RUME 28
2026
Alexandria, Virginia
Visualizing the Work of Critical Transformations: Processes, Positions, and Emotions
Page: 135
What does it mean to engage in equity work and critical transformation efforts? We asked mathematicians who were part of research-practice partnerships addressing inequities in their departments to create or find an image to represent what it meant to them to engage in critical transformation work. We interviewed them about their images, and categorized images in overlapping domains of the processes of critical transformation efforts, emotions, and relative positioning of members. Many participants illustrated and voiced the process of building community, which often included an inclusive power dynamic and positive and productive feelings. Images without both community and inclusivity present instead centered loneliness and discouragement. A key implication for engaging in critical transformation efforts includes the need to center building inclusive communities.