Educating Ourselves About Equity, Diversity, And Inclusion
This regional learning collaborative's tagline, Good Will to Good Work, suggests that, to be truly good neighbors as well as thoughtful, well-educated, and ethical global citizens, we white Americans need to move on from complacent, self-satisfied "good will" to honest and earnest "good work" -- training and pushing ourselves to notice and fight racism vigilently through self-education and a true change of heart that transforms us into dedicated, effective advocates against racism and for social justice.
People of color have often written and spoken about the burden of being called on to explain and defend the concept of white privilege on a regular basis, spontaneously, whenever a white person feels curious about or offended by a concept or cultural practice that is unfamiliar to them. We white people need to move beyond casually asking our black- or brown-skinned acquaintances or colleagues about their lived experiences of systemic oppression and everyday injustice. Doing so is disrespectful and harmful to people. Instead, we can teach ourselves by availing ourselves of the many excellent published -- often free -- resources on American racism. Many people of color have worked tirelessly to create and make available these resources. Let's show them respect, and honor their work, by studying these resources to deepen our understanding. Let's do our own work.
And, of course, please consider starting your self-education journey with Waking Up White!
Our resource list will be updated regularly. Know a great resource? Please share by emailing [email protected]. Our Steering Committee will review your suggestion and consider adding it to the list published here.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION: The Waking Up White Regional Learning Collaborative is currently putting together a social media team! Meanwhile, please visit our RESOURCES PAGE!
People of color have often written and spoken about the burden of being called on to explain and defend the concept of white privilege on a regular basis, spontaneously, whenever a white person feels curious about or offended by a concept or cultural practice that is unfamiliar to them. We white people need to move beyond casually asking our black- or brown-skinned acquaintances or colleagues about their lived experiences of systemic oppression and everyday injustice. Doing so is disrespectful and harmful to people. Instead, we can teach ourselves by availing ourselves of the many excellent published -- often free -- resources on American racism. Many people of color have worked tirelessly to create and make available these resources. Let's show them respect, and honor their work, by studying these resources to deepen our understanding. Let's do our own work.
And, of course, please consider starting your self-education journey with Waking Up White!
Our resource list will be updated regularly. Know a great resource? Please share by emailing [email protected]. Our Steering Committee will review your suggestion and consider adding it to the list published here.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION: The Waking Up White Regional Learning Collaborative is currently putting together a social media team! Meanwhile, please visit our RESOURCES PAGE!