About the Author
Patti cultivates homegrown changemakers prepared to step into their power and work with others to create the world they want to live in. Get in touch to find out how you can grow the social changemaker in yourself and those you serve with Blue Roads Changemaker YOU.
Often the people in need of help in our community are right in front of us. Leading the charge to maintain the dignity of each individual is Changemaker Judy Diggs. Throughout her career in education, Judy has constantly kept an eye out for how she can offer support and advocacy to marginalized groups and those in need.
Judy has a big heart and loads of experience creating the conditions necessary for humans to thrive. As she says it,
Sometimes the opportunity to help comes out of nowhere! In that moment, it helps to be ready so you can make a difference in someone's life.
In this episode of “On Your Own Terms,” Judy shares her “Homegrown Solutions for a Patchwork World”. Watch the video of our conversation, listen to the podcast, and read the summary below.
Homegrown Judy
It took me a long time to embrace the size of my family because growing up I didn't have many peers that also had nine siblings
Judy is now proud of her big family as they were important in shaping the kind of person she would become.
Growing up, Judy learned early that she could make a difference in the world. She spent the first two years of her education in segregated schools and did not attend schools with people who looked different than her until she was in the third grade. At the time, the Civil Rights movement was in full swing. She says she didn't fully understand what was happening at the time, but she had people who made the transition easier for her.
My dad was a minister, but he was also an activist in this community. People knew that about him. He was not going to take a backseat.
Judy's father sent two of her older siblings to the local public schools early on. Doing so helped pave a path for all African American children in Montgomery County.
Unfortunately, her father passed away when Judy was only eleven years old. Her mother continued to raise the children on her own keeping the activism legacy of their father alive.
Her mother's ability to form relationships and provide support to marginalized populations inspired Judy and several of her family members to pursue careers in teaching, law enforcement, and the ministry.
Solution-Focused Judy
It was always a goal of mine to see all children be successful and recognize that all children have the potential to reach their own levels of success to become contributing members to our community.
Judy believes there is a place in the world for everyone. Even though she's now “retired” from the school division, she still finds ways to focus on lifting others up – particularly those who are marginalized or have fewer opportunities. The model provided by her parents as well as her spiritual beliefs still play a prominent role in the way she lives her life of service.
By acknowledging the privilege of having folks who supported her to move forward along her own journey, Judy finds an extra dose of inspiration to provide that support to others. While she might consider herself an “introvert”, she pushes herself to build relationships and to speak up on behalf of children and families who may be less able to speak up for themselves. She looks for opportunities to support marginalized populations, including those facing homelessness and food insecurity.
I don't try to go in and be anybody's savior. That's not what people are looking for. Everything has evolved into me understanding that it's important to have those interactions, but to do it in a loving and trusting kind of way.
Judy's example of service is rubbing off on some very important people in her life!
Judy's Patchwork
But she's not done yet!
I am always looking for equity. I am always looking for opportunities so that all students are included, that they get what they need when they need it.
Judy believes in embracing human dignity and showing respect and grace to others. She offers this grace even when there are disagreements.
This is how the world is changed.
Changemaker Judy
She is proud of the influence she has had on her children, who are also involved in giving back to their communities. She encourages people to get involved in their communities and to use their passions to influence change.
You don't even really have to go somewhere to find somebody that's in need necessarily. Sometimes it smacks you in the face in a moment when you don't expect it. And if you have that passion to encourage and empower and embrace, use it. Be ready to use it at that moment.
Judy's consistent message of advocacy, equity and service are at the heart of what it takes to make positive change in every community. That's is where world change begins – in our own homes and in our local communities. Don't overthink it! Often the people who need help the most are right in front of us.
Judy's actions make waves in the UN Sustainable Development Goals. You can too by following in her footsteps.
Notice how Judy's efforts are advancing Goal #1 – No Poverty, Goal #3 – Good Health and Well-Being, and Goal #10 – Reduced Inequalities.
In addition, she is also helping create a space to advance Goal #11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities and Goal #16 – Peace Justice and Strong Institutions.
Please get in touch to let us know what YOU and people you know are doing to realize these Global Goals by the year 2030. We can sure do it if we all work together and take our place as Changemakers!
CHECK OUT our CHANGEMAKER YOU course to help you get started today!
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Patti cultivates homegrown changemakers prepared to step into their power and work with others to create the world they want to live in. Get in touch to find out how you can grow the social changemaker in yourself and those you serve with Blue Roads Changemaker YOU.
