FROM THE PRESIDENT
Navigating Changing Tides:
Staying Strong in the Face of Resistance
Once a caterpillar has fully grown, they molt and form a chrysalis/pupa around themselves, inside of which their body breaks down and reforms. In the earlier stages of this metamorphosis, the chrysalis is green; in later stages, the colors of the adult butterfly's wings are visible. Monarch butterflies, as seen here, remain in the chrysalis stage for about 8-12 days before emerging.
Change is difficult. It’s uncomfortable, it’s messy, and it often comes with pushback—sometimes from the very people we hoped would champion that change. As interpreters working in the field, we’re no strangers to the challenges of shifting organizational culture. Many of us entered this work because we’re passionate about connecting people to the natural world, history, and culture in ways that resonate deeply. But what happens when the systems we work within are slow to adapt, resistant to inclusion, or protective of the status quo? How do we keep going, stay strong, and support one another through the turbulence of transformation?
This is my love letter to all of the interpreters who are walking that path—those who feel the weight of trying to make their organizations more inclusive but are met with hesitation or outright opposition. It’s for those of you who are passionate about DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) work but who sometimes wonder if we’re moving fast enough or making enough of a difference. I believe we can support one another, we can continue to make our organizations more inclusive, and we can stay grounded in our mission, even when it feels like the tide is pushing against us.
The need for change in interpretive spaces is clear. The world is evolving, and with it comes a growing recognition of the importance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ). Although many organizations have been doing amazing work to reach all community members and tell stories that have previously been buried or overlooked, there are others that have been slow to embrace diversity in their storytelling. For too long, some of our organizations have relied on outdated, narrow narratives that don’t reflect the richness and diversity of human and natural histories. It’s our job to expand those stories—to listen to voices that have been marginalized and to incorporate them into our interpretive work. But this work is not without its challenges. This is necessary, but it’s also where things get tough.
The Complexity of Change
A few years ago, I worked with an organization that wanted to bring me in to help their staff understand the use of gender-neutral pronouns. They had a staff member who used they/them pronouns, and people were uncomfortable with this. They told me that they needed to learn how to use “pronouns.” During our initial meeting, I found it a little humorous that the group was already using pronouns (referring to each other with “he” and “she”), yet the thought of using a gender-neutral pronoun like “they” seemed Insurmountable. Because of the discomfort many people on the staff had using gender-neutral pronouns, they were considering telling the nonbinary team member that it was something they couldn’t accommodate.
I understood that the organization felt they needed education to get it right. Some staff members were nervous about making mistakes, while certain board members pushed back entirely on the use of gender-neutral pronouns. They also didn’t know how to handle situations where guests misgendered the staff member, and they were seeking help to navigate this.
The organization was taking the right steps—they recognized that education was needed to move forward. However, the resistance they encountered from staff and board members revealed a deeper discomfort, not just with the pronouns themselves, but with the broader changes that come with embracing a more inclusive culture. Many of us encounter this kind of pushback in DEIJ work, and it can feel like an uphill battle.
Change is difficult for many reasons, but change also brings opportunities for growth. Photo by Gelgas Airlangga.
Understanding the Roots of Resistance
Resistance to change, especially around DEIJ initiatives, often stems from fear. Fear of saying the wrong thing, making mistakes, and fearing the unknown are common reactions. For some, change is uncomfortable because it challenges long-standing norms or beliefs. As interpreters, we know this feeling well. It’s the same fear we sometimes see in visitors when they are confronted with new information that challenges their understanding of the world. But just as we help visitors navigate those moments of discomfort, we must also guide our colleagues, organizations, and ourselves through the discomfort of change.
In the case of this organization, some staff members and board members were resistant to using they/them pronouns because it felt unfamiliar. They were worried about how this shift would affect their interactions with each other and with the public. There was also a fear of backlash from guests. The staff were unsure how to respond when visitors misgendered their colleague. They were concerned that correcting someone might lead to negative reactions or worse, alienate their audience. This fear was palpable, and it was holding the organization back from fully embracing an inclusive environment.
