Understanding Racism: An Introductory Workshop

The purpose of this ERAC/Ce facilitated workshop is to provide an introductory process for participants to explore and deepen their understanding of systemic racism and to begin to investigate ways to more effectively dismantle racism within their institution.

Specifically, the workshop will:

• Explore common language and definitions to understand the continuing issue of racism throughout our country;
• Introduce an understanding of racism as a systemic issue, and not simply an issue of individual attitudes and actions;
• Explore approaches to dismantling racism that can provide the foundation for enduring solutions that lead to true racial justice and racial reconciliation.

Anti-Bias Education: An Introductory Workshop

The purpose of this ERAC/Ce facilitated workshop is to provide an introductory process for participants to explore their understanding of systemic racism and bias and bring greater awareness of how children and youth are affected by them. Additionally, this workshop will introduce the four goals of anti-bias and anti-racism (ABAR) education and look at some first steps to bring these goals into classrooms and schools.

Specifically, the workshop will:

• Explore an understanding racism and bias as systemic issues, and not simply an issue of individual attitudes and actions;
• Introduce two major concepts: anti-racism and anti-bias education;
• Look at ways to begin to introduce anti-bias, anti-racism education into classrooms and schools.

ERAC/Ce sponsors, the Crossroads facilitated, 2½-day Analyzing & Understanding Systemic Racism Workshop, an intensive organizing workshop to understand and analyze racism in the U.S. The definition of systemic racism is explored. Three manifestations of racism – individual, institutional, and cultural – are examined, along with their effects on both communities of color and white communities. The issue of racism and the task of dismantling racism are viewed from ethical, political, social and spiritual perspectives, with the goal of equipping people to combat racism within their institutions and in the larger society.

The 10-day Anti-Bias, Anti-Racism Education Organizing Workshop (ABAR) is designed to develop educator capacity to create ABAR classroom and school spaces and integrate ABAR goals into their curriculum and pedagogical practices. The ABAR workshop builds upon a systemic analysis of racism and further develops this analysis in the context of our education system. Specific focus is given to racismÕs impact on teaching and learning, the development of racial identity and prejudice, and how we can effectively interrupt and transform the production of racialized inequality as transacted through our schools. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from and connect with regional and national leaders in the movement for ABAR educational transformation. 

All workshops are conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect, caring and safety, and are not based on confrontation, guilt and judgment.