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Diane Schmitz will offer an anti-racism seminar

UCC minister Diane Schmitz is a trainer for Allies for Change, an organization started by Melanie Morrison, a previous PNC Annual Meeting speaker. 

Diane and Joanne Johnson will co-facilitate an Allies for Change workshop, “Doing Our Own Work: An Anti-Racism Seminar for White People,”rom 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,  Fridays and Saturdays, March 16 and 17, April 13 and 14, and May 11 and 12, at Everett UCC, 2624 Rockefeller. 

Participants will be people from ministry, education and nonprofits.

“At this time, we are witnessing an alarming resurgence of white supremacy and state sanctioned violence,” she said. “It is imperative for white people to claim and embody an anti-racist identity, understand the privilege we carry, and interrupt racism where we live, work, study and volunteer.”

In more than 40 hours, the workshop helps white people move through places where they often be stuck, so that they step up with courage, humility and compassion to participate in movements led by people of color and help move other white people to greater anti-racist awareness and action.

“Doing Our Own Work” is a supplement to, not a substitute for, contexts where people of diverse races discuss how racism can be challenged and dismantled, Melanie said. 

Anti-racist action and reflection are the goal. Each participant identifies a “sphere of influence” as a focus of action and reflection.

Topics and issues include 1) the personal, interpersonal, institutional and cultural realms of racism and change; 2) historical roots of U.S. racism; 3) U.S. movements for racial justice; 4) white privilege and unearned advantage; 5) claiming and shaping an anti-racist identity; 6) skills of interrupting racism; 7) strategies for institutional change, and 8) developing networks of support and accountability.

“Facilitators help participants create a respectful and truth-telling environment where they may bring their whole selves to this vitally important work,” Melanie said.

Enrollment is limited to 20 and attendance at all six sessions is required.  The cost is $525.  Scholarships and time payments are available. 

For information, call 206-409-7551, email malaniemorrison@allies for change.org or visit alliesforchange.org/doow-everett-2018.html.

 

Pacific Northwest United Church of Christ News © February-March 2018

 

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