Thank you so much for sharing! I personally love the wheel of privilege because it helps us see where we fit in the bigger picture rather than focusing on one of our demographics. If I had not been raised by a veterinarian I am not sure I would have become one. While people see that I am a woman, and that I am not white, they can't tell that I have 3 different disabilities. The diversity of perspectives in an environment where people can share their opinions with radical candor is what brings out that creativity and innovation :)
Original Message:
Sent: 06-03-2025 06:39 AM
From: Diana Kelley
Subject: Community Conversations - 6/2/2025 - Chip On Your Shoulder: A Study of Socioeconomic Privilege using Legally Blonde the Musical
The concept of the Wheel of Privilege really resonates with me. I've spent most of my life somewhere between the middle and outer rings-kind of teetering between being low-income and middle class, along with large size and mental health issues. The financial ebb and flow has definitely shaped how I approach work and life. For our team at Healing Horse Touch, it's made us deeply value every single dollar and taught us how to stretch those dollars with care and intention.
One of the biggest positives that's come out of this financial tightrope is the creativity it inspires. When resources are limited, we don't have the luxury of just buying a solution-we have to find one. And more often than not, we do!
Just yesterday, we ran into a problem with our truck: the brake line rusted through. Buying parts and paying for labor could've been hundreds of dollars we simply don't have. Thankfully, my husband has mechanical skills and was able to replace the brake line himself. But after that, we needed to bleed the brakes, and the kit that makes that job easier wasn't in the budget. So we turned to good ol' YouTube-and wouldn't you know it, we found a simple DIY method that worked beautifully!
To me, that's the gift of being resourceful under financial pressure. It pushes you to think outside the box and proves that lack doesn't mean failure-it just means finding another way. In our work, this means we're always thinking creatively, staying humble, and constantly looking for ways to make healing and connection through horses accessible-no matter what's in the bank account.
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Diana Kelley
Executive Director
https://HealingHorseTouch.com
Kenneth, MN United States
Discover Healing, Connection, and Renewal through Horses.
Original Message:
Sent: 05-29-2025 04:42 PM
From: Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Subject: Community Conversations - 6/2/2025 - Chip On Your Shoulder: A Study of Socioeconomic Privilege using Legally Blonde the Musical
Updated 6/2/25 at 1:26 pm - Recording now available to watch on-demand!
Please note: All views expressed on these calls are not necessarily endorsed by Maddie's Fund.
We hope to see you on the next Community Conversation on Monday, 6/02/25 at 11am PT for a presentation on "Chip On Your Shoulder: A study of Socioeconomic Privilege using Legally Blonde: The Musical" with Dr. @Valerie Marcano.
The storyline of Legally Blonde: The Musical centers around Elle Woods, who enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend. Elle is mentored by Emmett Forrest, whose socioeconomic background and upbringing are sharply different from hers. As a student from an affluent community, Elle's college experience is centered around studying and leadership experiences, while Emmett's centers around multiple part time jobs. Their vastly different upbringings mirror the effect of socioeconomic privilege in access to pet care, as well as access to animal health as a profession. Socioeconomic privilege impacts physical and psychological health, as well as academic progress and outcome. Socioeconomic privilege affects every aspect of animal health and wellbeing, with financial constraints cited as the top barrier to pet care. However, the issue is more complex than simply having the funds to pay the vet bill. For instance, socioeconomic privilege also impacts where professionals practice veterinary medicine, as well as the services they offer. Understanding socioeconomic privilege is the first step to addressing it, as it is a major factor in both accessing veterinary care and barriers to joining the animal health industry.
Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom: https://maddies.fund/CommunityConvoRegistration2024
Make sure you are using the latest version of Zoom when you join us!
If you are unable to make it live on Monday, this thread will be updated with the recording and resources so you can watch and share whenever you'd like. After you watch the recording on-demand or attend the call live, be sure to complete this new June 2025 entry form to enter for a chance to win up to a $5,000 grant.
#AccesstoCare
#Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
#EducationandTraining
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Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Maddie's Fund
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