Starr News Summer 2023

110

YEARS OF RESILIENCE

BEING AN ALLY

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

TRANSFORMING TRAUMA INTO TRIUMPH

ANALYZING OUTCOMES AT RESILIENT SCHOOLS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Our Mission

Starr Commonwealth leads with courage to create positive experiences so that all children, families, and communities flourish.

Our Vision

Universal Hope, Boundless Love, and Limitless Success for all children.

Our Theory of Change

When trauma-informed and resilience-focused adults work within trauma-informed and resilience-focused systems, the wellbeing and success of children will increase.

Our Equity Statement

We recognize the past and current struggles of identity groups who have been historically marginalized, impacted by toxic hierarchy, and taken by violence. We believe that equitable environments create opportunities for effective problem solving, sustainable growth, and, in general, a more holistic understanding of the world.

13725 Starr Commonwealth Rd., Albion, MI 49224 800.837.5591 | info@starr.org | www.starr.org

Starr Commonwealth is a nonprofit organization serving children and families regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, or sexuality. Starr Commonwealth is accredited by the Council on Accreditation. Founded in 1913, Starr Commonwealth is licensed by the state of Michigan. Starr Commonwealth’s Albion campus is a Michigan Historic Site. Starr Commonwealth receives funds from social agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals.

Lisa Miller, Chair (2018 – 2027)

President

MMK Consulting Group Coldwater, MI

Randy Neumann, Vice Chair (2013 – 2022) Vice President

J.F. Daley, Inc. San Antonio, TX

Simon P. Bisson, Secretary (2018 – 2027) Vice President, Institutional Relations and Development University Hospitals Health System Cleveland, OH

George A. Goodman (2010 – 2019) (2021 – 2030) Ypsilanti, MI

Huilan Krenn (2017 – 2026)

Director of Learning & Impact W.K. Kellogg Foundation Battle Creek, MI

Sean Silver, Treasurer (2019 – 2028)

Senior Vice President Bank of America

Merrill Lynch Troy, MI

Erick Stewart, Past Chair (2009 – 2023)

President Lagniappe Global Commodity Group Battle Creek, MI

Keena Williams (2019 – 2028)

Chief Belonging Officer & Title IX Coordinator Albion College Albion, MI

OFFICERS

Elizabeth A. Carey

President and Chief Executive Officer

Derek S. Allen

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Dr. Caelan Soma

Chief Clinical Officer

Paula Dolson

Chief Financial Officer

TRUSTEES EMERITUS

Michael J. Gable

Human Resources Executive (Retired) Orlans Associates, PC Troy, MI

George D. Goodman

Executive Director (Retired) Michigan Municipal League Ann Arbor, MI

Honorable Eugene A. Moore

Chief Probate Judge (Retired) Oakland County Pontiac, MI

HONORARY TRUSTEES

Anne Willson Dupré Granddaughter of Floyd Starr Toronto, Canada

Diana Starr Langley Montecito, CA

PRESIDENT EMERITUS

Martin L. Mitchell President Emeritus Coldwater, MI

Arlin E. Ness President Emeritus Anthem, AZ

Larry K. Brendtro

President Emeritus Lennox, SD

*All Officers and Trustees can be reached at the following address and phone number:

Starr Commonwealth 13725 Starr Commonwealth Road Albion, MI 49224 (517) 629-5591

110 Years of Healing

To our valued readers,

Please enjoy the following pages of exciting updates from around the Commonwealth. In a world bracing with the implications of postpandemic society, the scales of hope and concern can swing wildly. At Starr Commonwealth, what was true 110 years ago is still true today: every child deserves the chance to flourish. In that spirit, I am delighted to share our dedicated team’s recent accomplishments— all focused on improving the lives of countless kids.

