Charles Lerner
Charles Lerner is a therapist, trainer, college instructor and, currently, a nonprofit manager in the field of child welfare. He is a previous foster youth and adoptee. His interest in cultural differences and their social meaning began as a child within a family whereby he had siblings from various ethnic and racial identities. His family never talked about these differences with one another and, perhaps, indirectly sent the message that difference does not matter. He soon realized this was the furthest from the truth and began to open his eyes, mind and heart to better understand. He has also worked to “own” his privileges and continues to learn how to be a better ally.
Charles is largely unclear about his ethnic origins due to his experience growing up as a foster youth and adoptee, apart from his family of origin. He was raised in a Jewish family; however, he does not share the Jewish genealogy of his parents. He most closely identifies with being White (if race is defined by physical attributes). His ethnic identity is influenced by multiple ethnic groups. Charles finds great meaning in being a child advocate and considers himself an advocate for social justice. His passion has been to identify where there is injustice, not be complacent, and be part of the solution to eradicate injustice. He is simply not OK with perpetuating classism, sexism, ableism, heterosexism, racism, ethnocentrism, etc.