This example underscores the complexity of the work we do. Interpreting the natural world doesn’t happen in a vacuum; we bring our own identities, cultural contexts, and evolving societal norms to the table. Change is difficult not only because of the unfamiliarity of new ideas but also because these ideas touch on deeply personal and often contested beliefs. Sometimes, the resistance we face isn’t just about policy or practice; it’s about people wrestling with new ideas, stepping outside their comfort zones, and trying to navigate uncharted waters. It’s about change—and change, as we know, is hard.
In some cases, this resistance can be deeply personal. People may feel as though their work, their identities, or their contributions are being invalidated by the push for inclusion. They might worry that by acknowledging past harms or shifting to more inclusive practices, the work they’ve done for years will be overshadowed or erased. I’ve seen this firsthand in organizations where long-standing staff members struggle with new DEIJ initiatives, fearing they’ll lose their place in the hierarchy or that their expertise will no longer be valued.
This fear can make it difficult for people to engage fully in DEIJ efforts. Instead of seeing change as an opportunity for growth, they may dig in their heels and cling to what feels safe. This is where the real work comes in—not just in pushing for change but in fostering a culture of empathy and understanding. We need to create spaces where people can express their fears and concerns without being judged, while also making it clear that we cannot go backward. We cannot honor systems that are oppressive, even if that makes some people uncomfortable.
Staying Strong in the Face of Pushback
So, how do we keep going when the going gets tough? How do we support each other when the resistance feels overwhelming, and how do we ensure that we stay grounded in our mission to create inclusive interpretive spaces?
- Lean on Your Community: As interpreters, we’re part of a larger community of passionate professionals who share a commitment to making the world a more inclusive place. When you’re feeling the weight of pushback, reach out to others who are doing this work. Share your frustrations, your successes, and your questions. Sometimes, knowing that others are facing similar challenges can be enough to keep you moving forward.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Change doesn’t happen overnight, and sometimes it can feel like progress is slow. But every step forward matters. Whether it’s a single exhibit that better reflects diverse perspectives, a new partnership with a historically marginalized community, or even a conversation that opens someone’s eyes to the importance of inclusion, these small wins add up. Take time to celebrate them and recognize the impact you’re having, even if it feels incremental.
- Keep the Conversation Going: One of the most powerful tools we have in DEIJ work is conversation. Continue to engage with your colleagues, your visitors, and your leadership about the importance of inclusion. These conversations may be difficult at times, but they’re essential. When we create spaces for open dialogue, we make it easier for people to voice their concerns and, ultimately, to change their minds.
- Remember Your "Why": When things get hard, it’s important to remember why we do this work in the first place. For many of us, it’s about creating a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued—where the stories we tell and the spaces we create reflect the diversity of the human experience. Keeping that mission front and center can help you stay focused, even when the path ahead feels challenging.
Supporting Each Other in DEIJ Efforts
Supporting each other through these changing tides means recognizing that we’re all in this together. It’s about showing up for each other, offering encouragement, and reminding each other of the importance of the work we’re doing. When you see a colleague struggling with resistance, whether from within or from outside the organization, offer them a listening ear. Validate their experiences and remind them that change, while difficult, is both necessary and worthwhile.
I think back to the work I’ve done with organizations that were hesitant to embrace DEIJ efforts. In some cases, people left because they couldn’t reconcile the changes with their own beliefs or comfort zones. That’s painful, especially when we want everyone to stay, learn, and grow. But we also have to recognize that we can’t sacrifice progress for the sake of preserving comfort. We have to move forward, even if that means losing some along the way.
Leading the Way Toward a More Inclusive Future
As interpreters, we are uniquely positioned to lead the way toward a more inclusive future. We are storytellers, bridge-builders, and educators. We know how to meet people where they are and guide them toward a deeper understanding of the world. This skill is invaluable in DEIJ work because it allows us to approach resistance with both empathy and firmness. We can acknowledge the discomfort while remaining steadfast in our commitment to change.
In the end, the work we do to make our interpretive spaces more inclusive isn’t just about our organizations—it’s about the broader impact we have on society. When we make room for more voices, more perspectives, and more stories, we help create a world where everyone feels they belong. That’s the real power of interpretation.
Let’s keep going, stay strong, and continue to support each other through the challenges. The tides may be shifting, but we are more than capable of navigating them together. We’ve got this.
When we make room for more voices, more perspectives, and more stories, we help create a world where everyone feels they belong. That’s the real power of interpretation. Photo by Alexander Grey.
