Strategy sessions for responding to remarks from friends, family, and colleagues
As anti-racists, we must engage in tough conversations in a way that builds bridges for people to make their way into anti-racism instead of reinforcing divides between us.
Workshop Description:
An offhand remark at work, a frustrating post on Facebook, a dinner table conversation that takes a turn for the worst, we’ve all been there. In the heat of the moment, finding the right response and creating an environment for learning is very challenging and requires preparation and practice. This workshop will introduce participants to a strategy for having compassionate anti-racist conversations centering around connection and storytelling. We will pick a common phrase we hear from people around us and dig into it, asking and exploring difficult questions. For example, how can we connect with someone who says “All Lives Matter?” What personal story can I prepare to inspire curiosity and connection with someone who believes in racial colorblindness? When in my own life have similar biases bubbled up that led me to do, say, or think something problematic? We’ll spend a lot of time in breakout groups, exploring these questions and building specific strategies to have productive conversations that seek to move people into anti-racist mindsets.