22Feb

Body Shaming be Damned

February 22, 2022 Jessica Bottesch 63

A person holding a sign

Description automatically generated with medium confidence — *The answer is yes.*

After an epic Super Bowl half-time show – yes I am a huge 90s hip-hop fan – one of the most talked about things was not how incredible it is that these performers can still put on an amazing show – but a lot of the chatter focused on how much weight one of the artist, 50 Cent, had gained.

Seriously.

Adults body shaming other adults.

I am sure, especially in our social media crazed world, it happens all the time. It doesn’t matter if you are a man, a woman, trans, young, old, fat, skinny or muscular . . . someone can find fault with how you look.

This is something that really bothers me, and I have invested my life and career in the fitness industry that one could argue is all about helping people achieve the “perfect” body. This is bullshit. In my mind and at Empower, there is no perfect body shape, size, or color and likely there is no perfect body (period). However, what we teach and preach is health and function. We want to help our clients develop the strength, mobility and vitality to do all the things they love most in this world – and a mommy pooch, a dad bod, cellulite, love handles nor the shape of your butt really interferes with this mission.

I think if you were to ask someone who was just diagnosed with cancer, ALS or another serious life-altering condition how much what our bodies look like matters – you would get a big reality-check response.

Can we shift the focus?

I know it is so hard. They inundated us with messages about what is beautiful, what is accepted, what is thought of as healthy. But trust me, you cannot assess someone else’s health based on what their body looks like – and we should stop trying.

Imagine this . . .

Instead of thinking about how flat our stomach is, we honor the fact that it once was stretched to the size of a large watermelon as we grew our children in our wombs.

Instead of focusing on the cellulite on our thighs, we honor the fact that our legs are strong enough to take us on a long hiking expedition that inspired our souls. (Being completely open here – this one is hard for me).

Instead of fretting the fact that we don’t weigh the same as we did in college, we honor the fact that we can get down on the floor to play with our grandkids (and back up, even).

We spend too much time and money chasing societal norms of beauty and youth. So, I recommend this. The next time you are beating yourself up about the number on the scale or the extra glasses of wine or scoops of ice cream you had, or the cellulite on your thighs (talking to myself) you ask your 90-year-old self WHAT REALLY MATTERS?

AND . . .

At risk of contradicting myself, I would also like to say – it is okay to both love your body, honor what it can do for you AND still desire physiological change. Body positivity (or *body neutrality) and working to become stronger and healthier are not mutually exclusive. However, that’s up for you to decide and not for others to judge.

If you are looking for a safe, health-focused fitness studio, we welcome you to join us at Empower. BOOK FREE SESSION

* Body neutrality is a different approach from body positivity. Instead of focusing on loving your body no matter what, body neutrality is a philosophy that focuses on how your body functions – what it can do, rather than what it looks like.

03Jan

A Year’s End Letter

January 3, 2022 Jessica Bottesch 22

Dear Empower Family,

Wow! Another year like no other – one that tried our strength, our patience, and our resolve, but we are still here, thriving. As a small service-based business, we are both humbled and honored by being able to serve you year in and year out through our innovative health and fitness programs. 2022 marks our 17^th year in business, and we are still committed to bringing you the best personalized fitness services in the area. For many, the change of the calendar signifies new beginnings, a sense of gratitude and anticipation for the year ahead. We too are grateful for all that 2021 brought our way (even the challenges because they help us learn and grow), and we are excited to embark on another New Year!

As we leave 2021, our hearts are full of gratitude to and for:

The Empower Fitness Community – as your generosity, your friendship and your loyal support continually touch us.
The Empower Team – for the team members who have moved on to new adventures, those who are dedicating their passion day in and day out and the new talent that has joined our team. Grateful for the opportunities we have all had to grow professionally and personally this year.
Our beautiful studio – that allows us to serve so many people day in and day out. And, the technology that allows us to reach people virtually.