Timing could not be more critical for Starr’s services and resources. The trauma tsunami spoke of a few short years ago has arrived in the form of a national emergency in childhood mental health. Starr has acknowledged this reality with swift action, and I encourage you to read further about our 110th anniversary and Mental Health Matters. Also featured in this issue of Starr News are accounts of external validation of our work, a celebration of our incredible Student Resilience and Empowerment Center staff, and an important reminder of the Oneness of Humankind from Starr’s Vice President of Oneness Ken Ponds.

As stated previously, Starr is celebrating our 110th anniversary. It is my hope that each and every stakeholder of Starr is as proud as I am at this time. This pride is not for myself, but for the countless children and families whose lives were forever changed thanks to Uncle Floyd and his Commonwealth.

2023 is a celebration of children. It is also an opportunity. At a time when the nation’s eyes are focused on mental health more than ever, we must act. Consider the impact in the pages of this issue, and remember it takes a village. The healing therein—and the future of our mission—is all possible thanks to hearts and minds just like yours. Visit starr.org/110 and join our movement of healing today.

Yours in celebration and action,

Elizabeth Carey, President & CEO

2022 STARR ANNUAL REPORT

Available now at starr.org/financials

"I am deeply humbled and forever grateful for those who make the work of Starr Commonwealth possible. They include an amazing team of behavioral health clinicians, trauma-informed trainers, and a courageous staff who come to work at Starr every day in the hope of making the world a better place for children, families, and communities throughout the country and the world. They also include a passionate board of trustees who provided guidance and leadership as we navigated turbulent times during and after a global pandemic. Naturally, my appreciation also always turns to you—our friends, partners, and supporters—who give your time, talent, and treasure to make Starr a true “Commonwealth” year after year."

-Elizabeth Carey Starr Commonwealth President and CEO

“They are becoming more involved in the learning process, and the participation rate has increased tremendously. They are taking ownership of their education.”

-Resilient Schools Project partner school

10,361 professionals trained; 686 newly certified

20 schools in 7 school districts participated in the Resilient Schools Project

243 Behavioral Health Clients served

1,141 gifts & 430 donors

78 students enrolled & 28 graduates of the Student Resilience and Empowerment Center

“It has turned my negative thoughts into positive thoughts and made me realize that I am a warrior.”

-Client

“Learning more about how to work with a child who is in distress and how to help them have and find safety has been very helpful.”

-Training participant

110 Years of Resilience

No matter their journey, children can heal. They can be empowered. And with the help of a caring community, they can become resilient.

Since its establishment in 1913, Starr Commonwealth has been a beacon of hope and resilience for children. Floyd Starr’s vision had one essential belief at its core:

“There is no such thing as a bad child.”

This belief has been nurtured and has evolved for 110 years, and the dream of empowering children has remained at the heart of Starr’s mission.

Despite the strides we’ve made in understanding and treating mental health issues, there remains a pressing, national emergency: childhood mental health. Statistics paint a grim picture. From 2010 to 2020, rates of childhood mental health concerns and suicides have steadily risen. By 2018, suicide had tragically become the second leading cause of death for young people aged 1024.This crisis has only intensified with the stress and isolation brought about by the pandemic.

Starr Commonwealth has recognized this issue and has taken a dynamic, holistic approach to addressing it. This goes beyond offering traditional behavioral health services. The organization’s expanded focus now encompasses racial healing, educational reform, and systemlevel changes, knowing these elements all impact the mental well-being of children.

The theory of change Starr Commonwealth operates on believes that when trauma-informed, resilience-focused adults work within similarly

How does this theory manifest in real life? It translates to tangible improvements for the children, families, and organizations that Starr Commonwealth works with across the country and around the globe. With our support, these communities report better health, improved educational outcomes, and a reduction in social, emotional, and behavioral health issues. These breakthroughs create a ripple effect, infusing entire communities with a sense of hope and endless possibilities for success.

Starr Commonwealth is passionate about sharing these stories of resilience and healing, inviting the world to witness the positive changes made possible through our work. We’re documenting these inspiring journeys all year long as part of our 110th-anniversary celebration.

