Relando Thompkins-Jones

I'm a macro social worker, social justice educator, and consultant who uses media and education to advance equity and social justice within people, organizations, and communities. I am also the Founder, Host, Editor and Producer of Social Justice Origin Stories, a storytelling project that highlights the personal stories and defining moments that have inspired individuals and organizations to labor for equity and social justice. I started Social Justice Origin Stories because I believe in the power of storytelling and making our experiences accessible to others, because I believe in the liberatory effects of social justice education, to support justice-seekers in finding community and feeling less alone given the relentlessness of oppressive systems, and hopefully to be a resource of support and reflection for those who are thinking through how they could best contribute to the work. We need all who can, to do what they can.

2026

My Interview with The Critical Social Worker: A Revolutionary Storytelling Podcast

Hosted by Professor Christian Ace Stettler, The Critical Social Worker features unique stories and diverse perspectives to foster critical dialogue, empathy and understanding. Through storytelling grounded in social work values, it aims to challenge the status quo, ignite transformation, and build a community of changemakers.

As someone fortunate to host spaces where others can share their stories, it was great to share a bit of my own. I shared some of the early experiences that led me to social work and inform my belief in using education as a tool for liberation, I talked about my introduction to intergroup dialogue facilitation, and experiences with teaching it to others since 2013, the experiences that led to the creation of my blog and podcast: Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian, which would later evolve into my current work with Social Justice Origin Stories, and more.

January 29, 2026

Listen to The Voices of Social Justice Origin Stories (2024-2025)

For my final episode of 2025, I brought together the voices of the storytellers whose published sharing have made Social Justice Origin Stories what it is over the past couple of years in the first of an annual series I’m calling “In Community”.

It’s been rough times for those of us who are doing equity and social justice work, but this project has been a sustaining force for me, and I hope it is good company for anyone else who listens. Check out the first entry in the series below, and visit the project website for the main post with links to each storyteller’s respective episode.

January 28, 2026

2025

Featured Guest on The Masks We Wear Podcast

Written, edited, and produced by Quincy M. Simmons, The Masks We Wear is about the facades we build to protect ourselves. It features stories about personal experiences, identity, and mental health, all while exploring comic book culture, anime, and fiction generally.

I had an opportunity to join Quincy to talk about the importance of origin stories and rewriting our origin stories as an act of liberation.

August 27, 2025