World We Dare to Imagine - Part 3

Open Mind, Open Heart – Fostering Empathy by Connecting Youth with Marginalized Perspectives

Growing up with a special needs brother and volunteering in the special needs community, I have heard people make assumptions and stereotypes. To name just one example, my very own relative once suggested that at a family party, we give the less desirable food option to my brother, because “he won’t know the difference.” My brother, just like any able-bodied person, has his own tastes and preferences. It was at this moment I realized the way ignorance fuels stereotypes, judgments, and disregard for marginalized individuals. This lack of understanding of others’ experiences is what leads people to write off the homeless population as “lazy” or view veterans as “damaged.” Whether it may stem from deliberate close-mindedness or a mere lack of exposure, not understanding the diverse groups in our society prevents them from receiving just treatment in our society.

Open Mind, Open Heart begins making a change with our youth– the next generation of teachers, doctors, lawmakers, and more importantly, humans. Our organization connects middle and high school students with the perspectives of individuals who our society often looks past. Rather than taking a traditional approach in educating students through lectures or videos, Open Mind, Open Heart allows students to engage face-to-face with marginalized groups. The interaction format may vary based on the age of the students or the focus group for the session. Examples of these sessions may range from a school-wide assembly listening to a panel of immigrants share their experiences to regular class visits where students can build friendships with special needs peers throughout the year. Open Mind, Open Heart will connect schools to the resources necessary to bring in individuals or groups willing to share about their backgrounds as well as facilitate meaningful discussions with students afterwards.

We believe Anima Mundi Development Partners should support our organization because our work will foster deep reflection and critical thinking within students. Through our programming, students will be able to see that we are all more alike than we think. Giving them the opportunity to hear individuals’ stories and struggles will build empathy at a young age, creating curious learners that can approach others with awareness and kindness rather than judgment and stereotypes. As youth are the future generation of leaders, ensuring that they are well-equipped for compassion paves the way for positive change. For all humans to be treated equally in our world, we must first start with opening our minds to understanding their challenges and opening our hearts to caring for them.