I started Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian in 2011. It looks different now from how it looked then.
This post is dedicated to helping visitors understand how to use this site. It will be updated to reflect any major changes.
N.A.H. FRONT: NAVIGATING THE HOME PAGE
So you’ve arrived at N.A.H. Welcome!
One of the first things you might notice is my news slider, which displays the four most recent notes at any point in time.
Below the slider, you can find a section of recent posts from selected topics, followed by additional blog posts in chronological order. You can navigate these posts by using the page navigation buttons.
UPDATE 2016: I have added a screenshot that is more reflective of my homepage as it appears currently.
NAVIGATING THE SIDEBAR
A few interesting things you’ll find in my sidebar include:
- A link that will help guide you to listen to the latest podcast.
- My Support Button. Click on it to learn how you can help N.A.H. stay on the web.
- Links selected notes on the blog that will familiarize you with content from the archives, as well as links to the latest notes.
- Post Archives by topic, by month, and more.
NAVIGATING MY BLOG POSTS
I’ve tried to design this blog in such a way that enables visitors to access my content as easily as possible. In addition to the selection of notes that appear in the sidebar, you will also be able to continue your exploration by clicking on post options that appear in three other locations :
Immediately below the content
Underneath the share buttons in the related section
And just below the post navigation buttons at the bottom of each note
Use these sections to move from note to note.
WHERE TO START
If you’re new, or need a refresher, the “Start Here” tab in my top navigation bar will help you to familiarize yourself with what this blog is about, my comment policy, ways readers can contribute, a public service announcement, and an opportunity for you to add links to some of your favorite social justice blogs to my resource list. If you’re a blogger, feel free to add your own links too.
BEST OF…
Visit this tab for links to selected notes that have either been some of my most popular, or notes that I’m most proud of. Whether you’re a new visitor, or a long-time supporter, consider these as “Must Have” staple posts for fans of Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian.
CATEGORIES
I cover a variety of different topics here, and for good reason. Many issues regarding inclusion and exclusion often interact and intersect with each other in different ways, and you’ll find the same happens in my notes.
Each Category is its own feed. To access these pages, click on one of the categories in the navigation bar at the top of my pages:
Here you can find posts on issues related to ability status.
Notes related to age, aging across the lifespan, ageism, adultism, etc.
Here you can find notes related to Allyhood or Ally Development.
Pushing back against the narrative that supports the superiority of men and the masculine.
Notes on issues related to socioeconomic status.
Notes related to pre-k-12 issues & resources, community education resources, or higher education resources.
Higher Education: Student Affairs
Notes for College Students, Student Affairs Professionals or their allies who are interested in improving campus climate.
Notes related to Gender Identity & Expression.
Intersections of Health & Social Justice.
Notes pertaining to the law, and the criminal (in)justice system.
Pushing back against narratives of hetero-superiority.
Notes on politics, political issues.
It most certainly does. Here you’ll find notes on race and its intersections.
Challenging dominant narratives that support religious superiority, supporting narratives that use privilege for equity & reconciliation.
A Work. A Calling. A Profession. Notes for Social Workers, Social Work students, and other helping professionals.
I Teach Social Work courses on Foundations for Multicultural Social Work Practice at the Undergraduate level, and Understanding Diversity and Social Justice Through Dialogue at the Masters Level. This category contains notes regarding tips I have, or Lessons I’ve learned in my work in the classroom.
NAH SPECIAL TOPICS
You can also find a variety of special topics including:
This space serves as a placeholder for any updates I might share about myself, the blog, or any other news stories I find or that have been brought to my attention by the readers. This Category will continually be updated as more news stories are added, some with the “(N.A.H.) News!” tagline added, some without.
Sometimes videos say it better. Here, I share videos that fit in line with the purpose of this blog. This space also includes some of my video projects for social justice, and any interviews or press that I might be featured in that involve film or video. Videos produced by myself will be marked relandothompkins.com at the introduction and/or ending of the video.
I started this blog from a powerfully moving idea. Through trial and error, and with help from others, I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. In this section I share what I’ve learned, and cover a variety of topics related to blogging.
In this space I will share links of Blogs and websites I’ve found that I see as being too great to keep to myself.
These resources will come from a variety of areas of service and interests, with the common theme being a focus on issues related to diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice.
My Communication category houses my notes related to Conflict in Relationships, as well as notes on Intergroup Dialogue.
A conversation with a friend or a passing stranger, an observation, entering a new situation, learning from successes, adapting when plans may fall through…. I marvel at the kinds of lessons we can learn about ourselves and others from our everyday experiences if we keep our hearts & minds open. Within this series of posts I will strive to share insight I gain through experiencing “small” things that can teach large lessons.
Because sometimes a picture says enough. In this space you will find photos that I’ve either created or found online that carry with them a thought-provoking social message. Decide for yourself what they mean to you. Original content will be marked relandothompkins.com or Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian
Here, you will find my responses to questions posed to me by readers of Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian, as well as attempts at honoring the requests for selected topics from the readers as well. If you have any questions related to the subject matter of N.A.H. ideas for selected topics, use my contact form to let me know.
In this space, you will be able to find videos, news stories, or other resources related to social justice issues that have been brought to my attention by readers of Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian. If you have any stories or resources that you’d like me to be aware of and bring to the readers, you can share it by leaving a comment on one of my notes, or by using my contact form to let me know via email.
Musings with a message. There’s a method to the math.
In this space you will find a collection of original poems I’ve written.
Here you will find my founder’s day reflections on the blog as it reaches a new birthday each year.
In this space, you will be able to read about any tips I have or lessons I’ve learned about working for diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice. I will also share any resources that I come across that I feel can be helpful to others who wish to take up this work.
Click on the Random selection tab to be taken to a randomly selected post.
You’re all set! Thanks for Coming!
Feel free to explore to your heart’s content!
From Aspiring Humanitarian, Relando Thompkins, MSW, LLMSW
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Thanks so much, Relando. I read your blog faithfully but was not familiar with everything you offer and how it is organized. I appreciate having this guide so I can fully utilize all of the resources!
You’re very welcome Sharman! I plan on continuing to build upon the topics I have currently, and add new ones as I learn new information. Thank you for your readership and support both on and offline! It means a lot!