Enter the River Study Guide
Session 12: Where do we go from here?
Handout for Session 12: Ally behavior for White people as if it mattered
- Evaluate efforts to dismantle racism by the actual results rather
than the intentions.
- Remember the ubiquitous nature of racism. It is everywhere,
every day.
- Seek out and support leadership from people of color. They are
the experts.
- Take a long-term view. Plan strategies accordingly.
- Assess power. Who is receiving and giving attention? How is
power being expressed?
- Do your homework. Avoid asking people of color to do your work
for you. Access written and visual materials.
- Take your risks, not other people's. Interventions may
inadvertently result in increased oppression for those most vulnerable. Enter
when invited. Don't wait until major crises come about to name the racism you
see.
- Invite conflict. Controlled emotions, conflict avoidance, and
calls for unity can act to protect the status quo.
- Avoid isolation. Work at developing communities of
resistance.
- Don't demand congratulations from people of color for risks
taken. We do not need to be thanked for what we should be doing
anyhow.
Thanks to Andrea Ayvazian, David Billings, Paul Kivel, Wanda Lofton, James
Logan, Dody Matthias
Session 11: Dealing with Controversy
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