Friday, January 25, 2008

"I Am the Only One"

"I am the only one," is a phrase every 2008 Presidential candidate has repeatedly used in interviews, debates, and speeches. They are obviously using this phrase as part of a political agenda to win votes. Yet, it definitely has application to those of us wanting to better serve our diverse learners.

There will be many times we will probably feel like we are the "only one." In some arenas it may be a reality that our voice is the only voice speaking in behalf of diverse learners. It is critical that we keep on speaking that lone voice in spite of the fact that it may appear no one is listening. One of my favorite stories in the New Testament is the widow who is persistent at knocking at the door of the unjust judge. We need to just keep knocking at the door. Persistence does eventually reap its rewards--although maybe not in the timing we would prefer--but it will always be at the perfect timing.

There is a website http://www.powerone.org/ that you might want to visit for ideas. At this site, you can also read about a book called The Power of One.

Thought: If you want to innovate, to change an enterprise or a society,
it takes people willing to do what's not expected. - Jean Riboud