2021 was a roller coaster ride for our nation with the Covid 19 pandemic surging, declining, morphing, surging again, dividing us, bringing us together, keeping us on edge and fearful, highlighting the importance of our collective public health and our own individual health. It has also been a year that marked a lot of transition for Empower mostly in the way of our team. While we have said goodbye to some great trainers–Nestor, Amanda, and Raham, we have also welcomed some incredible new team members–Cierra, Bethany, Marques, and Chris.

One thing that hasn’t changed is that we stay true to our signature ThinkFUN, Get Fit, Eat Well, Sleep Well fitness philosophy to help clients improve their overall health and fitness. And, this year, not only have we helped hundreds of local clients in our Empower studio, we could also leverage technology and extend our fitness philosophy to others around the country through our online virtual training services.

2021 was an interesting year for us all. As we look ahead, we are excited about all that 2022 will bring.

Things like:

Refreshing Renovations to Our Studio—This summer we will make some upgrades to our studio and adding some cool outdoor training features—exciting stuff!
New Performance Training Programming
- Our Youth Athlete Development program has launched, and training groups will begin Jan. 23^rd.
- We plan to add adult performance training groups specific to golf, tennis and running later this year.

Unique Partnerships—We are excited to partner with Dr. Chris Bruscato and launch a Youth Athlete Development program. We are also looking to partner with other independent physical therapists to make getting a PT consult and treatment plan more convenient for our clients.
Mediation and Yoga—these last couple of years have really been stressful and taken a toll on our mental health and our physical health. Meditation and yoga can really help reduce anxiety. Stay posted for a free event and additional meditation workshop series coming this year.
The Continued Growth of Our Team – their commitment to excellence, and their contributions to help grow Empower in new and exciting directions.
- We have several team members who are taking CEU courses to advance their education and experience in areas of specific interest, like Corrective Exercise and Sport Specific training.
Empowering beyond the Durham Community – For many years we have been able to serve those that live or work within 5-10 mile radius, however one upside to this whole global pandemic is that we all learned and got comfortable using the technology that allows us to work, share, stay connected and spread the message of health and wellness beyond this small reach. We believe that when we inspire people to be fit and active, not only can we change the lives of the individuals, this will impact the community in which they live and serve. Stay posted for ways you can get involved with bringing this message of health and wellness to a broader audience.

We have our fingers crossed that 2022 will be the year we see Covid decline, and our collective health (physical and mental) improve. Whatever this year has in store, we love we get to share it all with you.

Thank you again for your continued patronage and support. We look forward to serving you in the New Year and beyond. Cheers to a fun, fit, and healthy New Year!

With love and hope,

Jess

11Aug

Life From Both Sides

August 11, 2021 Jessica Bottesch 20

24May

New Guidelines for Health and Safety

May 24, 2021 Jessica Bottesch 21

Over the last week, they have changed the guidelines for social distancing and cloth face coverings issued by the CDC and the State of North Carolina. Given this updated guidance Empower is amending its Covid-19 policies.

I know this is a long-awaited milestone but one that brings about different feelings, opinions and comfort levels for different people. At Empower, our focus is on creating a safe atmosphere for our community. We amended our policy based on newly released CDC and State recommendations and evidence of vaccine effectiveness. I also consulted with medical and legal professionals and as a team we discussed different approaches before arriving at a decision.

We hope everyone in our community will understand and responsibly and respectfully cooperate with this revised policy.

Effective June 1st 2021

Mask-wearing will be optional for any clients who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 (Clients who wish to go mask-less while training in our studio will be asked to sign an affidavit form stating vaccination status)
Mask-wearing will be optional for any staff who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, if and only if the client they are training at the time is comfortable with them removing their mask during their private session

All clients who are not fully vaccinated are required to wear a face mask inside our studio.

We will restrict group training sessions to people who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 (Clients will be asked to sign an affidavit form stating vaccination status)

We require massage clients to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status (Massage falls under health care services and law still requires masks)

We will continue to provide disposable masks for anyone who needs one

It is essential to recognize that some clients and staff may not be comfortable without a mask, even if they have been inoculated. Therefore, please do not make any assumptions about vaccination status based on whether or not someone is masked up.

