It turns out I posted yesterday's diary prematurely. We did all the things I said, and then we did A LOT more. Let me just say that the Fellows spoke and our trusted trainer, Ng'ethe Maina, responded.

We did some critical work around the physical reactions we have to various situations and how those reactions can often be unproductive. Like fighting or appeasing other people as a way of addressing ideas or people who make us uncomfortable. In the midst of this work, it became a clear priority for some of the Fellows that we address the diversity of race, class, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender in the room and how our identities shape what we all bring to the proverbial table. It was a specific social justice framework that had, until that point, been an area of consciousness a few had been considering below the surface. After we completed the well-known exercise "step up, step back", the dynamics at play as a result of historical and societal facts associated with each of our identities became a legitimate source of debate and thought. Incredibly rich conversation ensued from that exercise- including discussion around what privilege really means and the responsibilities that accompany the privileges each of us have.

Needless to say, I hope that conversation continues over the next 10 months as they grow in their capacity as leaders.

I am compelled to close with my first and persistent impression of the Fellows- an impression I spoke to in my diary yesterday. I hate to sound like a broken record but these people are AMAZING. I really am honored to have had the experience of spending the last few days with Gen-Y progressives who are working on their own leadership skills in order to be more effective agents for social change in their communities. It's truly inspiring.