Category: Social Justice -> Local Government – Series by Matt Hirschinger

Progress is on Us

I was in a training facilitated by the Colorado Emerging Managers that focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. I went into the training not expecting to say anything, instead learn from people more experienced and able than myself. This changed when one attendee brought up the concern that we can’t really do anything until those … Continued

Alternatives to Objectivity

Objectivity is a pillar of our local government profession. We earn and maintain trust with our residents by treating them fairly. We advise and make decisions with the use of data-driven metrics. We continue to search for ways to make the services we provide more efficient and effective. Our objectivity helps us put the professional … Continued

Reconciling the Heart Wrenching

Disclaimer: This post will include difficult topics such as racial and sex oppression, sterilization, homophobia, among others. The intent of this post is to discuss accepting the reality of these tragedies both historical and in the present day. However, it is also recognized that not everyone is in the right place to read about these … Continued

Accessing Academia

In part, higher education is earned. It takes effort and resources (time and money). Those of us who’ve completed at least an undergraduate degree likely can reflect back on long nights and tired mornings getting through the readings, writings, and other assignments to receive our passing grades. In part, higher education is a privilege. It … Continued

Intersectionality and Space

Intersectionality is the awareness that prejudices and disadvantages (as well as privileges) are not a series of easily defined A and B categories and are much more intertwined and nuanced. As an example, let’s assume our Governor for the great state of [insert state here] wants to help small communities and rural communities, understanding that … Continued

Equity is Fun… Also Tree Rings

This article was written by Matt Hirschinger, the Assistant to the Town Manager in Hudson, Colorado. Matt wrote this article as part of the Water Resources Cohort. Read all the articles from the cohort here. Ever heard of “dendrochronology”? I hadn’t. It’s apparently the study of tree rings, and one of many insights I learned from the … Continued

Defining the Standard

One of the challenges to promoting equity and understanding is we have not adequately defined the status quo, the accepted norm, the set standard we place on various aspects and functions of society. It’s difficult to question, critique, and ultimately change the way we perceive and engage in our work when our current methods are … Continued

Questioning Ethics

Ethics is not a conversation of what we actually do, but of what we should do. It’s important to make this distinction as this post will focus on the compass, the lighthouse of our profession but that alone will not mean we’ll walk in the right direction or won’t run ashore. Still, it is far … Continued

Pivot

When I started conceptualizing Social Justice -> Local Government last year, I came up with a basic premise which I spoke of in my introductory post this January. “In this series I will take the most critical, interesting, and relevant lessons I learn in my coursework and research [on social justice topics such as feminism … Continued

Agency, Power, and Bridging the Gap

One of the two classes I’m taking this semester is “Methods and Theories of Feminism and Gender”, covering many different perspectives and ideas regarding women’s representation and empowerment. A common thread among these theories is the question of agency and power, on the layers of control that exist. Although there are different valid definitions of … Continued

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