Please note that this is an ongoing and evolving situation and the CDC and State of North Carolina mandates may change and our policy may need to be updated. We continue to ask for your patience, cooperation, and support as we navigate the changing tides of this pandemic.

We owe you, our amazing clients, a world of gratitude because we would not be here today if it wasn’t for you! 🙏🏽❤️

18Jan

A Dream Deferred

January 18, 2021 Jessica Bottesch 36

A group of people holding a sign

Description automatically generated with medium confidence

I would like to take a moment to recognize this moment in history and call on us all to read this poem, go within, and seek a deeper understanding of the enduring significance racism plays in the health of our communities.

This poem was written by Langston Hughes in 1935, and yet these words still ring true today.

There is work to do and it starts within each of us . . .

Let America Be America Again by: Langston Hughes

“Let America be America again.

Let it be the dream it used to be.
Let it be the pioneer on the plain
Seeking a home where he himself is free.

(America never was America to me.)

Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed—
Let it be that great strong land of love
Where never kings connive nor tyrants scheme
That any man be crushed by one above.

(It never was America to me.)

O, let my land be a land where Liberty
Is crowned with no false patriotic wreath,
But opportunity is real, and life is free,
Equality is in the air we breathe.

(There’s never been equality for me,
Nor freedom in this “homeland of the free.”)

Say, who are you that mumbles in the dark?
And who are you that draws your veil across the stars?

I am the poor white, fooled and pushed apart,
I am the Negro bearing slavery’s scars.
I am the red man driven from the land,
I am the immigrant clutching the hope I seek—
And finding only the same old stupid plan
Of dog eat dog, of mighty crush the weak.

I am the young man, full of strength and hope,
Tangled in that ancient endless chain
Of profit, power, gain, of grab the land!
Of grab the gold! Of grab the ways of satisfying need!
Of work the men! Of take the pay!
Of owning everything for one’s own greed!
I am the farmer, bondsman to the soil.
I am the worker sold to the machine.
I am the Negro, servant to you all.
I am the people, humble, hungry, mean—
Hungry yet today despite the dream.
Beaten yet today—O, Pioneers!
I am the man who never got ahead,

The poorest worker bartered through the years.

Yet I’m the one who dreamt our basic dream
In the Old World while still a serf of kings,
Who dreamt a dream so strong, so brave, so true,
That even yet its mighty daring sings
In every brick and stone, in every furrow turned
That’s made America the land it has become.
O, I’m the man who sailed those early seas
In search of what I meant to be my home—
For I’m the one who left dark Ireland’s shore,
And Poland’s plain, and England’s grassy lea,
And torn from Black Africa’s strand I came
To build a “homeland of the free.”

The free?

Who said the free? Not me?
Surely not me? The millions on relief today?
The millions shot down when we strike?
The millions who have nothing for our pay?
For all the dreams we’ve dreamed
And all the songs we’ve sung
And all the hopes we’ve held
And all the flags we’ve hung,
The millions who have nothing for our pay—
Except the dream that’s almost dead today.
O, let America be America again—
The land that never has been yet—
And yet must be—the land where every man is free.
The land that’s mine—the poor man’s, Indian’s, Negro’s, ME—
Who made America,
Whose sweat and blood, whose faith and pain,
Whose hand at the foundry, whose plow in the rain,
Must bring back our mighty dream again.

Sure, call me any ugly name you choose—
The steel of freedom does not stain.
From those who live like leeches on the people’s lives,
We must take back our land again,
America!

O, yes,
I say it plain,
America never was America to me,
And yet I swear this oath—
America will be!

Out of the rack and ruin of our gangster death,
The rape and rot of graft, and stealth, and lies,
We, the people, must redeem
The land, the mines, the plants, the rivers.
The mountains and the endless plain—
All, all the stretch of these great green states—
And make America again!”

When I read Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream Speech” and I look out at what is happening in our country . . . I can’t help but realize his dream has been deferred.

