“A seat at the table.”

Isn’t that what we are all supposed to want? To be heard, to be listened to, to be respected, but I know full well that being in a seat at the table doesn’t guarantee any of those things.

Because you might just be there as a token.

So, ask yourself, if you want more indigenous people in your group, in your company, in your target market, in your store, in your club … how will we be treated there if we do show up and sit down?

Will we be the anomaly, constantly studied, with question after question, announcing to the world with your queries just how “different” you see us?

If we dare to share that something done or said in that meeting makes us feel uncomfortable, will it be addressed, changed even, or will we simply be “reassured” that all will be fine, our concerns discarded quicker than they were uttered?

Is there a max number of “us” you want to see? If we outnumber you at some point, will that be problematic?

You see, we are not décor. We are not work. We are not an addition to your space.

We are humans, worthy of respect and consideration and accommodation and time. And if you can’t do that, if you are not willing to do that, well then …

We don’t want a seat at your table.

But if you play your cards right, we might invite you to sit in our circle … someday, once you figure out how to treat fellow humans even when they don’t look, speak, or behave like you.

The journey continues …
 

I love you!
HUGSSSSSSS
Sandi