Dr. Donna Hicks, PhD, in her book Leading with Dignity: How to Create a Culture that Brings Out the Best in People, writes about the three connections of dignity. These three connections play a significant role in our dignity journey. She characterizes these three connections as connecting to our own dignity, connecting to the dignity of others, and connecting to the dignity of something higher or the “greater good.” When you can connect to a higher purpose it can change how you see things around you, and you come to understand how important honoring dignity is not only to yourself but to society. When we can open our minds and hearts, we can change things for the better.
I began my new role as Diversity Officer for Berkshire Health System in August of this year. My first goal was to reach out to the community and begin to build relationships. This journey has taught me so much about myself and about the community I have lived in since 1987. It has also helped me to realize the work we have ahead of us and that we all need to work together so that we can help those who struggle every day.
I have learned more about Berkshire County in the last month than I have in the last 35 years. We have challenges here in our county. These are challenges you think you would only see in cities like Boston. We have one of the highest suicide rates among young people in the state. We have a high rate of deaths due to substance use. We have a growing homeless population and increased violence in our streets. People are struggling to find affordable housing, struggling to feed their families, and are finding challenges navigating our health care system. I was blind to all these things. I lived my life like many of us do. I worked hard so that I could take care of my family. I was connected to my own dignity, but I was missing that other connection and that is to the dignity of others.
Recently I met some amazing people from the Manos Unidas Co-op at their drop-in center on Melville Street in Pittsfield, Ma. I spent over an hour and a half listening to their challenges and hearing about the work they are doing to support all those who are struggling in our community. We have a growing immigrant population here in the Berkshires and Manos Unidas is a place where they can find support and help. During my time there I was able to speak to someone from the community and he shared his story with me. It meant so much to me that he felt he could share with me the challenges he and many in the community face.
The commitment of the team at Manos to the community is something that touched my heart. It gave me hope because I know that despite all our challenges there are people out there who are trying to make a difference.
My hope as the Diversity Officer for Berkshire Health is that all these amazing people, community leaders, and groups can come together with Berkshire Health to help those who are in need. It is my opportunity to give back because so many have given to me so that I could be successful.
I want to say to the leaders at Manos Unidas (www.rootsandmustardseeds.com), thank you for all you are doing, thank you for sharing with me, and I look forward to working with you as we connect to higher a cause and that is to build a better Berkshires.
Charles Redd, RN
Dignity Freedom Fighter
Dignity Freedom Fighter 