine civic life in the 21st century.
Investing in local leaders is crucial for long-term systemic change.
Local leadership impacts daily life significantly.
The selection process for the Change Collective values diverse experiences.
Curriculum for local leaders includes both hard and soft skills.
Humility is essential in leadership roles.
Building community is vital for changemakers.
Ego can hinder effective leadership and collaboration.
Hope for the future lies in the next generations' commitment to change.
Chapters
00:00 Dexter's Journey to Leadership04:57 The Change Collective: Mission and Vision07:40 Career Path and Finding Change Collective14:52 Advice on Career Paths and Change Making18:36 Investing in Local Leaders22:14 The Importance of Local Politics24:52 Getting Involved Locally26:41 The Change Collective Selection Process31:41 Diversity in Leadership and Community Building35:07 Curriculum for Local Leaders39:48 The Importance of Local Solutions45:02 Gatekeepers in Community Politics53:06 Networking with Community Gatekeepers01:01:13 Promoting a Flexible Work Culture01:02:31 The Importance of Transparency in Leadership01:03:18 Ego and Leadership: A Stoic Perspective01:05:54 Working Across the Aisle: Checking Ego for Collaboration01:07:40 Pathways to Public Office: From Local Change Makers to Leaders01:11:09 Finding Community: Overcoming Loneliness in Activism01:12:48 Inspiring Leaders: Role Models in Public Service01:14:29 Future Aspirations: Balancing Change Making and Personal Dreams01:16:36 Staying Hopeful: Humanity's Capacity for Positive Change01:18:25 Connecting with Change Collective: Opportunities for Engagement01:22:54 Introduction to We The Community Podcast
Links:
Learn More about Change Collective
Read King: A Life
 
 

Introducing We The Community, a Podcast for Social Change

We the Community is a podcast hosted by Amanda Zahorak, focused on social justice, civic engagement, and community-driven solutions. Each episode spotlights real people making real change—from local leaders to national advocates. Subscribe/follow to stay informed, inspired, and engaged. Let’s build stronger, more inclusive communities—together. Find us on instagram @wethecommunitypod.