Racial Justice Stances: Grounding in Our Truths

Imagine your conversations about racial justice were consistently nourishing and energizing. Imagine that tension and conflict around race ended up as gateways to deeper relationships. Imagine racial justice conversations that feel expansive, allowing space for imagination and shared exploration. What if this were possible more of the time?

The work of dismantling white supremacy challenges us to embody our truest selves and our deepest values. But often, even talking about racism with others takes us away from ourselves and from conscious choice in how we show up. This workshop supports participants in developing new tools to stay rooted in who they are and what they value, even in moments of tension and conflict.

Racial Justice Stances: Grounding in Our Truths will introduce you to stance, explore the layers standing between you and your true power, and hold space for you to practice holding your stance in racial justice conversations. Stance is a tool for rooting in your core self, so that your inherent wisdom, power and sense of connection are available to you as you challenge racism in others, within yourself and in the systems we seek to transform. It is both a journey and a destination. Rooted in stance, we are better able to speak our truth, to ask for or demand what we need, to hold ourselves and each other accountable, and to build deeper relationships that further liberation.

This workshop will give participants the groundwork to:

• Develop a stance for racial justice conversations rooted in their core values, beliefs and longings for the world;
• Better understand, notice and navigate their triggers;
• Sharpen discernment around when and how to engage in racial justice conversations;
• Practice their stances in real-world scenarios, guided by facilitators; and
• Hone their practice of racial justice conversations over time.

The workshop takes place over two, two-hour sessions. The format emphasizes individual reflection, small-group exploration and full-group practice. The workshop is designed for participants with at least a basic knowledge of systemic racism.