Openhearted Heartbreak: Reflections on Climate Change

“What do I know now? I know that heartache is nothing more or less than a possible opening through which the power that sustains life can be glimpsed.” Paula D’Arcy Nothing could have prepared me for what I experienced last week. Although I’ve made several pretty memorable trips to Alaska in my almost 52 years—including…

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PDX Equity Innovation Lab

In preparation for the launch of our 25th Anniversary national tour, LJIST is “piloting” a new suite of one-day programs, all of which apply LJIST core principles and theories of change to some of the most compelling social justice and equity issues facing our society today. This is a great opportunity to (re)connect or expand…

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Celebrating 25 Years of LJIST

Join LJIST as we celebrate 25 years with a cross-country tour of our newest suite of one-day programs, all of which apply LJIST core principles and theories of change to some of the most compelling social justice and equity issues facing our society today. Sign up for a one-day workshop, then stay for a Project Puerto Rico evening…

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Acknowledging the Original People of this Land

Please note: Originally this blog post used the term “Native Land Acknowledgement,” but at the guidance of Native leaders, we are now using the term “Original People Acknowledgement” to more explicitly honor the tribes and people impacted by practices of genocide and colonization. You can read our newest blog post about this practice here.  LJIST…

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Welcome to Project Puerto Rico!

Welcome to Project Puerto Rico!   A year ago today a devastating hurricane hit my father’s homeland. Hurricane Maria brought not only high winds, rain and extensive damage, but in the days, months and now year that have followed, this natural disaster exposed an unnatural one: the long-term and on-going effects of Puerto Rico’s political…

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Partner Profile: The Immigrant Story

Nanci met Sankar Raman, founder of the The Immigrant Story, during the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s recent Sunday Parkways Green Loop Event. The Immigrant Story is a team of volunteer journalists, storytellers, writers, photographers, graphic designers, web developers and marketing specialists publishing the stories of immigrants and refugees to enhance empathy and create an inclusive community.…

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Profile: Melissa Miller

This month marks Melissa’s one-year anniversary with LJIST. She started with the LJIST team as our Office Manager, and has been promoted to LJIST Director of Operations! Congratulations on your new role! Along with being an effective and productive administrator, Melissa is a talented visual artist and writer and is trained as a health coach.…

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HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR AND WELCOME TO LJIST!

Happy Lunar New Year! We’re extremely excited to share the brand-new Luna Jimenez Institute for Social Transformation with you. This new website is a portal for all of our work partnering with individuals, communities, and organizations to end oppression and to transform society, one revolutionary relationship at a time. Welcome! We’re continuing to offer the…

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Lillian’s Legacy

Lillian Roybal Rose is a nationally-recognized educator and consultant who offered workshops and educational resources in cross cultural communication for a wide variety of community and professional groups. She is also Nanci’s mentor, colleague, and friend. Her work to build relationships based on respectful, effective communication and cooperation is an important foundation for what we…

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Constructivist Listening: The Most Powerful Political Tool

Nanci Jimenez Constructionist Listening

Everywhere I turn, I hear messages such as: “be a good listener,” “become a better listener,” or “good leaders know how to listen.” Almost every list of essential leadership qualities includes listening. And with this mandate, we decide to listen more. Nonetheless, the common misperception persists: I’ll become a better listener by listening more. Listening more…

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