A is for Antiracism:

Antiracism is the active process of identifying and eliminating racism by changing systems, organizational structures, policies, practices, and attitudes, so that power is redistributed and shared equitably. (NAC: International Perspectives: Women and Global Solidarity.) Antiracism is an approach to understanding race, racism, and the evolution of racial ideology that helps us understand the many ways that racism is embedded in the structures of U.S. society, including schools, health care, governments, and banks. Antiracism also helps us better understand how race, racial ideology, and racism shape our understanding of ourselves and others.

Check here for more common terms and definitions.

Guidelines for Dialogue

1. Seek to understand before being understood; respect diverse opinions 
2. Be aware of air time (share the space, listen, and be brief) 
3. Assume best intentions; understand intent vs. impact 
4. Maintain confidentiality: share the knowledge/learning, not the name 
5. Take responsibility for your own learning; avoid leaning on target group  members for your education 
6. Expect to be uncomfortable as you lean into your learning zone (make  room for growth) 
7. Engage with the head and the heart 
8. Honor individual experiences as real; there are no experts in social justice  work 
9. Practice self-care and exercise grace (be kind to yourself and others)
10. Remember that ideas and opinions can be fluid 
11. Use “I” statements 
12. Allow participants the “option to pass” assuming best intentions (rather  than judgment) 

Click here for a downloadable copy of these guidelines.

Framework for Understanding Oppression

The National Equity Project has also developed an exceptional model for understanding how oppression exists simultaneously at various levels called the Lens of Systemic Oppression. We highly encourage you to spend some time with this model.