Time to do our part, folks!

30Dec

Empower’s 2020-Worthy BIG Announcement!

December 30, 2020 Jessica Bottesch 90

What a strange year it’s been, eh? Full stop 2020 is about as crazy as it gets… We know you are experiencing it too. And since we’re in the craziest year of our lives, we are announcing some even more 2020-worthy “news.”

As you know Ronda and Jessica, Empower’s owners, have been best friends since college and business partners of Empower for 15 years – but as we bring this year to a close, we will turn the page on a new chapter in our friendship, our business and our lives.

Beginning in January, Jessica will take the reins and becoming the sole owner of Empower, while Ronda steps away from her day-to-day responsibilities and her ownership stake in the business to take a job as Territory Manager of Sales at Insulet Corporation.

Please know that we “separate” with honor, respect and grace to Empower, our team, our clients and the lifelong friendship we have created together, and we are prioritizing love, our shared experience, and each others’ future as we make this transition.

Ronda has Type 1 diabetes and while Empower has been running in the foreground for 15 years, Ronda has been managing diabetes in the background for that same length of time. This career transition will allow her to bring her entrepreneurial skills to a sales role where she will help others with diabetes live with more freedom, simplicity and healthier outcomes. Her role will be to share the value of the Omnipod insulin delivery device (the one she uses) to physicians and patients who treat and manage diabetes. As with Empower, the end goal of her new role is to build stronger, healthier, happier communities and instead of through fitness it is through this amazing technology.

Regarding Empower, Jessica will take the reins and building on the sound foundation that is already in place. Yes, the pandemic has been challenging as a small business, but because of our amazing team, phenomenal clients/friends (like you) we are weathering this storm and we are primed and ready for new opportunities in the coming months. Empower is not going anywhere… in fact we are growing, adding team members and services, and we are optimistic for a “return to normalcy” with the promise of the vaccine. 🤞🏽

Yes, we have had some hard days as we come to this conclusion, but we are both excited for the change on the horizon. We are still best friends, partners in life and family of choice, and there are still many more life events and Empower events coming where we will be together with each other and with you.

We honor and appreciate everyone in our Empower community for the years of ongoing support. As we make this transition, we will lean on your support and patronage. Please continue to share the gift of Empower with everyone you know. Every referral and kind word you share is beneficial.

2021, here we come … onward and upward!

22Sep

Losing a Legend: In Honor of RBG

September 22, 2020 Jessica Bottesch 19

Last Thursday Ronda and I were honored at a virtual luncheon for being two of the 2020 Women Of Achievement award recipients (Check it out here). It was an incredible honor and made us proud to be in the company of so many amazing women business owners, teachers, executives, activist and leaders who are enriching the lives of people in our local community and beyond.

The next day, one of the bravest, most determined and brilliant women of our time passed away – Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. As an extraordinary champion for justice and equal rights, RBG paved the way for women like me, Ronda and all the Women of Achievement honorees. She was a consistent, unwavering voice for freedom, opportunity and equality for all and her legacy will touch not only our generation but many generations to come.

As we bid her farewell, we promise to let her legacy live on through our actions, our decisions, our dissent and our leadership. As a small business that focuses on health-promotion, we promise to show up and work toward a stronger, healthier, happier community. We are brainstorming and working on ways in which we can reach more people, because we know that a healthy community only emerges when ALL people have equal access and opportunity. If you have ideas, you would like to share, please let us know by sending us an email.

Next we will be back to delivering you all some healthful content, but this week we give thanks and ground ourselves knowing that we have big footsteps to fill and little footsteps following our lead.

09Sep

Re-Opening Plan for Phase 2.5

September 9, 2020 Jessica Bottesch 21

Wow! Our beautiful Empower studio has been officially closed for almost 6 months. If you had asked us back in March, when we thought this might be a 2 week to 2 month ordeal, if we could weather a 6 month shut down—I think we would have been skeptical. But here we are, weary but also wiser. We have all learned so much (and will continue to do so) about grit, determination, how to pivot, how to support one another, how to listen, how to be more flexible and open to change, how to pull together as a community, and maybe how to prepare for a new and uncertain future.

