This week, we'll hear three different voices from my home state of South Carolina. Listen in as we hear from Laura Hornby with Welcome English Language Learners of Greenville and Interface Ministries, Matt Rollins of First Baptist Greenville, and Dulce López from the South Carolina ACLU. Each of these individuals personally lives out their commitment to loving their immigrant neighbors, providing pathways and opportunities for others to join them and act as well. Find a full transcript and show ...
Aug 14, 2025•53 min•Ep. 78
If you are concerned about the safety and well-being of immigrant neighbors in your community, this episode is for you. If you're unsure about what you can personally do and how you can be a better ally, this episode, along with our next episode, is for you. In this episode, we'll hear from Emanuel Gomez Gonzales with Siembra North Carolina. Siembra NC is a team of people taking concrete steps in their community to make a difference in the lives of their immigrant neighbors and friends. Find a f...
Jul 25, 2025•35 min•Ep. 77
In this episode, I'll take you along with me on some of my local journeys as others and I work to build a more inclusive and equitable community right where we live. This is the first in a series of episodes where we explore what it means to practice Self Work and GroundWork on the issue of immigration justice. At a time when our nation feels so divided on this issue, you'll hear how a small group of community members is working to make a difference by starting "close in." Find a full transcript...
Jul 08, 2025•32 min•Ep. 76
If you're concerned about the state of equity and inclusion in your community and across the country, this episode is for you. And if you're wondering what to do in the face of all the attacks and uncertainty, this episode is for you. We don't pretend to have all the answers to these big questions, but in this episode, we will hear from five guests about how they are feeling, about their big concerns, and what keeps them hopeful. I'll also share my own perspectives on this challenging time and w...
May 14, 2025•42 min•Ep. 75
In this episode, we'll dig into the idea of civic health--what it is, how you can measure it, and what North Carolina has learned from measuring their state's civic health. Along the way, we'll also discover an approach to create a breakthrough on issues that divide us by using a tool called deliberative dialog, and we'll learn how North Carolina is developing their next generation of citizens and civic leaders. Find a full transcript and show notes HERE . Sign up for our newsletter and join us ...
Mar 05, 2025•50 min•Ep. 74
In this episode, we’ll hear about one person’s journey to nurture connection and community in their hometown and about using Civic Saturdays as a vehicle to bring people together. Along the way, we’ll explore stories and insights that remind us all just how important a sense of community can be. We’ll also share a few ideas about what we can do to foster and grow community in our own backyard. Find a full transcript and show notes HERE . Sign up for our newsletter and join us at The Inclusive Co...
Feb 11, 2025•39 min•Ep. 73
In November, Emma Winiski and I led a breakout session at the Government Alliance on Race and Equity annual conference in St. Louis, Missouri. Our Session was titled Building for All: Connecting Inclusive Practices to Improve the Built Environment and Beyond. In this episode, you'll hear an overview of our Six Practices for Building a More Inclusive Community, and Emma will share how Oklahoma City applies Inclusive Practices to its built environment. If you link to the detailed show notes, there...
Jan 22, 2025•32 min•Ep. 72
Over 2024, we had so many rich discussions here at the State of Inclusion Podcast. Join me as we take a few minutes to reflect on our main themes and the wisdom my guests have shared across the year. If you'd like to help us refine our work on equity ecosystem mapping, reach out to me at amesanders@stateofinclusion.com. Find a full transcript and show notes HERE . Sign up for our newsletter and join us at The Inclusive Community to discover conversations, insights, and practices to encourage and...
Jan 10, 2025•13 min•Ep. 71
Have you wondered how we can create a local economy that works for everyone? I believe it happens when we make different choices. Different choices in how we show up in our communities, in how and where we shop, what we buy, what we build, and how we invest. This episode is about someone who decided to show up and make a difference in their community by choosing to put their time and money where their heart is and creating a way for others to join them in that work. Note: This interview was prev...
Dec 10, 2024•47 min•Ep. 70
If you wonder how to build a stronger and more cohesive community in these divided times, this episode is for you. In this episode, we will discuss the role community libraries can and do play as a key part of our social infrastructure. Our community library is one of the last free places where we are all welcome. We will explore how the library can be a place for both community bridging and bonding, as well as a place to grow civic engagement. The simple invitation to "Meet Me at the Library" i...
