Fight Compassionately for Social Change | Episode 26 of The Socially Delightful Podcast

Welcome home, lovely!

In this episode of Socially Delightful, Jewel explores how social change can be fostered through connection, compassion, and meaningful conversations. Navigating political divides and building bridges with people holding different political views is crucial for creating a supportive, harmonious society. Jewel emphasizes the importance of compassion in conversations across party lines and shares insights into how we can better understand the conservative mindset.

As activism grows more prevalent, it's vital to balance the urgency for change with self-care to avoid burnout. Jewel offers practical tips for managing local advocacy efforts without compromising your well-being, helping you stay engaged for the long haul.

Jewel also highlights the importance of community involvement beyond just voting—whether through civic duties or local action. She provides strategies for making real impact, no matter your political alignment, to create a more connected and compassionate society.

Special Freebie: Want to get involved in social change work in your community? Jewel’s Complete Guide to Getting Involved with Local Change Work provides everything you need to get started—from national organizations with local chapters to ways to prevent burnout and find groups near you. Download the free guide now and take your first step towards making a meaningful impact today!

Key Takeaways:

  • Fighting for social change requires connection and compassion: Social change doesn’t just come from legislation—it comes from people listening to one another, respecting differences, and connecting over shared values.

  • Navigating political differences in friendships: Building healthy, respectful relationships across party lines is essential for creating understanding and collaboration.

  • Understanding the conservative mindset for better conversations: By learning about and empathizing with different political perspectives, we can reduce polarization and foster more productive discussions.

  • Avoiding shame and ridicule in discussions: Shame is counterproductive; compassion is key for creating an environment where people feel heard and valued.

  • Local advocacy can create powerful change: Civic engagement on a local level is one of the most effective ways to foster lasting social change and improve your community.

  • Preventing burnout in activism: Self-care is crucial in sustaining long-term involvement in social change efforts, ensuring that you don’t lose your passion or energy.

  • Building rapport with people of differing beliefs: Relationships across the political spectrum can be difficult, but they are necessary for broadening perspectives and moving towards mutual understanding.

  • The power of empathy and respect in bridging divides: When we listen with empathy, we can break down barriers and create a more inclusive, supportive community.

  • Stories and personal experiences are persuasive tools: Sharing personal experiences can be powerful in inspiring others to join you in advocacy work and social change efforts.

  • Civic duty extends beyond voting: Engaging in your local community and working to make positive changes on a grassroots level are essential duties of every citizen.

In this episode:

  • 00:00 Intro

  • 01:05 Fighting for Social Change through Connection

  • 07:06 Navigating Friendships Across Political Lines

  • 14:09 Understanding the Conservative Mindset

  • 21:10 Building Bridges: Compassionate Conversations

  • 28:00 Local Advocacy and Avoiding Burnout

WATCH THIS IF IT’S THE LAST THING YOU DO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKggA9k8DKw

Corey Robin’s book and article:

https://www.sandmanbooks.com/book/9780190692001?srsltid=AfmBOop0cGwFcFn2mKm-t8mTOeMY8-JiZPIY5XSMu_XkRZnwvwfYu14o

https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2019/3/8/18250087/the-reactionary-mind-trump-conservatism-corey-robin

The Cult of Trump by Steven Hassan book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-cult-of-trump-steven-hassan/1130020777

Ground News:  https://ground.news/

Call people IN instead of calling them out with activist Loretta J Ross: https://lorettajross.com/

Adam Conover’s story:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71Ue5Qy6w1w

Neuroscience of Conservatives:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2017/11/22/at-yale-we-conducted-an-experiment-to-turn-conservatives-into-liberals-the-results-say-a-lot-about-our-political-divisions/

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/conservative-and-liberal-brains-might-have-some-real-differences/

https://www.brown.edu/news/2023-02-01/political-brain

Research of where people normally get their news:

https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/2024/10/10/where-americans-turn-for-election-news/

Movie mentioned: Bombshell

Liz Plank’s commentary: https://open.substack.com/pub/lizplank?r=2icuzl&utm_medium=ios

My favorite political creators:

 
Host Jewel Hohman

Meet your host, Jewel!

Jewel is on a mission to create a more connected world. For the past four years, she has been helping clients embrace their authentic selves, overcome social overthinking, and build meaningful connections. Jewel’s journey began with her own struggles in social situations—often feeling not fun or interesting enough and constantly comparing herself to others. Through studying psychology, self-esteem, confidence, and belonging, and with the guidance of her first coach, she discovered what Brene Brown calls true belonging: confidently sharing who you are and feeling strong even when standing alone.

Today, Jewel is committed to helping over 10,000 people create true belonging within themselves and connect more deeply with others.

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Deepening Emotional Bonds in Queer Friendships | Episode 25 of The Socially Delightful Podcast with Nikki La Croce