You can be part of this movement towards changing the narrative surrounding childhood mental health. Visit starr.org/110 to learn more about how you can contribute to this cause and give the gift of healing.

Join us in celebrating Starr Commonwealth’s 110th anniversary and become a sponsor. Your contribution aids in addressing the national emergency in childhood mental health by providing critical resources to expand Starr’s behavioral health services and educational programs. This is an excellent opportunity to highlight your business, or show your own personal commitment to community mental health and the future of our children. We welcome corporate, individual or familynamed sponsors, as well as “in honor/memory of” recognitions and anonymous sponsors. Join Starr Commonwealth in commemorating our 110th anniversary, and together let’s transform the lives of children.

Your sponsorship includes a variety of opportunities for promotion in Starr publications and at Starr events. Depending on your sponsorship level you will be thanked on social media, on various Starr webpages, Starr News, Annual Report, and the Night of Starrs gala.

“We are proud to partner with Starr Commonwealth as they continue to grow and expand their programs to support area youth, educators, social workers, health care professionals, first responders, and others. Aligning ourselves with organizations such as Starr helps us achieve our goal of working for the betterment of our communities.”

John Castle, Chairman and CEO of Southern Michigan Bank and Trust

Unburying the Lede

implemented by early childhood specialists to counteract the “trauma tsunami” brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jennifer Brookland’s article discusses the profound impact the pandemic has had on the mental health of young children, revealing an escalating crisis that Michigan childcare workers were ill-prepared for.

The nation is now turning its attention toward the issues Starr Commonwealth and its partners were warning of in the early days of COVID-19.

Jennifer Brookland, author of the poignant article, “Michigan child care workers were unprepared for kids’ post-pandemic mental health crisis”, discussing the mental health crisis in children due to the COVID-19 pandemic, recently appeared on Starr Commonwealth’s series, “Mental Health Matters.” The series is dedicated to fostering a community-oriented approach to address the burgeoning childhood mental health crisis.

Alongside Brookland were Dr. Caelan Soma, Chief Clinical Officer at Starr Commonwealth; Angela Tucker, an Early On Service Coordinator, Early Interventionist, and Occupational Therapist from St. Clair County RESA; Tracee Blake, a Special Education Teacher Consultant and Early Interventionist also from St. Clair County RESA; and Joe Zima, the 2022 Stand Tall Award Honoree and a Behavior Specialist & Professional Development Coordinator at St. Clair County RESA. Their conversation centered on the revelations from Brookland’s article and the strategies

Despite the nation’s efforts to “return to normal”, kids have displayed increasing levels of aggression, crying, and lack of focus, indicating mental health issues exacerbated by the pandemic. The article asserts that childcare centers, already dealing with staff shortages and low wages, are now overwhelmed by these heightened behavioral challenges. Furthermore, it highlights the critical importance of stable caregiver-child relationships and the potential of play therapy as mitigating factors, while stressing the necessity for better resources, training, and funding to address both the children’s and the caregivers’ mental health needs.

Read Jennifer Brookland’s article “Michigan child care workers were unprepared for kids’ postpandemic mental health crisis” at the Detroit Free Press or USA Today.

“[Many] of these childcare providers I was speaking with were talking about the effect of COVID-19 and the changes that they were seeing post-COVID. But what they also told me was that this was not something that was created by the pandemic. Young children have had mental health issues and emotional struggles well-preceding the pandemic. They’ve been exacerbated by the pandemic, coupled with the fact that their providers are under stress—their parents are under stress. So, it’s kind of a perfect storm of factors playing into the sort of acute environment where these kids are struggling and they don’t have the support that they need. Their parents don’t have the support they need, and their childcare providers don’t have what they need to address it.”

