i1: Essential Core
Our Stance Is Our Mission
The Stance
Inspiration 1 acknowledges and embraces culture in its many contexts including: circumstances, characteristics, customs, behaviors, and more. We believe each culture offers a unique perspective and each has value to offer, and we know that no culture offers perfection for every individual.
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The Mission
Inspiration 1 unapologetically works for the advancement of cultural inclusion.
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Our roots and stance inform the i1 Algorithm which is used to structure all the work we accept. Please visit our Services page to find out more about our work, or scroll down to learn about our Roots.
i1: Roots
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to perceive, interpret, demonstrate, control, and use emotions to communicate with and relate to others effectively and constructively. At i1, we focus enhancing three essential skills necessary to achieve a higher level of EI. The 3 S's of Emotional Intelligence are Self-Compassion, Situational Appraisal, and Social Engagement. These skills nurture each other and strengthen overall EI.
Self-Compassion
Self-Compassion is a combination of self-awareness and self-acceptance. Becoming more self-aware develops a healthier relationship with thoughts, feelings, actions, biases, and emotions. With a better understanding of ourselves, it becomes easier to understand the emotions and thinking of others. Self-acceptance is accepting the reality of the human condition and reckoning with the individual cultural factors that influence our decisions and actions.
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The combination of Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance builds confidence in ourselves, and helps us to participate authentically, and be more brave in social and professional settings.
Situational Appraisal
Situational Appraisal is knowing the difference between reacting and choosing an appropriate option. It leans on Self-Compassion. Research done by internationally known psychologist Daniel Goleman, demonstrates that the "emotional brain" reacts faster than our "thinking brain." i1 seeks to slow down the pace long enough for the brain to more fully process the situation and allow for more informed options to surface. These options often offer more positive, productive and equitable pathways forward.
Social Engagement
Social Engagement refers to interactions between/among two or more people. It builds on Self-Compassion and Situational Appraisal. It's basic components are gratitude and empathy. Gratitude is strongly associated with happiness and can help deal with adversity, while boosting interpersonal relationships. Empathy is the ability to understand a person's thoughts, feelings, emotions, and actions from their perspective. Empathy cultivates community and allows for appreciation of others, even across difference.
Inclusive Practices
Inclusive Practices are designed to recognize diversity, respect individual identity, and enables access. They serve the needs of all, regardless of race, religion, cultural identity, gender orientation, or sexual orientation. i1 insists on the use of inclusive practices because they support equitable engagement with subject material.
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In classrooms across America, Inclusive Practices are being used to improve access, teach empathy, and encourage collaboration. Inclusive practices are research supported, and are becoming a standard requirement at many Leadership programs.
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Much of our process is at least in some part based on collaborative facilitation techniques learned from indigenous peoples. Most indigenous societies value respect, humility, and tolerance. These values form the bedrock of inclusion and support all of our work. Notably, these techniques demonstrate respect for the individual and humility in leadership while supporting understanding.
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Inspiration 1 values the contributions of all learner-participants. We embrace the rich tapestry of human experience. i1's use of Inclusive Practices honors the individual, respects all cultures, and ensures equity of voice.
