Joseph Green is one of those dynamic people who inspires you to do more and be more, simply by talking to him. His incredible work in the education space is changing the way resources are accessed. His passion and mission will make you want to keep reading. Be sure to check out Joseph's latest feature in this month's issue of En Root, and read below to learn more about this forward-thinking leader.
This month's theme is all about Access. Tell us about how that concept has played a role in your work.
The era of free, easily searchable and accessible knowledge brought on by the internet has given me the tools to build an organization dedicated to education and wellness without traveling through the usual routes. It has also given me platform with which to reach thousand of like-minded lifetime learners. It has also become part of my fight to make sure that the access to free, quality education is a protected right of all people.
At OutGrowth, we are committed to giving access. What do you think we as individuals and communities can do to carve a path so that others can grow beyond traditional limits?
1. Ignore traditional limits.
2. Don't force your children to take a particular path because 20 or 30 years ago it was the best path for you.
3. Embrace the idea that knowledge and wisdom come from many different places and then go seek those spaces.
4. Fight for (and patron) public television, public radio, and educational podcast.
5. Break white supremacy's hold on public education in America.
6. Feel free to email me for an explanation to any of these steps.
Tell us about a pinnacle point or moment in your life journey.
I've had many pinnacle points in my life but the most recent was when I learned more about American history in three episodes of Throughline on NPR than I did my entire high school career.
How did this experience change the course of your life, your career or your outlook?
It didn't change my life as much as it affirmed my current path. Understanding how woefully equipped our school systems have left our teachers, this experience fuels my passion for creating educational tools that make up for what schools can't or won't teach.
What are your top three pieces of advice for students and professionals who may be looking for ways to grow forward?
1. Consume more information than you put out.
2. If the information you are receiving consistently reaffirms your worldview diversify your sources.
3. Look at the world as it is, and if you think there are major issues we need to addressed, consider addressing them in ways radically different than the ones that got us here.
If you could go back in time and give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Read more.
What is your favorite quote?
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou
Based on your professional experience, what are the top three career competencies that you believe can be gained/developed as a result of pushing past limits?
First I think it important to qualify my answer by stating that I don't mean physically. I mean mental, physical, cultural, and even spiritual limits.
1. The joy of failing forward.
2. The ability to absorb new tools and methods to navigate the world from once improbable sources.
3. The confidence and peace of mind that comes from knowing that there is always an option, solution, or a way out; you just haven't found it yet.
What's next? What are your next steps toward growth in 2021?
Read. Meditate. Cuddle more with my 1 year old.
Joseph Green is a motivational speaker, educator, trainer, professional storyteller, award-winning spoken word poet, and a person in long-term recovery. More important than those facts are that he is the father of Henry and August and husband to Angelique.