- Jennifer Brookland

Mental Health Matters

A COMMUNITY APPROACH TO OVERCOMING THE CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS

Long before the declaration of a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health, Starr Commonwealth and our supporters understood a key fact of building resilience: it takes a village. Alongside fellow changemakers and friends new and old, our new series seeks to increase awareness of the emergency and the individual and multi-generational impact it carries. In each session, our expert panelists offer a diverse range of practical solutions to child advocates and practitioners across the country—sharing not only their expertise but empowering action.

“We’ve always cherished our partners,” said Starr Commonwealth President and CEO Elizabeth Carey. “Our collective efforts have not only prepared us all to spread awareness of our current crisis, but now allow us to piece together this puzzle in a way that empowers the general community. I am grateful for the opportunity to spread hope, and honor our responsibility to children and families across the globe.”

Each learning experience is free of charge, presented live, and offered on-demand at a later date to ensure all have an opportunity to participate. After all, we all have a role to play in breaking barriers to success for future generations.

March 2023: Features a conversation among a powerful group of education professionals, each bringing their own unique experiences to the field of education and, specifically, culturally responsive teaching.

January 2023: Healthcare professionals from Oaklawn and Dr. Caelan Soma discuss the critical role the medical field plays in overcoming the national mental health emergency in children.

April 2023: A conversation with Summit Pointe, a county-level community mental health provider, about how their new First Step Program, community partnerships, and work with local school districts is expanding Calhoun County’s continuum of care and increasing access to critical emergency and preventative services.

May 2023: Panelists share their expertise at creating learning spaces and experiences that strengthen the neural framework, behaviors, and educational outcomes of children ages 0-5. They provide recommendations and share the many success stories of the children they serve.

Transforming Trauma into Triumph:

Tiffany’s Journey with Starr Behavioral Health

Tiffany was a bundle of energy at seven years old when she walked through the doors of Starr Behavioral Health. Born with a heart defect, she came from a family who loved the outdoors, including camping, horseback riding, swimming, and more. But her mother, Beth, noticed that Tiffany was beginning to lag behind. Their adventurous spirit was curbed by a tiny heart that just couldn’t keep up.

Preparing for the monumental event of a heart transplant, Tiffany and her family sought help at Starr Behavioral Health. Not long after her therapy began, it was time for Tiffany’s life-altering surgery. Her physical recovery was paramount, thus her progress with Starr Behavioral Health continued in the hospital.

The journey thereafter was far from easy. Tiffany’s family had to remodel their home to accommodate her post-transplant needs and suspend their outdoor escapades temporarily. The heart transplant, while crucial, was a traumatic experience for the young girl. However, at Starr Behavioral Health, a team of dedicated clinicians were ready to help Tiffany navigate her emotional and physical recovery.

Amidst these massive changes, Starr’s therapists embarked on a therapeutic approach that included occupational therapy. Recognizing Tiffany’s need to regain control of her life, her therapists took note of her limitations and leveraged them, creating personalized care plans.

The therapy was transformative. Tiffany began to see herself not just as a patient,

but as a fighter. With every session, she took on more challenges, building her resilience and strength. Occupational therapy was a vital part of her recovery; it provided her with the tools to understand and manage her situation, helping her regain her independence.

The transformation has been remarkable, not just for Tiffany but her entire family. Beth noted the drastic change in her daughter’s emotional control, a key accomplishment thanks to Starr. “We really appreciate what Starr Commonwealth has done for Tiffany and our family,” Beth said. “We were dealing with what we now know are trauma responses to Tiffany’s challenges. Thanks to her and her clinician’s hard work at Starr, we’ve noticed a dramatic change. Even family and friends are saying ‘Wow! Things are really changing!’ She is in so much more control of her emotions. This would not have happened without Starr.”

Tiffany’s journey has been a testament to resilience and determination. Through the exceptional care at Starr Behavioral Health, Tiffany is not only healing physically but is also learning to navigate her emotions post-trauma, reclaiming her childhood and steadily getting back to the outdoor fun she so dearly loves.

