October 15-18 & November 19-22, 2010
DOING OUR OWN WORK:
A SEMINAR FOR ANTI-RACIST WHITE PEOPLE
Doing Our Own Work is an intensive seminar for white people who seek to deepen their commitment to confronting and challenging racism and white privilege where they live, study, and work. It is our conviction that those of us who are white need to "do our own work" – educating ourselves, confronting racism, holding each other accountable, and demonstrating good faith as we seek to build genuine and lasting coalitions with people of color. 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.
People from communities all across North America have taken part in this intensive seminar. Here is what some of those participants say about the experience:
"Doing Our Own Work is life-changing. It has affected my choice of where to live, what do with my life, where my priorities lie, everything."
"After attending Doing Our Own Work, I am much more willing to take risks as a white person when working alongside of, and in solidarity with, people of color."
"Doing Our Own Work gave me a broader and deeper knowledge of anti-racism, white privilege, my people's history, and the way oppression functions."
If you are a white person who is ready and eager to do some deep, soul-stretching, and exhilarating work with other white anti-racist allies, Doing Our Own Work is the place for you!
The seminar consists of two extended weekends, providing more than 45 hours of "class time." Anti-racist action and reflection form the heart of Doing Our Own Work. Each participant is invited to identify a "sphere of influence" in her/his life that will serve as the focus of action and reflection. Utilizing input from the leaders, assigned readings, videos, group discussion, and structured exercises, participants explore the following topics and issues:
- The four realms of racism: personal, interpersonal, institutional, and cultural
- Historical roots of racism in the United States
- Movements for racial justice in the U.S.
- White privilege and unearned advantage
- How to be an effective anti-racist ally
- Cultural appreciation versus cultural appropriation
- Discerning our spiritual resources for change
- Practicing the skills of interrupting racism
- Strategies for institutional change
The facilitators are committed to working with participants to create a respectful, loving, and truth-telling environment where we may bring our whole selves to this vitally important work.
- Leaders: Melanie S. Morrison and Aaron Wilson-Ahlstrom (bios)
Dates: October 15-18 and November 19-22, 2010. Attendance at both extended weekends is required.
- Time: Friday, 7 p.m. – Monday, 1 p.m.
- Location: The Leaven Center in Lyons, Michigan. The main floor of the Lodge and Guest House are barrier-free.
- Cost: $690 ($100 deposit and $590 balance due). The balance may be paid in installments extending beyond the close of the seminar. The cost includes program, materials, lodging, and meals. Partial scholarships are available.
For information about the seminar or about partial scholarships: Melanie Morrison or 989-855-2277.
To Register:
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