We are grateful beyond measure that so many of you trusted us enough and prioritized your health enough to stick with your training program by whatever means necessary during this time. We are impressed and proud of how our team that has stuck together and tackled each challenge with a whatever-it-takes attitude. Thank you Nestor, Blaine, Amanda, Chris (we miss you already), Patty, Kelly, Iman, Chuck, Telese, Judy, and Raham. You guys ROCK!

While we are still very much in the middle of this pandemic–how we are navigating life through it is always changing. Governor Cooper’s recent announcement about moving into Phase 2.5 brings yet another change, as gyms and fitness centers can open at 30% normal capacity (or at a limit of 7 people per 1000 square ft.).

So that brings us to a question we have been asked a lot since this order was announced:

What is Empower going to do?

Trust us, this is something we have been thinking about and preparing for since June, and we feel as though we have a thoughtful and thorough plan to ensure the safest environment possible for clients ready to come back into the studio. Let us explain a few of the details  . . . and we will send a “take a virtual tour of our safe-space Studio” video with all the details soon.
We have divided our almost 6000 square foot studio into 5 private areas or “workout pods” – that can either be sectioned off by closing doors or will be divided by big moveable screens.  We will invite 1 private or 2-3 semi-private clients in to train with their trainer in one of these 5 areas at a time. This will mean that you will have your own space and your own equipment for the whole appointment. In between appointments, all equipment and surfaces will be completely disinfected for the next client/s entering this area.

We will enforce the following protocol and procedures:

1.     WE WILL EXCEED PRECAUTIONS Recommended by the Interim Guidance for Indoor Fitness Centers and Gyms Settings – For example under this order our studio could have 40 people inside and we will keep capacity numbers below ½ of that mark.

2.     SYMPTOM CHECK FORM – We ask that you thoroughly read and agree to the following protocols that state if you have any of these symptoms or exposure risks that you will not come to the studio. Please see form here.

3.     ARRIVAL – We ask that you do not enter the studio until it is time for your appointment. We will leave warm up instructions on a whiteboard and equipment, like bands and foam rollers, outside each door so you can do a dynamic warm up ahead of time if you wish. If you need to change or use the bathroom, you can come in (with a mask on) to change then please return to your car or outside to warm up until your trainer comes to get you for your appt. If there is inclement weather, please wait in your car and your trainer will help you warm up at the beginning of your appointment.  Please wash your hands upon entering the studio.

4.     MASKS – Masks are required to enter and leave the studio and anytime you are outside of your dedicated workout “pod.” We strongly recommend that you wear a mask or face covering the entire time, however we understand that wearing a mask while performing strenuous exercise is uncomfortable – therefore, you may remove your mask temporarily during this part of your workout.  All trainers and staff will wear masks at all times.

5.     BATHROOM/SHOWER AREA – Our bathrooms and shower will be open, but only for 1 person at a time. We ask that if you use the restroom for any purpose that you use the provided disinfecting wipes to wipe down any surface you touch before leaving.

6.     DEPARTURE – We ask that you leave the studio pretty promptly after your appointment (with a face covering) so that your trainer can have time to prepare for the next client. We ask that you take care of appointment scheduling and payment transactions virtually – so that there is no congestion at our entrance. Please wash your hands or use hand sanitizer prior to leaving the studio.

Our team has had several meetings both virtual and in-person at the studio to review and train on all of our new policies and procedures. With all of this in place, Empower will be re-opening in this manner starting Wednesday, Sept. 9th!

We completely understand that we all have different comfort levels with returning to our “normal” activities, and we are ready and willing to meet you where you are. If you are ready to come back in to the studio under the guidelines we have described above – great!  If you prefer to meet your trainer outside while the fall weather allows – great! If you are still most comfortable keeping your appointments virtual – great!  We also offer concierge in-home training for the ultimate in convenience and personal attention.