Piloted in the spring of 2022, the Student Resilience and Empowerment Center has touched the lives of close to 100 students throughout Calhoun County who needed it most. This immersive, halfday program builds on existing collaborations between Starr and local schools, who together with the Battle Creek Family YMCA, and Calhoun County’s public mental health provider, Summit Pointe, are implementing a model that integrates behavioral health care into the school day. A year after launch, Starr is delighted to celebrate the dedicated staff who makes true transformation possible.

"The Student Resilience and Empowerment Center’s early success is due in large part to an incredible team whose expertise and competence has been instrumental," said Sarah Wasil, Senior Director of Programs. "Their unique knowledge in emotional awareness and regulation strategies has helped our middle school students to learn, practice, and master new coping strategies. Our staff's commitment to creating a supportive and nurturing environment is unmatched, ensuring our students have the best tools to improve their health and wellbeing. Their outstanding ability to connect with and uplift the students truly exemplifies our mission of empowering young people and communities to flourish."

Validating Starr’s Approach

Starr Commonwealth’s Resilient Schools Project continues to serve as a model for dedicated systems change throughout education—and its impact is clear. Starr is delighted to receive third-party validation of our work through Statistics in the Community (STATCOM) at the University of Michigan.

In a first project with Starr, STATCOM has analyzed the learning outcomes and feedback received from participants in Starr’s Trauma-Informed Resilient Schools (TIRS) and Children of Trauma and Resilience (COTR) courses. From the results of the questionnaires, most participants found the course to be useful and beneficial, and overall, participants were highly satisfied with the content and materials of the course, the instructor, and the teaching quality. Further, most course-takers professed a mastery of course concepts, a willingness to take another Starr course, and would make strong endorsements of the course to their colleagues.

SURVEY THEMES KEY

“We are so fortunate to partner with STATCOM at the University of Michigan for external validation of our work at Starr,” said Dr. Stacey Levin, senior director of research, evaluation, and innovation at Starr. “Leveraging STATCOM’s expertise has been instrumental in building an evidence base that supports the effectiveness of Starr’s coursework, as we aim to ensure the delivery of high quality offerings to those we serve.”

Trauma-Informed Resilient Schools FEEDBACK RESULTS

Children of Trauma and Resilience FEEDBACK RESULTS

IN HONOR OF:

