Note From The Director: Linda Ketcham shares thoughts on our values
Meet Shar-Ron Buie ~JustDane's New Associate Director
JustDane 50th Anniversary Events:
Celebrate our 50th Anniversary with us! Save the dates on your calendar
Check in with Just Bakery: Spotlight of JustDane
What have they been up to this summer, and where to buy our goods.
Values:
Let's talk about Courage!
a reflective journal about social action from JustDane
Courage is one of JustDane’s organizational values. From our perspective it is woven throughout everything we do We see it lived out daily: at both the macro level in terms of systems, community and organizational work, and at a micro level through the work of our staff and the individuals who walk through our doors requesting support
I recently read an article entitled “The Four Types of Everyday Courage” by Dr Cathy Lassiter, and it resonated with me While Lassiter is focused on courage within the educational field, it also translates into the non-profit world. The four types of everyday courage are: Moral Courage, Intellectual Courage, Disciplined Courage and Empathetic Courage
Moral Courage includes standing up when an injustice occurs, when someone ’ s rights are violated, when people are treated unfairly, inequitably It’s what we practice when we advocate for equitable budgets and an end to systemic injustices that result in racial disparities across every sector of our social systems These systemic injustices seek to deny people their basic rights and access to healthcare Moral courage at JustDane is standing up when we advocate at a systems level and standing with and on behalf of our participants We advocate for fair and equitable resources and recognition of the inherent worth and dignity of every person
Intellectual courage is challenging old assumptions and making changes based on new research and insights from science, new practices, education, and personal experience Intellectual courage means we question how we do what we do; continually seek new, factual information; and seek information based on research, which provides us the opportunity to improve Intellectual courage is also recognizing our own deficits in thinking, knowledge and practice. This includes the work JustDane does in the areas of equity, inclusion, diversity and access We work to advocate for fair and affordable housing and for justice system reform We practice it through ongoing self-reflection, training and education, and pushing ourselves to learn more- to do better
Disciplined courage is the courage to focus on issues and on our work despite constant distractions It’s being reflective and strategic - to achieve our goals and bring about systemic change Disciplined courage calls us to thoughtfully, purposely do the right thing, even when it’s the more difficult thing to do It means we stay focused on our goals, that we persist and persevere It also means we keep our emotions and egos in check, so that we are open to learning from others who may disagree with us At JustDane it means that we stay focused on our work and, in the words of our former Director Chuck Pfeifer, that we remain “authentic to our mission and vision.”
Empathetic courage is the courage to feel deeply for and about others To put aside biases and assumptions in order to learn something new and to let go of control. According to Lassiter, it’s only when we are willing to listen to a different perspective, and manage to empathize, that we are enriched by a new way of thinking
Continued on page 2
Linda Ketcham: Continued from page 1
Psychologist Daniel Goleman has identified three kinds of empathy that all leaders should know and practice: cognitive empathy, emotional empathy and empathetic concern Cognitive empathy is being able to see the world through someone else’s eyes. Emotional empathy is listening and tuning into the feelings of another person - to be in tune with their voice, their body language, facial expressions and to really listen to how they are feeling. Empathetic concern is expressing concern for another person, showing them that they will be supported and that they can trust you
Through our Just Workplace Lunch and Learns we work with employers to assist them in creating more just and equitable workplaces We talk about empathy and its role and importance in leadership We talk about the growing body of research suggesting that the more power someone accrues, the more powerful they become, the less empathetic they become We sometimes see that in elected leaders who consistently promote policies and budgets that harm our most vulnerable neighbors – a lack of empathetic courage and empathetic concern We talk about ways to practice empathy. One way is through proximity: volunteering in the community because, as Bryan Stevenson says, “When we are in proximity with people it changes us ”
The work of JustDane over the last 50 years has been to practice these four types of everyday courage at a systems level and at a personal level We work to strengthen our community, to challenge our ourselves and to build a more equitable community. While we have learned and adjusted throughout the years, we have always retained our commitment to courage Speaking truth to power; calling out injustice We continue to challenge policies, practices and the assumptions that drive them We strive to remain disciplined, focused on justice and helping to educate the broader community on the intersectionality of injustice, and to always, always practice empathy. We know that each of us is more than the worst thing we have done We need to be in proximity to understand our neighbors and to be able to see the world, through their eyes, to validate their truth, their experience In doing so, we challenge ourselves to continue to work for justice
We are happy to welcome Shar-Ron Buie to JustDane as Associate Director In this role, he will play a critical role in shaping and implementing JustDane's strategy, initiatives and financial management His responsibilities include: staff supervision, leadership and development
Shar-Ron is also the Associate Director of Student Success and Recruitment for the Education Preparedness Program (EPP) at the Center for Urban Research, Teaching, & Outreach, Marquette University He is a member of the Board of Directors for the Federal Defender Service Board of the Eastern and Western District, the Dane County Community Justice Council - Pretrial Services Subcommittee, and Community Police Board
Shar-Ron is an author who has had three short stories published He is pursuing a PhD. in Criminal Justice at Liberty University. Shar-Ron holds a paralegal degree, an associate degree in Electronics and a BS in Business Administration from UW Platteville, as well as a MS in Criminal Justice from UW Platteville Shar-Ron also served with honor and distinction in the United States Marine Corps and in 2001, founded American Legion Post 1998 and served as its first elected Commander He is a justice-impacted, 100% ServiceConnected Veteran who has engaged in significant activities representing veterans and justice-impacted persons in criminal and civil cases.
