Bringing the “Tree of LOVE” to Life
The RootsConnectED Tree of LOVE was drafted in 2022 as a way to conceptualize our vision for change and being a part of a new reality. Our collective thinking was informed by our own experiences, identities, and our personal and collective understandings of the work of scholars and educators such as the Anti-Defamation League, Bell Hooks, Valarie Kaur and several others. You can learn more about it here.
This resource is intended to support ways in which we can push our own thinking and that of the young people in our lives to grow together towards a new reality. In line with our dual process for change we believe there is value in consistently reflecting on our own growth and supporting our community, colleagues, staff, and students to do so as well. This personal work and interrogation can support our ability to make shifts within our spheres of influence that support building spaces of belonging where humanity is honored.
The below reflection questions for each stage of our Tree of Love can be used as a personal reflection tool and are equally transferable to share reflective space with others.
Attitude of Wonder
Understanding our own stories, identity, and intersectionality. Learning and unlearning in ourselves. Rejecting single narratives. Listening to the stories of others without assumptions. Maintaining a learning stance, even about one’s own mindset. Genuinely seeking diverse perspectives and engaging in spaces that are different than our own.
Care for Others
Creating places to build community. Reflecting on the impact of power and privilege. Cultivating a deep understanding that we are interconnected. Creating authentic relationships with people from all walks of life. Learning how to be vulnerable and attuned. Feeling empathy for others. Seeking out ways to be of service in our community.
Justice Seeking
Engaging in continual critical analysis and self-reflection. Addressing mindsets/bias, practices and systems that uphold whiteness or a group(s) with power and privilege. Speaking up against harm. Seeing one’s role in social action. Including identity and power work in all existing structures.
Unity
Community is our orientation. Committing to a culture of trust, and humility. Empathizing with and supporting one another in challenges. Celebrating one another’s successes. Operating from a deep understanding that all humanity is part of one human family.
New Reality
All feel seen and accepted as their authentic selves. Systems are equitable and enable access across differences.
We are encouraged by the work we are able to do inside and outside of school communities nationwide around the various stages of the Tree of Love and are proud to be a part of the building of a new reality, one that our next generation deserves. To learn more about how to engage with us and build towards a new reality, visit our Educator Support page.