DEREK ALLEN

Mrs. Patricia Allen

Mr. John Barrett and Mrs. Chris Barrett

Mr. David Begg

Mr. Virgil Bernero and Mrs. Teri Bernero

Mr. Jeffrey Breneman and Mrs. Lisa Breneman

Mr. Russell J. Byrne and Mrs. Mary Jo Byrne

Mrs. Elizabeth A. Carey and Mr. Michael Young

Mr. Dick Carpenter and Mrs. Patricia Carpenter

Mr. Thomas Carpenter

Mr. Craig Carrel

Dr. Jeffrey C. Carrier and Mrs. Carol

A. Carrier

Mr. Jordan Cummings

Mr. David Diemert and Mrs. Jessica Diemert

Mr. Keon Watkins and Mrs. Stephanie Fries

Mr. Patrick Grevelding and Mrs. Erika Grevelding

Mr. Doug Heavrin-Brown

Mr. Michael Iveson

Ms. Kristi Kieu

Mr. Derek King and Mrs. Terra King

Ms. Kathleen Lambrix

Dr. J Summer Liston-Crandall and Mr. Mason Crandall

Mr. Roderick Moore

Dr. Tom Neidlinger and Mrs. Darlene Neidlinger

Mr. Mason Novess and Mrs. Virginia Novess

Mr. Sergio Rodriguez

Ms. Mary Ann Sabo

Mr. Jeff Shuck and Mrs. Jeanie Shuck

Dr. Caelan K. Soma and Mr. John Soma

Mr. Gregg Strand

Mr. Dan Stulberg and Mrs. Nancy Stulberg

Mr. Taizavaughn Terry

Ms. Linda Thomas

Mrs. Julie Voigt and Mr. Robert Voigt

ELIZABETH A. CAREY

Dr. David K. Hogberg and Mrs. Patricia P. Hogberg

KATHRYN (KATIE) CARPENTER

Mr. Tom Carpenter and Mrs. Jill Carpenter

RICHARD CARPENTER

Ms. Kathryn (Katie) Carpenter

EDIE COLE

Mrs. Carol Walters

DINAH DURUSSEL

Mr. Delbert Benson and Mrs. Mary Benson

JONATHAN G. MOORE

Mr. James M. Moore

RANDY R. NEUMANN

Mr. Derek Allen

Mrs. Elizabeth A. Carey and Mr. Michael Young

Honor/Memorial Gifts

June 4, 2022 to June 5, 2023

MATTHEW, ALLISON, KENNEDY AND CHARLIE RAY

Mr. R. Richard Ray and Mrs. Carol Ray

CAELAN K. SOMA

Ms. Patricia Guarino

JULIE VOIGT

Mr. David C. Dooley and Mrs. Annemarie Dooley

Mr. Bryan Fields and Mrs. Barbara Fields

KONNER AND GARRETT VOIGT

Mrs. Julie Voigt and Mr. Robert Voigt

IN MEMORY OF:

