This interactive series, hosted by the Illinois Impact Incubator in partnership with the Sullivan Foundation, is open to all students. Each session includes a mini-lecture with social innovation leaders from around the U.S., followed by networking breakout sessions with students from other universities, social innovation leaders, and Sullivan coaches.
Developing Empathy as a Tool for Justice
Reagan Pugh, Assemble
Most people have no desire to change. Our brains have outdated wiring causing us to avoid the discomfort of growth. This instinctual desire to maintain the status quo is a direct threat to justice, and excuses individuals and communities from doing the hard work of including, respecting, and empowering everyone. Humans do not like to change – but we can. We can shift our perspectives, evolve our opinions and mature our mindsets when we practice empathy and pay attention to the experiences of others. This session will guide participants through a dialogue on default mindsets, examine how fear prevents us from growth, and provide strategies for developing empathy as a tool for justice.
