The assistant principal’s voice cracked.
There was a time when I felt completely alone in my belonging work.
I had just rolled out a new initiative to foster inclusion and equity. I expected resistance from some corners, but the silence from my staff—the ones I thought would be on board—was deafening.
I remember sitting in my office one evening, staring at the blank faces in my memory.
“Do they even care?” I thought. “Am I fighting for something no one else wants to fight for?”
I felt defeated.
But then, something shifted. A teacher approached me after hours and said, “I see what you’re trying to do. I’m here for it. How can I help?”
It was one voice, but it gave me the strength to keep going.
That’s when I realized: not everyone is ready to lead this work—but some are. Those are your champions. Those are the people who can help you carry the weight of change.
Here are two strategies I used to build allies:
- Look for the quiet champions: Sometimes, the people most invested in change aren’t the loudest in the room. Seek them out.
- Equip them with tools: Once you find your champions, invest in their growth. Give them the skills to inspire others—facilitation, conflict resolution, or strategies for navigating resistance.
The lesson? You don’t need everyone at once. Start with those who are ready, and let their courage inspire the rest.
So, let me ask you:
Who are the champions in your school? How can you support them in creating change?