MARY ADANI

Mr. Bryan Fields and Mrs. Barbara Fields

STANLEY ALLEN

Dr. Martin L. Mitchell and Mrs. Shirlee Mitchell

Mr. Woodrow Wilson

DIANE BARIMO

Mrs. Julie Voigt and Mr. Robert Voigt

WILLIAM MACKIE BLACK

Mr. Darrell J. Black

AVRAHAM Y. BOWERS

Ms. Kenya Washington

JANNA BRENDTRO

Mr. Michael Amundsen and Mrs. Lee Amundsen

EDWIN COTTRELL

Mr. Robert E. DesJardins and Mrs. Christine DesJardins

KIRK CURTIS

Mr. Richard Morrison and Mrs. Margaret Morrison

DR. HAROLD L. DALY

Dr. Miriam S. Daly

DANIEL C. DAVIS

Mr. David A. Reitzel

MAURICE N. DAVIS

Mr. Richard Ressler and Mrs. Rebecca Davis

KALI ANN MARIE DAVIS-RADCLIFFE

Mr. Derek Allen

Mr. Joe Bryant and Mrs. Patricia Bryant

Mrs. Elizabeth A. Carey and Mr. Michael Young

Mr. James E. Cracraft and Mrs. Nancy Cracraft

Dr. Randy K. Davis and Mrs. Pamela Davis

Mr. Russell Davis

Mr. Jim Deitrich and Mrs. Mary Jo Deitrich

Mr. Aron Hodo

Ms. Becky Jones

Dr. James E. Longhurst and Mrs. Lynn Longhurst

Mr. Michael J. Martin and Mrs. Donna

M. Martin

Mr. Richard L. Mattea and Mrs. Ann Mattea

Mr. Patrick M. McCann

Dr. Martin L. Mitchell and Mrs. Shirlee Mitchell

Mr. John E. Norton and Mrs. Diane Bell Norton

Mr. Joseph P. Palchak and Mrs. Carolyn Palchak

Mr. Michael J. Stagg and Mrs. Janice Stagg

Mr. Dan Stulberg and Mrs. Nancy Stulberg

Mr. William Traver and Mrs. Susi Traver

Mrs. Julie Voigt and Mr. Robert Voigt

WALTER DENISON

Mrs. Margaret Ferrara

MARGUERITE W. ENDRES

Mr. Mark Endress

HEATHER LYNN FLANNERY

Mr. Terrence Kohnke

Ms. Sally J. O’Rielly

Mr. Roger Stanwick and Mrs. Laura Stanwick

JOHN EDMUND FRANKLIN

Mrs. Julie Voigt and Mr. Robert Voigt

BILL GEORGE

Dr. Richard L. Pinkerton

JOHN B. GMEINER

Mrs. Marian P. Gmeiner

MAX AND MAUDE GRANT

Mr. Gordon P. Grant

WILLIAM F. HERMANN

Mrs. Dorothy Hermann

H. ROWENA HERRING

Mr. John E. Herring

JACK AND BETTY HONHART

Ms. Anne Honhart

LEO KENNETH HORNETT

Ms. Jeanne Pichel

ROSE L. KALISZ

Mrs. Julie Voigt and Mr. Robert Voigt

ELLEN MULRY KEENA

Mr. Blaise Fettig and Mrs. Emily Fettig

JACK AND ELLEN KEENAN

Mr. Blaise Fettig and Mrs. Emily Fettig

JAMES C. KINGSLEY

Mr. Michael Turner and Mrs. Peg Turner

ELEANOR LANGLEY

Dr. Martin L. Mitchell and Mrs. Shirlee Mitchell

Dr. Arlin E. Ness and Mrs. Barbara Ness

DONALD H. LILJE

Ms. Betty A Lilje

JESSIE LONGHURST

Dr. James E. Longhurst and Mrs. Lynn Longhurst

MICHAEL MCELROY

Mrs. Bridget McElroy

R. BRANDER MEAD

Ms. Pam J. Davis

CORNELIA MILES

Mrs. Linda Howard

ASA MILES JR.

Mrs. Linda Howard

ELLSWORTH AND AILEEN MOORE

Mr. James M. Moore

JUDGE A. E. MOORE

Mr. Thomas Dean and Mrs. Jeanine Dean

GLORIA DORIS MURPHY

Mrs. Julie Voigt and Mr. Robert Voigt

JAMES OWENS

Mrs. Julie Voigt and Mr. Robert Voigt

MARGARET M. PETSCH

Mrs. Marian M. Wood

EDWARD F. POTYRAJ

Mrs. Chara L. Potyraj

MARILYN REED

Ms. Norma A. Pitts

OCTAVIO REYNA

Mr. Randy R. Neumann and Mrs. Tracey Neumann

JON A. RHOADES

Mrs. Nancy Rhoades

GERALD AND MARION ROBINSON

Mrs. Mary Ann Davis

CHARLES M. SCHRAM

Mr. John W. Schram

PAUL STEARNS

Mrs. Libby Stearns

GLORIA TACHUK

Mr. Ronald A. Tachuk

BARBARA TOUSLEY

Mr. William H. Tousey

JEAN L. TROTTER

Mr. Reginald S. Trotter

HERBERT AND ORVA S. VELTMAN

Ms. Gloria Veltman

SYDNEY AND FRANCES WARDELL

Mr. Ronald S. Wardell

PEARL AGNES NARCIS WASHINGTON

Ms. Kenya Washington

JOSEPH WILDER

Dr. Jeffrey C. Carrier and Mrs. Carol A. Carrier

ERVIN J. AND HELEN A. WILEE

Ms. Marilyn J. Heiling

LILLIE B. WILSON

Mr. Woodrow Wilson

SHIRLEY A. WILSON

Mr. Woodrow Wilson

MICHAEL WORLEY

Mrs. Elizabeth A. Carey and Mr. Michael Young

EUGENE ALLEN YOHAM

Mrs. Julie Voigt and Mr. Robert Voigt

At the moment, our society, institutions, democracy, personal lives and organizations like Starr Commonwealth are experiencing turbulent times. Times that stem from long developed problems grounded in systems of oppression that have gone unaddressed, or simply ignored since the founding of our nation. As a result, many people have taken steps to make their voices heard through protests, rethinking oppressive societal structures, acknowledging history, and undertaking efforts such as diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging with the ultimate goal of bringing about change.

Whether it is racism, ableism, sexism, classism, sexuality and gender issues, health disparities, wealth disparities, educational disparities, or DEI-B, allyship, or becoming an ally, is a great tool to help bring about change.

