Do Something Different

I believe that everything that happens begins with an intention. I have no science to prove this; it’s just a personal observation. So, our (joint) decision to create a shift, positive shift, in the behavior of Broward County’s youth culture is with the knowing that our 40 days of praying, meditating and intending has–yes present tense–made a difference. In our workshop (about 12 days ago), several of us shared our experiences of praying for something and it happened. One participant shared with the group how she talked to a plant and it began to grow. I talked about getting “my” car and how in the moment that dealer was telling me that they didn’t have any like the one that I wanted, a truck pulled up with “my” car on it. My thinking is that if we can intend or pray for these things and they happened, then we can pray or intend for ANYTHING–including peace and it will happen. So here we are 12 days later making it happen(ed). In my next post, I’ll going to share with you the most current index that I can find about negative juvenile behavior in Broward County. This is so that we can see the effects of our spiritual activity since November 7, 2009. Until then, let us know what you’re doing to create this shift we’re after.

Hey Everyone,

If you have logged on the help bring peace to the youth of Broward County’s youth, you’re in the right place. Let me give you some background to our project. Last Saturday (11/7/09), at NSU Diversity Summit, I presented  the topic” Social Change by Any Spiritual Means Necessary.” The over 50 participants in my section agreed that we should use the 1993 Meditation in Washington DC as our inspiration to bring peace to the youth in Broward County’s youth. What happened in DC was a group of 4000 spent about 53 days meditating and the crime rate WENT DOWN. So, we decided to pray, meditate, intend, mind, etc peace for our young people.  Click on the topic: Peaceful Youth in Broward County to the right for more information. Share this with your friends and colleagues if you’d like.  I am excited about this experience and I KNOW that we’re going to make a difference. We want to keep up with our numbers, as the DC study showed that as the number or mediators increased the crime rate decreased. Peace, peace, peace. Debra

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1. Debra Nixon

Open, constructive talk about “race” is new for many of us.  Many of us would rather whisper in shadows than have “outted” discussions. In my experience with teaching a graduate course that deals with a broad range of diversity issues, many are afraid to talk openly for fear of being labeled a bigot.  Students confess that they are afraid of what others will say if they acknowledged some of their thoughts on volatile topics such as race and spirituality. And, at the risk of sounding like a worn out record, I have to reiterate that “If we don’t talk about these things, we’re never going to move beyond our current blissfully ignorant circumstances. Don’t believe me? Take a look at political news. It’s scary what people are doing and saying in the name of the First Amendment. I know we like to keep things concrete, but it seems to me that the spirit of the First Amendment carries with it a responsibility to the common good or welfare. What is even more frightening is that political and media leaders dare to question that any of the front-page activities are fueled by our racist present and past.  We are being presented with another opportunity to right a nearly 400-year-old wrong, and it seems that, with all or our education and exposure, we are no more advanced in our thinking about diversity and inclusion than we were prior to the civil war. I am embarrassed and saddened by it all. Some one straighten me out. I know this is not the “truth.”

Biologically, there is only one race–the human race. So, when will begin to use language that represents our reality? I move that every informed person begin, now, using new language. Instead of saying “race” when referring to different kinds of people, say ethnic group or cultural group, which is where the difference lies. The difference in not in our essences, as we are but one people.  One People. So, I challenge those of you who agree that the idea of “race” has been divisive to join me. And invite your friends to do the same. One person at a time we can change things. Change your language and change the world!

If you agree then join me; sign your name below. I believe our newly elected president will help us re-recreate this much needed change in our language and in our lives.

1. Debra Ann Harris Nixon

Welcome NSU community to the official Do Something Different Blog. I’m Dr. Debra Nixon, your host. Let me express appreciation to President Ferrero for his continued support of our inclusion efforts. We would not have a blog, a website, or your ear (eye, I should say) without his endorsement. Dr. Yang, Dean of SHSS has offered his infinite support to our efforts, so “Thank you Dean.” Now, we have established this blog so that we can share our efforts and experiences with creating what I’m calling a “legacy of inclusion.” We want NSU to be The University for inclusion activity. I’m not talking about simply saying that we are inclusive; I’m talking about doing the things so we establishe ourselves, without political correctness, as a campus community that walks the talk. We will establish this distinction through our individual and collective efforts. We each will challenge ourselves to be the kind of person that makes this campus an inclusive community. See the list of suggestions below. It’s that simple. This is not a mandate; you don’t have to participate if you so choose. But, this is our invitation to you to join us. Once you declare your own intentions and find that you are being inclusive in any way that is out your ordinary behavior, visit this blog and share your experience with us.  We want to hear every story–good, not so good, losses, triumphs—as all of them are important. We want this blog to be an open, living conversation where every voice is a valid one, because we want to support every experience. Let’s make this happen. DSD—dosomethingdifferent!

The DSD Personal Challenge

1. At a party ask someone you don’t know to dance

2. Introduce yourself to someone new

3. Extend your hand to someone other than your usual acquaintances

4. Give up your seat for someone

5. Offer someone the last dessert

6. Offer a napkin to someone

7. Teach someone to say hello in your language

8. Give someone a flower, unexpectedly

9. Open the door for someone

10. Offer your seat to someone that is standing

11. Get someone a drink

12. Invite someone new to your lunch or dinner table

13. Give your prize to someone

14. Invite someone to coffee/tea

15. Offer to tutor someone

16. Compliment a stranger

17. Ask someone to teach you a foreign word

18. Ask someone to share a hometown custom

19. Listen

20. Look into someone’s eyes

21. Smile at someone

22. Teach someone a dance

23. Join someone in a dance