Started.
I call her Granny. When I first hear her voice on the phone, I call her “Love of my life.” Today, August 30th, is her 78th birthday and I wanted to honor her by publicly publishing my website. And I begin with a picture of my Granny, in front of the one room shack where she was born, because her life influences the values of the company.
Education.
Granny received her GED when she was in her mid fifties and recently completed a computer skills course at age seventy-seven. She loves to learn. Beyond Fear’s foundation is rooted in education and, more specifically, the sharing of knowledge. Through varied programming, we work with institutions and organizations to learn how we can move towards a more equitable community.
Empathy+
Granny is a compassionate listener and, like many elders, she is no longer afraid to share her truth. These skills are pillars in our work with communities. Relationships necessitates honest conversation and honored trust. There is a plus sign after “Empathy” because such vulnerability and care result in action.
Service.
Granny has worked in the service industry for the majority of her life. She’s contributed to the well-being of many others by her actions and attentiveness. Likewise, Beyond Fear strives to provide acute care to support our communities as they move toward liberation and justice.
Over two years ago, I started Beyond Fear. Before its inception, I’ve dreamed of cultivating a supportive community that centers love and equity, learning language and skills with one another along our journey to a new brave space beyond fear. And for over two years, I kept that desire primarily to myself, sharing the idea sparingly. Honestly, I felt uncertain and unprepared to share this vision more widely.
And today, on my Granny’s birthday, I am actively choosing to start, to share my voice with the world. Thanks Granny!