What is allyship? Perhaps we should begin by defining what it means to be an ally. Being an ally does not mean sitting on the sidelines waiting for your

Allyship and DEI-B

110 years of trust and accountability

by Ken Ponds

number to be called (sorry about the sport’s analogy). It means choosing to use your privilege, life experiences and knowledge to advocate for others. “An ally is any person that actively promotes and aspires to advance the culture of inclusion through intentional, positive and conscious efforts that benefit people as a whole.” (Allyship –The Key to Unlocking the Power of Diversity, by Sheree Atcheson, Forbes, March 7, 2023) Anyone can be an ally—White people can be actionable allies to BIPOC; men can be allies to women; cis people can be allies to members of the LGBTQIA+ community; able-bodied people can be allies to those who are not, etc. One should note that when the concept of “intersectionality” comes into play, another way I would say this is, “when you bring your whole self into the situation”— the power dynamics above can shift, for example, women can be allies to men.

A true ally is a person who backs up their words with action! Martin Luther King, Jr

once said that it was not the violence of the few that scared him, it was the silence of the many. An ally’s words and action must be in sync, because words without action do not bring about change, in fact, they can be detrimental, or cause harm. Once again, Dr. King stated that a person dies when they refuse to stand up for that which is right. A person dies when they refuse to stand up for justice. A person dies when they refuse to take a stand for that which is true. (Selma, AL, March 8, 1965)

In Starr’s Glasswing training, becoming an ally is viewed as a way to bring about healing. It is a commitment to:

• Taking the time to review one’s own personal history with regard to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

• Developing the ability to objectively listen to the anger and hurt of another person without taking it personally, knowing that the hurt may come from a long history of

injustice and frustration.

• Being able to listen and find the fear in a person who is acting out how they have been conditioned in light of a lack of diversity, inequity, exclusion and constant and relentless questioning of their humanity and their whole selves.

• Continuing to educate oneself on what is currently happening with others in our world.

• Learning how to risk making mistakes and to change mistakes into growth experiences.

• Becoming aware of our implicit biases, and making consistent efforts to bring them into our consciousness in order to overcome them.

• Forming appropriate DEI-B support groups.

• Intervening in/interrupting situations where something harmful is being said or occurring in a safe or non-judgmental manner.

• Making the decision and taking action to establish meaningful relationships with people of different backgrounds and experiences allowing one to overcome our societal patterns toward separation.

(Glasswing Transformation GUIDEBOOK, Starr Commonwealth 2015, revised in 2018 by Christi Barrett and Kenneth Ponds, pg. 62)

Allyship then is a lifelong process of building relationships based on trust, consistency, and accountability. Allyship understands that we do not define our own work and efforts. Our work and efforts must be recognized by those we are seeking to ally with. And we must take opportunities to grow and learn about ourselves, while building confidence in

others. Allyship is a continual investment in time, supporting others, and holding ourselves accountable when mistakes are made. Allyship also calls for flexibility when there is a need for change in our relationships, or situations.

In conjunction with DEI-B, allyship within Starr might look something like this—Starr Commonwealth itself becomes an ally.

• Starr would use it’s privilege and power to identity, sponsor or support someone already within, or someone becoming a member of, the Starr family who has experienced in their lives a lack of diversity, inequity, exclusion, or who has been hesitant to bring their whole self into the organization.

• As an ally Starr would call out unacceptable behavior towards underrepresented persons within the organization.

• As an ally Starr would make use of inclusive language.

• As an ally Starr would regularly implement trainings focused on issues of DEI-B such as racism, implicit bias, and sexuality with the understanding that this is an ongoing and neverending process of growth and learning.

• As an ally Starr must be willing to have uncomfortable conversations regarding systemic oppression within our society and how it impacts individuals, communities, our nation and our future.

In conclusion, a true ally—Starr included—must regularly listen to those around them; adapt their thinking; rework what they believe to be acceptable and correct; and become comfortable with being uncomfortable.