Dialoguing with Changemakers

"Dialogue is that serious address and response between two or more persons in which the being and truth of each is confronted by the being and truth of the other." ~Reuel L. Howe

Throughout the semester, we will have the privilege to engage in dialogue with each other and with leaders who are making a difference using their voices. Dialogue is a rehearsal for writing as we explore our ideas and ask questions. Here's an overview of our guests with more to be added:

September 1^st: Wendi Thomas, The Commercial Appeal

September 8^th: Dr. Manoj Jain, The Commercial Appeal, www.mjainmd.com

September 13^th: Kerry Crawford, Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, www.ilovememphisblog.com

September 15^th: Jennifer Marshall, Memphis Center for Reproductive Health

September 22^nd: Audrey Gonzalez, Foster Care Review Board

September 27^th: Austin Baker, hro partners, MILE program

October 4^th: Ellen Prewitt, Door of Hope Writing Group

October 6^th: Marvin Stockwell, Church Health Center, Rock-n-Romp

October 11^th: Ernest A. Donelson, II, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

October 13^th: Rufus Smith, Hope Presbyterian Church

October 20^th: Jonathan Cole, Tennessee Equality Project

November 1^st: Whitney Jo, Playhouse on the Square

November 3^rd: Sonia Walker, First Congregational Church

Wow! This group is filled with impressive people who have effectively used their voices, and we are so grateful to lend them our listening ears and receptive minds.

Breaking through Towers of Silence

I do not fit comfortably into the ivory towers of academia. As I was dreaming about ways to ensure that university students would feel the practical implications of their educational experiences in the classroom, I realized that the best way to do so was to get outside of the classroom. To meet the world. To question its existence. To understand its strengths and challenges. To look for ways to create change.

This change cannot happen with silence, however, which provides a perfect opportunity for students of language and creators of the word. Paulo Freire writes of a “culture of silence” that has taken hold as a result of banking models of education. We, because of our educational systems, are conditioned to be passive receptacles of information while silencing our voices. Yet, like Freire, bell hooks reminds her audience that having a voice is crucial for liberation of ourselves and others. Language is power.

“To speak a true word is to transform the world,” notes Freire. Through these blogs, we, as smart students of the world, will speak out in hopes of creating positive change. This semester will present us opportunities to be critical thinkers, readers, and writers. We will understand the practical implications of research, argument, and expression, principally writing. We will also recognize that speaking out takes courage and involves risk but hopefully yields great rewards.

In the words of Steven Covey, “The crucial challenge of our world today is this: to find our voice and inspire others to find theirs.” It is my expectation that these blogs will be just one avenue for University of Memphis students—dreamers, thinkers, and doers—to positively inspire and be inspired by their community and dedicate themselves to its improvement while holding true to their personal gifts.

Let us know that your voice matters by commenting on this blog with a brief biographical statement including your most rewarding experience of raising your voice. Then, create your own blog that will be linked to this page.