Ep.03: Encouragement in Diversity: Conversations from the Trifling Picnic and Belonging Exchange

Belonging Exchange w/ Phil and Elaine Amerson

Ep.03: Encouragement in Diversity: Conversations from the Trifling Picnic and Belonging Exchange. Part 3 of 3.

In episode 03 of “Belonging Exchange Conversation," a diverse panel of guests share their unique perspectives on the importance of community, belonging, and exchanging ideas. The episode features inspiring conversations with Dr. Abdullah, Shawna Murphy, Tom True, Mary Ann Moman, Mark Dicken, Linda Allen, and others, who come together for the "trifling picnic," a gathering organized by the Belonging Exchange.:

Our first guest, **Dr. Abdullah**, opens up about his academic journey merging African diaspora studies with digital humanities and his newfound appreciation for community events like the trifling picnic. Dr. Abdullah underscores the critical value of bringing together diverse perspectives, emphasizing that sharing different worldviews can bridge gaps and dissolve ignorance, leading to greater harmony.

Next, we hear from **Shawna Murphy**, who intricately describes the concept of "willful blindness" and the courage required to remove the metaphorical scales preventing us from seeing the talents and humanity in others. Murphy advocates for building connections to combat loneliness and underscores that developing networks of love and support can significantly improve community well-being.

**Tom True** and **Jan True** shed light on the essence of the trifling picnic. According to Tom, the event's informal nature fosters organic connections and builds social capital—a crucial element in achieving meaningful social exchange. Jan highlights the importance of overcoming fear and misunderstanding through open interaction, leading to a kinder and more accepting world.

**Mary Dicken** eloquently ties belonging and exchange to creating spaces of mutuality, where people from different backgrounds can build relationships that lead to sustained social change. Dicken believes that such gatherings are foundational for educational and communal growth, emphasizing the need for intentional actions to make these connections effective.

**Mark Dicken** praises the event for breaking people out of their bubbles and encouraging them to interact with diverse voices and communities. He notes the endless possibilities that can arise when people step out of their comfort zones and engage with new perspectives.

**Linda Allen** and her son **Brandon** provide a heartfelt testimonial on how community initiatives, such as Habitat for Humanity, have positively impacted their lives. Linda emphasizes the importance of giving back and continuously helping one another, capturing the fundamental essence of the Belonging Exchange’s mission.

**Takeaway Points**:

1. **Diversity and Harmony**: Embracing diverse perspectives can lead to better understanding and harmony within communities.

2. **Willful Blindness**: Acknowledge and overcome "willful blindness" to recognize and value the talents around us.

3. **Organic Connections**: Informal, organic gatherings foster meaningful relationships that can lead to sustained social impact.

4. **Intentional Diversity**: Intentionally creating diverse interactions is crucial for building a rich and dynamic community fabric.

5. **Giving Back**: Community support is cyclic; those who benefit from it often feel a strong drive to contribute back, enhancing communal ties and shared goals.

This was Episode 03 of a three part limited episode podcast “Belonging Exchange Conversations.”

You can listen to the first two episodes of “Belonging Exchange Conversations” at these links:

Episode 01

Episode 02.

Find out more about The Belonging Exchange at the website: https://belongingexchange.org/