With that said, please be aware that our team is going to be as flexible as possible, but with so many moving targets they may or may not be able to accommodate every schedule request. They will do the best they can and if you are having a hard time making things work with your current trainer, maybe another trainer on our team can help.  Please communicate with me and Ronda about your scheduling needs – we are here to help!

As we all know, things are changing daily and we will continue to monitor local Covid numbers and adapt and adjust as necessary, but for now we are happy to see some of you in person and excited for fall fitness!

01Sep

Time Management in the Time of COVID

September 1, 2020 Jessica Bottesch 22

In any situation, good or bad, an opportunity-focused mindset will allow you to look for the lessons, the opportunities or the upside that lies within. While the Covid pandemic has been challenging for some and even devastating for others—we encourage you all to think about the positive ways in which this experience has affected your life or the opportunities it has presented.

One thing that comes to mind for us is TIME MANAGEMENT. Life before Covid was not just busy, but too busy, to where most of the time we were running at this frenetic pace that left us exhausted and stressed. We were over-scheduled and trying to keep up, measure up, and do it all well. And now we realize that came at the expense of good quality time with our families and a more healthy flow to our days.

We know some of you can relate – that feeling of lack that creeps into your thoughts when you just don’t have the time “to get it all done.”

Enter Covid-19…

. . . and the Stay-at-Home orders, a quarantine, school closures, work transitions and suddenly it seemed like the choke hold our busy schedules had on our time loosened its grip and presented us with a new opportunity to examine— “What will I do with my precious time?”

But wait, what is Time Management?

First, we can’t manage time. There are only 24 hours in a day (only 16 to work with if we are getting enough sleep each night)—that will not change. We only have control over what we do with the time we have.

The key is to choose wisely—and to do this you must be clear about your priorities. Here are some things to ask yourself:

What are my goals – health goals, career goals, family goals, life goals?
What is most important for me and my family right now?
Am I spending my days working toward my goals or on the things that are most important?
Would being better organized help me do things more efficiently and effectively?
Can I put a system in place to review my goals, plan my objectives, and schedule my days so the most important things are getting the attention they deserve?
Can I cut some things out (trade late night TV for sleep), delegate some things to others, and limit time spent on some things (scrolling social media maybe)?

As always, mindset is important

Your mindset around how you spend your time matters too. Consider this:

When you look at time, do you look at it as time spent or time invested?

That may seem like semantics, but it’s not.

When you spend (time/money/resources) ON something your mindset is more focused on lack, limitation or waste. When you invest (time/money/resources) IN something, your mindset is more focused on abundance, growth, or getting/making things better.

That’s an interesting way to look at it, isn’t it?

So, today while we may not be driving around like crazy working mom’s trying to fit it all in, our days are still busy … especially now that we are juggling homeschooling our daughters Emery and Kendall, working, and taking care of our homes and other beloved family and friends. But we can honestly say we feel more connected to those who matter most. We feel grateful for the comfort of our homes. We feel like our time invested in our family, our Empower community and our friends is meaningful, important and impactful—and for us this is enough.

Just some food for thought.

How will you invest your time this week?

04Nov

Racial Equity Institute

November 4, 2019 Jessica Bottesch 22

As part of our commitment to inclusivity, our Team here at Empower took the opportunity to attend a workshop presented by the Racial Equity Institute. REI is an organization dedicated to creating equitable systems by challenging traditional, patterns, concepts and mores through education. As a Team we wanted to share our thoughts on what we learned.

“The Racial Equity Training is powerful. To say that it may provoke a seismic shift in perspective still understates both the scope and impact of the information presented to all who attend. This workshop is vital, poignant, and long overdue.”