Nov 01, 2024•42 min•Ep. 69
How can we co-create a more just, compassionate, vibrant, and inclusive economy? In this interview, Judy Wicks shares how the Circle of Aunts and Uncles in Philadelphia does just that as they invest in and support local entrepreneurs. In our discussion, Judy goes even further to help us understand how supporting local businesses can build a more sustainable future for our community. Find a full transcript and show notes HERE . Sign up for our newsletter and join us at The Inclusive Community to ...
Oct 09, 2024•46 min•Ep. 68
Join me as we talk with Darryl Heller, the chair of the South Bend Reparatory Justice Commission. We will discuss how the commission is bringing a restorative justice lens to its approach to reparations in South Bend, Indiana. This conversation offers practical and insightful ways to consider the very important and complex subject of reparations at a local level. Find a full transcript and show notes HERE . Sign up for our newsletter and join us at The Inclusive Community to discover conversatio...
Sep 09, 2024•48 min•Ep. 67
We believe in the transformative power of art. It's a potent tool that can be used to touch hearts and open minds and contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and equitable community. Over the years, we've talked with artists, but this conversation is different. It is about street art, or what I might call guerilla art. Work that lives at the intersection of art and activism. It's about a troupe of artists who engage in activism, support other activists, and use their art to, as they say, ...
Aug 14, 2024•23 min•Ep. 66
Today, the richest 10% of households own 70% of the country's wealth, including 90% of the wealth from business ownership. We know this wealth gap is felt most acutely by everyday workers and people of color. So, how do we fix this very deep, widespread, systemic problem? In this episode, we hear about tangible and practical ways that communities and businesses can contribute to closing that wealth gap. Find a full transcript and show notes HERE . Sign up for our newsletter and join us at The In...
Jul 11, 2024•39 min•Ep. 65
For those of you who are already doing advocacy and coalition work in your communities, this episode is for you. If you are trying to find a way to ensure your community’s needs are respected in the face of significant building and development, this episode is for you. We’ll hear how to use coalitions to build power and how neighborhoods and communities of color can come together to advocate for what they need. Join us as we welcome Joo Hee Pomplun, the executive director of The Alliance, a coal...
Jun 19, 2024•47 min•Ep. 64
Our work of Equity and Inclusion requires us to think multi-dimensionally, to think about ourselves, but also about those with whom we interact and about the structures in our environment, whether those are systems or physical spaces. My guest, Lori Weitzner, helps us explore the importance of our physical spaces on both a personal and a group level. Lori shares how we can use color and a multi-sensory approach to the design of our spaces and events to help make people feel more welcome, more in...
May 22, 2024•33 min•Ep. 63
This conversation reminds us that the current systems that keep us from achieving equity and inclusion weren’t just an accident of evolution. They were designed—intentionally designed. These past designs and their artifacts also persist in our everyday lives, even when we have stopped many of the harmful practices. Today's guest, Braden Cooks of Designing the We, will share how we can undesign our current systems of inequity and separation and imagine new ways for our communities to design and b...
Apr 19, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 62
Today's guest is Tawanna Black, founder of the Center for Economic Inclusion. Tawanna makes a clear and compelling case for community leaders to work together with a focus on building a thriving, growing economy that works for everyone in their community. Tawanna also shares how her team has worked directly with communities to help inform, guide, and facilitate that kind of broad cross-sector collaboration. You'll hear her describe how their work gives businesses and governments the tools to do ...
Mar 26, 2024•54 min•Ep. 61
In this episode, we take a moment to reflect on the State of Inclusion Podcast for 2023 and look ahead to 2024. While DEI may be under assault on many fronts, I'll share why I remain optimistic about this work of equity and inclusion. We'll also listen to and reflect on a few pearls of wisdom from our 2023 interviews. See full transcript HERE. Sign up for our newsletter and join us at The Inclusive Community to discover conversations, insights, and practices to encourage and support each of us w...
Jan 23, 2024•21 min•Ep. 60
Our guest, Nick Cotter, has dedicated his life to educating others on the causes and reality of persistent racial and economic segregation and working to address its consequences in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. While Nick's work is clearly focused on Pittsburgh, the insights and lessons reach much farther. In our discussion with Nick, we'll come to understand that many of the keys to building a more inclusive and equitable community can be found in our neighborhoods. Access the full...
