Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Upchurch.
Hi Erin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
My wife and I established The Ohio REST Collective in early 2021 following a collective visioning activity. We had no agenda or goal for the visioning other than taking some time to pause and be open to what emerged. My wife, Karen, actually popped up after about 2 minutes of sitting and had the acronym-Restorative Equity through Sustainable Transformation (REST). We laughed. It was brilliant, but then we needed to dig a little deeper to determine what was possible.
I have been a social worker for 23 years, with a specific interest and focus on advocacy, communities, and organizations; while weaving in therapeutic and clinical approaches. I am currently the Executive Director at Kaleidoscope Youth Center, teach in the OSU College of Social Work, and am additionally a 200-hr. certified yoga instructor, polarity practitioner, and End of Life Doula.
We are both committed to the experience of rest and exploring ways to promote sustainable change. Although we utilize multiple lenses and frameworks, our guiding practice is that of Transformative Justice, which we’ve adapted from GenerationFive in service of individual and community practice. Simply, Transformative Justice seeks to transform both internal (within us) and external systems that’ve allowed harm to occur and or continue to perpetuate harmful experiences.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Although my life has been sprinkled with obstacles and challenges, I can honestly say that, overall, my current work and life are both generative and radiant.
I am a parent to two young adults in college, and without a doubt life as a parent… mothering has offered me a lion’s share of triumphs, celebrations, and challenges.
Being a queer Black woman requires navigation of obstacles, both seen and unseen. I often feel challenged as a leader in knowing when to fully step into myself, my power versus being mindful of the unfavorable ways I might be perceived. And I’m quirky. I don’t often think the ways that others do and was once told by a supervisor that I ‘state my opinions as facts.’ It’s true; I do and don’t necessarily want that to change.
I’ve worked hard and continue to work hard at not shrinking, especially when I speak. The result is an unapologetic, assertive, and clear voice that doesn’t always land comfortably on the receiving party.
It’s also sometimes hard to experience belonging. I adore the ways I’m different, and sometimes I just want to fit in. It’s a regular act of balance and integrity.
Fortunately, I am clear regarding the truth about who I am, and I keep people close to me that reflect that truth.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m choosing artist/creative because I tend to keep this part of my life quiet.
I am a writer, mixed media artist, and emerging photographer. I’ve been writing since elementary school. I’m enamored with words and the beautiful ways stories get to unfold. I often write essays, poetry, and prose; however, have been dipping into the world of memoir writing, especially as I get older.
In terms of photography, I am a visionary by nature and am drawn to a stunning and/or complicated image. I love to capture moments in time and sometimes struggle with being present verses finding the image. I’ve especially enjoyed photographing animals and nature. Sunrises and sunsets have a very special place in my heart.
Also, important to know, I am a Leo sun, Virgo moon, and Scorpio rising. My bossy Virgo moon tends to be the leader of pack.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I don’t know for sure what I was like growing up. I was an athlete, playing basketball and baseball on all boys’ teams (the only girl) until middle school. My dad was my first coach. Once in middle school and through high school, I added volleyball, which meant I was playing something year-round. I played clarinet and bass clarinet in middle school; and decided to take acting classes my senior year.
I am the oldest of 3 girls, my youngest sister and I are 11 years apart. I imagine by middle sister would say that I was bossy, but I prefer the term strong leader (haha). My sisters are my best and favorite friends.
My childhood feels complicated now that I’m an adult. My parents divorced when I was 13. I always had friends, but never felt like I fit in. I had an early and unwanted sexual experience that I don’t think I fully understood at the time.
I grew up in Hilliard, Ohio. By the 2nd grade, I was called Blackie. And then in 4th grade, a cross was burned on my family’s back fence. I had a friend staying over for the night and was so embarrassed. Also in 4th grade, I became overwhelmingly aware that my features were different than those of my white friends and classmates; and then began to actively find ways to shrink myself and my features. I remember being called nigger on the school bus and being punched in the head. You’d think I’d remember the person who did that, and I literally do not.
So, I can tell you what I did and some things that happened. But, even at 45,
I’m still learning more about who I was.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theohiorestcollective.com
- Instagram: @theohiorestcollective
- Facebook: The Ohio REST Collective
