A six-session anti-racism seminar for white people, hosted by Allies for Change, will be held March 31-May 20 at the Chicago Theological Seminary in Chicago, 1407 E. 60th St. The sessions, which are gender inclusive, will be led by Aaron Wilson-Ahlstrom & Lois McCullen Parr.
"At this time in our nation, we are witnessing an alarming resurgence of white supremacy and state sanctioned violence," organizers from Allies for Change stated. "It is imperative that those of us who are white do the deep work required to claim and embody an anti-racist identity, understand the privilege we carry and interrupt racism where we live, work, study, and volunteer. Offering more than 40 hours of 'class time,' Doing Our Own Work helps white people move through places where we often get stuck, so that we can step up with courage, humility and compassion to participate in movements led by people of color and help move other white people to greater anti-racist awareness and action."
Doing Our Own Work is designed as a supplement to, not a substitute for, contexts where people of diverse races discuss and strategize together how racism can be challenged and dismantled.
Each participant is invited to identify a "sphere of influence" that serves as the focus of action and reflection. Utilizing input from the leaders, reading assignments, videos, group discussion and structured exercises, participants will explore the following topics and issues:
The four realms of racism and change: personal, interpersonal, institutional and cultural
Historical roots of racism in the U.S.
Movements for racial justice in the U.S.
White privilege and unearned advantage
Claiming and shaping an anti-racist identity
Practicing the skills of interrupting racism
Strategies for institutional change
Developing networks of support and accountability
Dates for the sessions are March 31 and April 1, April 28 and 29, and May 19 and 20, 2017. Attendance at all six sessions is required.. held Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cost is $485 ( $100 deposit; $385 balance due ). Includes program, resource materials, and lunch for six days. Scholarships and/or time payments available. Organizers are committed to making this program financially accessible to everyone who wishes to participate.
For info and registration, which is limited to 18, see: www.alliesforchange.org/doow-chicago .
For more information or to inquire about scholarships, email melaniemorrison@alliesforchange.org .