Four Session Series: Beyond the Book Group: How to be an effective ally and advocate for racial justice (4)

This series began with a free introductory session, which can now be viewed on video; please watch that before we begin.

Oppression of people of color is embedded in social systems, not just in the behavior of individuals. The racial justice movement needs allies and advocates to confront and transform these systems as they play out in policies in education, politics, policing, corporations, and more.  In the day to day, allies and advocates are also called upon to address harmful behavior of individuals who are blatantly racist or who are upholding racist ideas—including family members, old friends, and co-workers.    

Using practices and insights based in Nonviolent Communication, in this free introductory session, we’ll talk about the need to challenge racist words and ideas in everyday life, and how it can be done in a way that’s most likely to encourage individuals to change—or at least have openness to looking at beliefs and behavior.  Perhaps counter-intuitively, we’ll start with ways of listening that can support true transformation.  

This free introductory session will be followed by a four-session series. The four-session series curriculum includes:  

Session 1.  Skills for speaking about race and racism in ways that people who disagree with you can hear 

Session 2.  Skills for listening—even when people say things that are hard to hear 

Session 3.  Our inner worlds: skills for holding our own reactions with acceptance 

Session 4.  Putting it all together: showing up in ways that transform the conversation   

Cost: Introductory session: Free, on video.  Four-session series: $80 - $180; no one turned away for lack of funds

Wednesdays, May 19, May 26, June 2, June 9, 7:00-8:15, pm Pacific time