Dec 03, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 59
If you want to discover how to become a better listener and learn techniques to help you listen with greater respect and love, this episode is for you. In this episode, Victoria Chance and Mary Anne Inglis of My Neighbor's Voice offer an approach to strengthen our listening skills and, at the same time, build community with our neighbors. Access the full transcript and show notes HERE Sign up for our newsletter and join us at The Inclusive Community, to discover conversations, insights, and prac...
Nov 10, 2023•41 min•Ep. 58
As part of this work of equity and inclusion, we are each on our own journey of growth. Sometimes, a moment of growth is structured and intentional, but sometimes, it catches us completely unaware. After it happens, we’re never the same. In today’s episode, I asked three more of my previous guests to share about a moment they grew in their own journey of equity and inclusion. We hear from Paul McCormack, Director of the South Carolina State Parks System, Janeen Bryant, Executive Director of the ...
Oct 26, 2023•20 min•Ep. 57
As part of this work of equity and inclusion, we are each on our own journey of growth. Sometimes, a moment of growth is structured and intentional, but sometimes, it catches us completely unaware. After it happens, we’re never the same. In today’s episode, I asked three of my previous guests to share about a moment they grew in their own journey of equity and inclusion. We hear from Rose Lane of Conserving Carolina, Jerry Hawkins from Dallas Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation, and Dr. K...
Oct 13, 2023•19 min•Ep. 56
In this episode we learn about using the power of community truth-telling as a springboard for systemic change and equity in Cincinnati, Ohio. We talk with Kim Rodgers from the Center for Community Resilience at George Washington University and learn how they provide on-the-ground support to communities, like Cincinnati, to advance progress toward resilience and equity. Link to Full Transcript and Show Notes Signup for The Inclusive Community Newsletter...
Sep 27, 2023•51 min•Ep. 55
In this episode, we hear from an organization that has come to realize equity and inclusion are integral to its mission. As we talk with Rose Lane of Conserving Carolina, she shares how her organization adapted its strategic plan and value statements and how they formally ensure social justice, equity, and inclusion are part of their everyday work. As Rose tells us, "Conservation is part of social justice, and social justice is a part of preservation." Link to Full Transcript and Show Notes Sign...
Sep 12, 2023•26 min•Ep. 54
Join us as Jerry Hawkins shares what it means to imagine a radically inclusive Dallas and Fort Worth. Along the way, Jerry also talks about how his organization delivers on its mission of truth, racial healing, and transformation for the communities it serves. Book Giveaway Alert We love books on community, equity, and inclusion. We think you might too! We're running a book giveaway promotion this week. Anyone who is signed up for our newsletter, The Inclusive Community, on or before September 4...
Aug 30, 2023•42 min•Ep. 53
Hear from Paul McCormack, the South Carolina State Parks Director, as we talk about the actions he and his team are taking to make South Carolina's parks more accessible and inclusive. Along the way, Paul shares a little about what drives his commitment to inclusion and how he came to love the outdoors. This interview with Paul grew out of our 10-week Inclusive Community Outdoor Challenge. Head over to theinclusivecommunity.com to learn more about the challenge and join in. Link to Full Transcri...
Aug 15, 2023•27 min•Ep. 52
Join me as we hear from adaptive athlete and disability activist, Chris Sparrow. Chris will share what it has meant for him to get outdoors and re-engage with the sports he loves following a spinal cord injury. Along the way, he'll challenge us all to open our minds to what is possible and step up to help build a more inclusive outdoors. This episode was also part of our 10-week Inclusive Community Outdoor Challenge . Find detailed show notes and the full transcript for this episode HERE....
Aug 07, 2023•52 min•Ep. 51
Real and lasting community change is about broad community engagement, commitment, and change. That doesn’t just happen. It has to be cultivated. Join us in this episode as your co-hosts, Emma Winiski and Ame Sanders, talk about the practice we call GroundWork. It’s about reaching across the community and preparing the community soil for the seeds of equity and inclusion to germinate, take root, and grow. This is the third episode in the series: The Practice of Building a More Inclusive Communit...
Jul 18, 2023•59 min•Ep. 50
Sign up for our newsletter, The Inclusive Community, and join us for the 10-week Inclusive Community Outdoor Challenge. The outdoors has a diversity problem. It is time we noticed and did something about it. Journey along with me, Ame Sanders, as I complete each week's challenge in my own life and community. Together, we'll get outside more, have some fun, experience our public spaces, and do a little Self Work together. The challenge is now complete, but you can explore all ten weeks and relate...
Jul 11, 2023•5 min•Ep. 49
