Organizing Institute
The Coalition of Anti-Racist Whites presents:
Anti-Racist White Organizing Institute
October 9 – November 16, 2011
The application deadline has past and the Organizing Institute is full. Thanks for your interest!
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This six-week Anti-Racist White Organizing Institute will create a space for white people to:
- develop and deepen our analysis of racism, white privilege, intersectionality, and accountability,
- develop and deepen our skills in naming and framing racism, allyship, and taking action for racial justice,
- build and strengthen a community of anti-racist white people working for the liberation of all people while actively honoring the leadership of people of color in our community,
- explore ways to apply our racial justice skills in the Seattle area
The OI is centered in a shared experience of white privilege and is offered by white people for white people. We are intentionally creating a space for white people to learn, struggle and grow together. Too often, this burden of educating white people about racism falls on people of color. As white people, we must take responsibility for our role in ending white privilege, which includes educating each other about racism and how we benefit from it.
The learning community will encompass organizers from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. We welcome those both new to organizing and anti-oppression work and those with experience as well.
Expectations: We expect participants to attend all sessions, to participate in the potluck, and complete the assigned readings or work assigned between sessions. Expect 1-3 hours per week of homework (e.g., readings, reflection journaling, meeting with other participants, etc.) as part of your commitment.
Dates: The OI will be held on the following dates:
- Sunday: October 9th from 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesdays: every week for six weeks, October 12th through November 16th from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Potluck from 6:00-6:30)
Ongoing Commitment: The CARW Anti-Racist Organizing Institute is more than a training. It is our hope that all participants in the OI will make a one-year commitment to participate in CARW’s monthly meetings and organizing efforts in 2012. Ongoing monthly time commitment is 3-6+ hours per month.
Location: All sessions of the OI will take place at Life Enrichment Bookstore located at 5023 Rainier Ave S in the Columbia City neighborhood of Seattle. King County Metro bus #7 stops one block away from the bookstore. Buses #8, #9, #39, and #42, as well as the Link Lightrail, are just a few blocks away.
Accessibility: Life Enrichment Bookstore is a wheelchair-accessible location. If you have any questions about accessibility or require any other accommodations, please contact us in advance so we can work with you to meet your needs. If you require childcare during the sessions, we will work to arrange it upon request.
Cost: All coordination and training for the OI is provided on a voluntary basis. The fees from the OI are the main source of funding for CARW and help cover the costs of the OI, ongoing CARW operations, and supporting people of color-led organizations. Cost is $150. Please be thoughtful about what you can afford and donate generously. No one should be discouraged to attend because of cost. A sliding scale fee of $5-$145 is possible if you are low income.
Space: In order to facilitate a supportive learning environment, space is limited to about 30 participants. The OI planning committee will review all applications and bring together a learning community of white people with a diversity of backgrounds and experiences. Not all applicants will be admitted.
Questions? We are happy to discuss any questions you may have over email, phone, or in person. Do not hesitate to contact us. carwoc@gmail.com
