In this RELOADED episode, I speak with educator and father, Fernando Deveras, about the fundamental importance of collaboration and community in fostering human progress. Fernando shares his perspective on how we have moved from a collective species to an individualised one, and how systems can benefit from this alienation. We discuss the power of focusing on shared values to create collective change and the relief that comes from deconditioning from the pressure to have all the answers.

Fernando also offers his invaluable experience as an educator and a parent on how to approach difficult conversations with children about complex global and local issues, from poverty and systemic injustice to war and politics. This is a powerful conversation about humanising our discourse, taking responsibility for the knowledge we share, and building a more connected and informed world, one conversation at a time.

Listen to the previous episodes with Fernandas below:

- Where are the men?

- Why my liberation is bound with yours

Key takeaways:

• Humanity’s strength is in collaboration; our progress as a species is rooted in our ability to work together, a collective nature that has been fragmented by systems that benefit from our alienation. 

• For effective collective change, focusing on shared values and a common vision is more productive than getting caught up in differing methods or opinions. 

• When discussing difficult topics with children, it is crucial to distinguish between what you want them to know and what they 

  need to know to navigate their world, considering their age, emotional maturity, and the potential weight of the information. 

• A vital part of this work involves actively humanising people who are often dehumanised by political rhetoric, reminding ourselves and others of our shared humanity. 

Episode highlights:

02:00  The simple but profound power of returning to community and connection as the solution. 

03:00  How systems benefit from alienating people, using labour union organising as an example.

08:00  Key questions for parents: Does my child need to know this? Will this information weigh them down? 

11:00  Our responsibility to share knowledge and different perspectives to enrich our collective understanding. 

About the guest

Fernando Deveras is an educator, parent, and advocate for social change. With a background as a middle school teacher, he focuses on creating resources and conversations that help both adults and children understand and navigate the complexities of our world with compassion and critical awareness.

• Instagram: @‌fernandodeveras

• Website: https://latinxparenting.thrivecart.com

Connect with Megan:

• Instagram: @‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠

• Website: www.higher-love.com⁠

This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk) If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!