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Al Green, a 77 year old Democratic representative from Texas, is courageous. He stood up in Congress, during Trump's address, and protested. He was escorted out by the sergeant at arms and faces censure today. Hearing Republicans, who were chanting U-S-A, U-S-A, cite decorum as they were kicking Green out made me so angry. There are so many places at work and in society where rules get applied unevenly.

The trade war that the US started with Canada and Mexico also got me angry. I know it's going to hurt people I love on both sides of the border. and I worry this is the start of recession. My friend Alexandra Samuel shifted my perspective on tarrifs and this trade war. She sees this moment as a opportunity to shift our consumption to be more intentional, local and sustainable.

I love how people are helping each other in big and little ways. The Made In Canada Facebook group has 1.2M members and people are helping each other find printer paper, beef jerky, or compression socks for diabetics that are made in Canada.

I've been uncomfortable with the patriotism I feel inside me and my country and the language of "keeping our elbows up", hockey talk for being ready to fight. It doesn't feel much different from the Republicans who are chanting USA in Congress.

I love From Here, a website that's highlighting Canadian businesses, especially ones that are Black owned, Indigenous owned, woman owned, 2SLGBTQ+ owned, and rural businesses. I love the intention that Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh, Christine Jinae Lee, Nina Coutinho had in creating this beautiful website. Read the backstory in The Globe and Mail.

Anger is a powerful emotion that tells us that our values are being stepped on. Use it to ignite action that you can take within your sphere of control, which might look like standing up in Congress, sharing information on where to buy Canadian made socks for diabetics, or building a website to lift up small businesses.

What emotion do you feel right now? What action does that fuel for you?

Workshops for these "unprecedented times"

​Tina-Marie Meyer and I believe that people want to be more connected with themselves and each other.

You might be already be sick of hearing the phrase “unprecedented times”. With political and economic instability it’s not surprising that there’s also instability and uncertainty at work. This can look like people keeping their heads down, not taking risks, or being shitty with each other or customers. Staff don’t feel safe speaking up and it can feel like there’s an elephant in the room.

We’ve been working with a wide variety of organizations (academic staff, government scientists, and non-profit leaders) and have developed three experential workshops (PDF) where staff leave with skills that they can start using right away:

1. Coaching Skills for Everyone - Increase your listening levels, tap into curiosity to ask powerful questions and learn a tool to co-design working together effectively as a team.
2. Reconnecting with Your Values - Values ​are unique to each person. Getting clear on your values will help you navigate work with more agency and clarity.
3. Being Present in These Times - With all the uncertainty, in the world and at work, learn how to be present in the here and now so you can be intentional with your choices.

We bring a combined 35 years of experience – we come with a plan and can adapt in the moment to what’s present in the room.

Coaching

As a leadership coach I walk with leaders at all levels to help them connect with their courage, values and purpose. You define your goals and we go on a non-linear journey together. Clients have said it's faster and more fun than going alone.

Trans and non-binary people to follow

The attacks on trans and non-binary people are also making me angry. I'm especially angry about cisgender adults punching down on trans youth. I don't like punching in any direction and when it's done with systemic power behind it I really can't stand that kind of bullying.

Here are some people to follow to stay informed and to ignite or witness trans joy.

"My department is 71% transgender and gender nonconforming and 57% people of color. Everyone is reeling. Traumatized." Jess writes about trauma informed leadership and the four things that they are doing with their team for their individual and collective wellness.

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​ALOK is creative, poignant, and funny. They are a writer, poet, comedian, public speaker and actor. Their Instagram account (and how they deal with trolls) is worth following.

​Erin in the Morning is how I stay up to date on all of the most important pieces of trans and queer news and legislation in the US. Things are changing quickly and Erin Reed does a great job of writing timely and accurate updates.

​Chris Mosier is an Olympian (men's triathlon) and advocate for trans people in sport. His feed is a combo of advocacy updates, trans joy and his training.

Who else should I be following?