We are so excited to have Shar-Ron on board as our new Associate Director! His wealth of experience will be invaluable in developing a culture of learning and continuous improvement
It is the busy season at the bakery, and the staff and students love it! We are at the Hilldale Markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and were invited to join a new market from Christine's Kitchens. We are also happy to be back at congregations on Sundays. We value the opportunity to connect with our community, because the community keeps our initiative alive
If you don't know, Just Bakery is an employment training initiative that works with people with barriers to employment, including struggling with mental health, substance use disorder, homelessness, incarceration, or even folks just looking to try something new. We have had some really great groups so far this year, and look forward to the rest!
If you are wondering how to support JB, it's easy: buy our products! All product sales stay within the program and help keep this life changing program free for participants on their path to employment or college
Follow us on social media to see where we are selling and our seasonal specials!
Check
9 SEPT
Volunteer Appreciation Picnic
We want to recognize the work JustDane volunteers do with a dessert social at the Vilas Park Shelter - invite to follow!
28 SEPT
17 OCT
2-19 NOV
Open House at JustDane Offices
Join us at our new office space from 3:00pm-6:00pm at 128 E. Olin Ave., Suite 202, Madison.
50th Anniversary Reception
We will be celebrating our 50 years of involvement in the community and as we look forward to the future.
Clyde's at Forward Theater
JustDane is partnering with Forward Theater in the production of Clyde's, a play about redemption after incarceration
Purchase tickets on Forward Theater Madison's website - forwardtheater com
7 Simulation for the Community
Join us at a Reentry Simulation and witness what it is like to rejoin the community after incarceration DEC FEB Community Education Event
Join us as for a community education event in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin as our staff and other experts discuss the issues that impact members of our community. 2024
11 APRIL
50th Celebration w/ Guest Father Boyle of Homeboy Industries
Join JustDane as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary at Madison College Father Boyle from Homeboy Industries will join us to share!
What does Courage mean at JustDane?
Webster's Dictionary Definition
: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty
: the ability to do something that frightens one
Courage is not the absence of fear, but the understanding that there is something more important. JustDane chose the Phoenix as our logo to represent the courageous act of rising out of the ashes of ones' past into the transformation of a new, chosen future.
“Courage is a heart word. The root of the word courage is cor - the Latin word for heart. In one of its earliest forms, the word courage meant "To speak one's mind by telling all one's heart." ... {I}n my opinion, this definition fails to recognize the inner strength and level of commitment required for us to actually speak honestly and openly about who we are and about our experiences -- good and bad. Speaking from our hearts is what I think of as "ordinary courage.” - Brene Brown
Cliff joined the Just Bakery class in 2022. He heard of the program while incarcerated and was interested in joining. Cliff has a lot of experience in food. Prior to joining JB, he purchased a food truck with a dream of owning his own place and showcasing his recipes He had the skills and the vision- just needed the certifications. It takes a great amount of courage to stand up to your past, battle your mental health challenges, and accomplish your dreams Cliff did this and opened his own restaurant!
If you haven’t checked out Cliff’s Willy Street Eats (1146 Williamson St, Madison, WI 53703) make sure to do so! Wide selection of menu choices, great prices, and huge portions.
by Linda Ketcham
JustDane’s long-time Office Assistant, Miss Ida Rucker Thomas, died on January 10, 2023 Miss Ida and I both started working at JustDane in 2006 One of us was the boss, but exactly who that was depended on which one of us you asked Miss Ida’s voice will be forever in my head saying “Linda, tell them I’m charge when you ’ re not here ”
One of Miss Ida’s gifts was her ability to make you feel welcomed and accepted During her 16 ½ years at JustDane, it wasn’t at all unusual for former coworkers or program participants to show up just to visit with Ida
p ant her role at JustDane was. As the face of our g y irst person someone would meet or talk to at JustDane. It didn’t matter if you were an elected official, an agency director or someone newly released from jail or prison- you received the same kindness and warmth.
Ida had a gift for making people laugh. She could tell a story, sometimes true, sometimes it was something she made up to elicit a smile or a laugh- often at her own expense. It was one of the ways she put people at ease. That was certainly true among her colleagues at JustDane.
Ida was committed to her professional development and ongoing learning. When she started working at JustDane, it was a new role for her. She committed herself not just to learning the duties of her new job but took on new tasks. It was her determination and commitment to lifelong learning that led us to dedicate our JustDane Conference room, the Ida E. Rucker Thomas Education and Training Conference Room, upon her retirement.
Each Thursday when Ida would head home, she would say to her coworkers as she passed by their office door, “Goodnight, I’ll see you next week. I appreciate you. ” She made it a point to say that to the people she cared about. That was our friend and colleague Miss Ida E. Rucker Thomas. A woman who worked hard, who faced challenges with grace, with courage and who persevered. A woman who deeply loved her family, her friends and her community.
Miss Ida ~ we miss you, we miss your laugh, we miss the spirit and warmth you added to the world. We love you, we appreciated you. It was a blessing and a gift to have you in our lives.
