The Work of Racial Justice: Deepening Our Capacity
If we are to seriously and continuously work for racial equity, we need to build our recognition of the nuances of racism and develop our skills and stamina to interrupt them. We also need to recognize that the impacts of this sociopolitical moment are not the same for people of color and white people. Therefore, key aspects of resistance work are also not the same and need to be done separately.
People of color need fellowship, a safe space to heal and work on internalized oppression, and a reprieve against the relentless pressures of white supremacy. White people need to see how white supremacy has shaped them and build their ability to recognize and interrupt its manifestations within themselves, their relationships, and institutions. In recognition of these differences, many components of our work in this retreat will be done in affinity groups.
Overall, this retreat will include awareness building, personalized coaching from a multi-racial team, and identifying next steps for anti-racist action and practice.
During our time together, you will:
- Understand racial power dynamics and our positions within them.
- Practice self-care techniques for balance when feeling reactive.
- Spend significant time in affinity groups.
- Receive personalized coaching.
- Work with both cross-racial and same-race facilitation team configurations.
- Learn about identity development models and their use to help us process our emotions and responses.
- Engage in mediated interracial dialogues.
Leading from the Heart was a powerful gathering for me. I felt truly blessed and honored to be invited to participate in it. The experience helped me begin the journey to resolve the intergenerational trauma that I didn’t even know existed within me, and it gave me frameworks to deal with the racial and social justices within our broader systems. In the work we’re doing we must address these two factors in order to heal ourselves and those around us. Another huge takeaway was that I was able to create deep long-lasting relationships which have nourished & sustained me in continuing to do this racial and social justice work.”
Times:
May 31 – June 3, 2018 (Whidbey Institute, Whidbey Island, Washington)
Each retreat retreat will be from Thursday at 1pm until Sunday lunch.
Please note: Because it is important that everyone be fully present for the entire 3.5 days, we will not accept part-time attendance.
Cost:
$995
Tuition, lodging, and meals.
$800
If staying off site.
Scholarship
A limited number of scholarships are available, with priority going to people of color and those with limited incomes.
Testimonials
Facilitator Biographies
Natasha Aruliah
Natasha worked as an advocate, activist and change agent both within organizations as well as independently, in the UK, Canada and internationally, for over 20 years. Trained as a counseling psychologist, Natasha’s passion is supporting individuals and groups to develop emotional and cultural competence to be able to engage fully and with compassion in difficult conversations across power differences, that promotes healing and social justice. She now works as a consultant and facilitator in all areas of diversity, social justice, equity, and inclusion. In addition, she is on faculty and facilitates courses at University of British Columbia’s Centre for Intercultural Communication and the Justice Institute of BC’s Department of Counseling and Community Safety.
Dr. Robin DiAngelo
Dr. DiAngelo is a former Associate Professor of Education. She is a two-time winner of the Student’s Choice Award for Educator of the Year. Her scholarship is in White Racial Identity and Race Relations. In addition to her academic work, Dr. DiAngelo has extensive experience as a workplace consultant in issues of race relations and racial justice. She was appointed to co-design, develop and deliver the City of Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative. She has numerous publications and just completed the 2nd edition of her book, “What Does it Mean to be White?: Developing White Racial Literacy. Her work on White Fragility has been featured in Alternet, Salon.com, NPR, KUOW, and Colorlines.
LeAnne Moss
LeAnne is the Co-Founder of Leading from the Heart (LFTH) based in Seattle, and is also the Executive Director of the Renton Regional Community Foundation. With more than 20 years of experience as an executive director for social change organizations, LeAnne understands the demands, rigors and joys of working for social and racial justice. In addition to co-facilitating interracial workshops and retreats, LeAnne has done 1:1 coaching and facilitates white affinity groups. Prior to starting LFTH, LeAnne spent nearly 15 years at the helm of the Seattle-based Women’s Funding Alliance and founded and directed a micro-enterprise organization in Michigan.
Victoria Santos
Victoria designs and facilitates group processes in community, organizational and school settings, often with a racial equity focus. Her approach emphasizes compassionate presence and creative pathways that help cultures to evolve. She delights in sensing the energy and opportunities available in groups, and guiding authentic communication for healing and discovery. Victoria’s commitment to social justice and service into has expressed itself in many forms over the past 25 years: school-based counseling, community enrichment programs for underserved youth, sustainable development and community organizing in the U.S. and internationally.