-Chuck

“When we talked about going to a seminar on racial equality, I thought it was awesome to be working somewhere and this be a priority for the team. Thinking that I would enjoy just getting some knowledge, information and a reminder of what my community deals with regularly was an understatement. Little did I know that my eyes were opened more than I thought they would’ve been. During and by the end of the training, I felt several emotions ranging from sadness, anger, being proud and bewildered. The tears, sadness and anger is directed to the realization that there was, and still is, a system in place specifically to hurt, hold back, break down, disenfranchise, demoralize… and more, all black and brown people. Feeling proud is knowing that as a black woman, I am part of a people and community that won’t quit, is strong, fights through and is resilient!! And lastly, I felt bewildered because….now what?

Overall, I feel it is an awesome experience to learn to be uncomfortable in order to be better. Everyone plays a part. Unfortunately, those who need this the most will never go and as a result will continue to think racial inequality is ok. As a double minority, I love being a woman and more so, I LOVE being a melanated woman. And for clarity, loving my blackness and who I am does not mean not loving someone who is non-melanated. I often hear people say “they don’t see color”. Although I hear the point that is trying to be made, I don’t think that is helpful. I want you to see my color, I want you to know who I am, because it is one of the best parts of me. Therefore I wouldn’t want it not to be seen. What I do want, is for color to be seen and heard and understood.

I recommend everyone to go, get uncomfortable, learn your truth…. then do better!”

-Telese

“The Racial Equity Institute (REI) training was the most educational, emotionally charged trainings that I have ever attended in my life. I learned more in the two days about the history of this country than I ever have in any classroom. Not only has it opened my eyes more to the injustices in this country but it has also changed my life. I am so thankful that there are people who are involved with this type of teachings and I was able to attend it. I highly recommend it to everyone so that maybe we can make the changes that are necessary for the growth of this nation.”

-Iman

“The Racial Equity Institute workshop is basically the U.S. history class that every U.S. citizen should have been taught in school, but never was. Whether you’re Asian, black, Hispanic/latino, native American, or white, EVERYBODY needs to experience this in-depth, fact-based examination of the systems and policies that created racial inequity from the founding of our nation and that are still perpetuated today.”

-Nestor

“Going into REI I was skeptical, I wasn’t sure what to expect but thought it would be opinion based and open to interpretation. Instead the presenters methodically layed out the history of racism in America step by step. Going into a history that no one gets in grade school, this information is enlightening and undeniable. Regardless of your race or background REI will give you new insights into the sickening depths of racism in America and will show you just how woven it is into our society. If you have any interest in America’s history or becoming a better person then attend an REI Session.”

-Chris

“REI was an amazing experience. It was hard work and uncomfortable at times but so worth it. I would recommend it to everyone.”

-Blaine

“The racial equity workshop opened my eyes to how the markedness theory applies to race. I learned a lot about history of this country and I highly recommend everyone go to this training so we can begin to change things for the future”

-Amanda

“Over the last few years I became aware of the Racial Equity Institute and their transformative trainings. And often, I would say to myself that I will attend a training…one day. I did have the opportunity to attend the Groundwater Presentation a while back, but I had not yet committed the 2 days to invest in the Phase 1 training. Until recently when we embarked on this journey together as a team.

To say the training was life changing is an understatement, and I highly recommend that anyone and everyone make time for this important work. You will grow and stretch in new ways as much of what you think you knew is challenged. Expect to be saddened, angry, confused, defeated, but ultimately transformed as you unpack the very potent and very ugly reality of what it means to live in a society that by design was created to support the interests of the few at the expense of the many.

The question is not “if” but “when” you will go. Please make it a priority!”

-Ronda

“For me, REI Phase 1 equity training was an eye-opening and heart-wrenching look into the intentional construct of race and racism, the brutal truth of our American history, and how structural and institutional racism are now so baked into our culture that it literally affects every aspect of our lives. It helped me see some of my own implicit bias and how, at times, my silence in the face of racism was an act of complicity. I have continued my equity training through reading and podcasts and I am learning more about how to speak out about injustice.

I am grateful that our team has all completed this training and now has a shared language and understanding of how a system of whiteness and racism is at play (whether we want it to be or not) in our workplace, in our town, and in this country.

There is a lot of work to be done in order to be agents of change and we invite our community to join us on this journey.”

-Jess