There is a partnership that exists between home, school, and community. When businesses and relationships are going well we value that. Life grows for the better. When an individual or group is devalued, dismissed, or disrespected, we are affected by that too.

We encourage all citizens to be informed about the facts and avoid quick judgment related to groups of persons that have been historically oppressed. The statistics about suicide rates, mental health, physical health, unemployment levels, salary gaps, etc. speak volumes about disparities. But still a quick judgment aiming comfort with ourselves and our positions could take us to the wrong conclusions.

We need people to really try to walk in other people’s shoes. For example, what would your life be like if you were a member of the LGBTQ or any other minority group? How would you have been treated by your community, your family or your peer group?

These are uncomfortable questions with probably uncomfortable and in some cases unknown exact answers, but if you suspect your life would have been different, then, you are beginning to see the challenges other groups of people have.

If the citizens of New Ulm could leave an empty chair open in whatever group they are participating in, it may be that the very person who chooses to sit in that empty chair has something of great value to say to you. What you hear and what you learn may change your life for the better.

Change requires listening deeply, being present fully, speaking your truth in ways that respect other people’s truth, seeking to understand and know what you do not know, and trying to be the best version of yourself without having to reach consensus or closure. This is not a one-and-done and it is not easy but we must keep our minds open and embrace equity for all, in our homes, school, and community or the tension, anger, sadness, and hurt will continue. The outcome of tension, anger and hurt will adversely affect the partnership between our community, home and school.