Some More on Hope and Work

This is another terrific example of the work of hope: white people dedicated to self-understanding and understanding of systemic racial privilege. I've know Melanie Morrison for fifteen years. She is an incredible dedicated, gifted "ally for change." Check out Allies for Change at the link below, as well as the Leaven Center, a retreat center for all kinds of spirituality and social justice trainings.

Melanie S. Morrison, Director
Allies for Change
http://www.alliesforchange.org/
517-230-6727

Doing Our Own Work: A Seminar for Anti-Racist White People
February 13-16, 2009 and March 27-30, 2009 at The Leaven Center

For 15 consecutive years, Doing Our Own Work has a provided a unique context for white people who seek to deepen their commitment to confronting and challenging white racism. Offering more than 40 hours of “class time,” Doing Our Own Work equips white people with the analysis, skills, and tools needed to be more effective anti-racist allies with people of color and to help bring about institutional change. People from communities all across North America have taken part in this intensive seminar. Here is what some of those participants say about the experience:

“Doing Our Own Work is life-changing. It has affected my choice of where to live, what do with my life, where my priorities lie, everything.”

“After attending Doing Our Own Work, I am much more willing to take risks as a white person when working alongside of, and in solidarity with, people of color.”

“Doing Our Own Work gave me a broader and deeper knowledge of anti-racism, white privilege, my people’s history, and the way oppression functions.”

If you are a white person who is ready and eager to do some deep, soul-stretching, and exhilarating work with other white anti-racist allies, Doing Our Own Work is the place for you!
The Doing Our Own Work seminar is designed as a supplement to, not a substitute for, contexts where people of diverse races and ethnicities discuss and strategize together how racism can be challenged. Utilizing input from the leaders, reading assignments, videos, group discussion, and structured exercises, we will explore the following topics and issues:

Individual racism, institutional racism, and cultural racism
White privilege and unearned advantage
Claiming and shaping an anti-racist identity
How to be an effective anti-racist ally
Discerning our spiritual resources for change
Practicing the skills of interrupting racism
Strategies for institutional change

Providing more than 40 hours of "class time," the seminar utilizes an action/reflection method of learning: our study and reflection will be grounded in anti-racist action and our action will be strengthened and refined by reflection, study, and conversation. The action/reflection components of this seminar will include:

Identification by each participant of a "sphere of influence" or constituency that will serve as her/his focus during the seminar;

Assessment of where and how racism is present in this constituency;

Development of an action plan and time table that identifies ways that the participant can work, in collaboration with others, to challenge white racism and strengthen anti-racist commitment in her/his constituency;

Checking in with the group to receive feedback and encouragement and to amend the action plan where appropriate;

Keeping a journal of daily experiences, insights, concerns, and questions regarding racism and anti-racism.

The facilitators are committed to working with the participants to create a respectful and truth-telling environment where we may bring our whole selves to this vitally important work.
This event is gender inclusive.

Leaders: Melanie Morrison and Aaron Wilson-AhlstromTime: Friday, 7 pm – Monday, 1 pm . Attendance at both extended weekends is required.Cost: $675 ($100 deposit and $575 balance due. The balance may be paid in installments extending beyond the close of the seminar). The cost includes program, resource materials, lodging, and meals for two extended weekends.

Melanie Morrison is Director of Allies for Change and a seasoned anti-oppression educator and activist with 20 years experience designing and facilitating transformational group process. Melanie is passionate about working with individuals and organizations to better understand the connections between systemic oppressions and to nurture collaborative action and authentic relationship across differences such as race, age, gender, abilities, and sexual orientation. She believes it is possible to grow ever more aware of the depth and complexity of injustice without surrendering our capacity for compassion, joy, and hope. She has led numerous anti-racism seminars and workshops. This will be her 15th year of facilitating the Doing Our Own Work seminar.

Aaron Wilson-Ahlstrom is a teacher who is passionate about the role of schools in working for social justice. He works for the Henry Ford Learning Institute, a non-profit that is developing a network of small, innovative charter schools based on the Henry Ford Academy in Dearborn, Michigan. Aaron believes that racism is present everywhere and, while it does not oppress white people, it does damage them by making white people complicit in the oppression of people of color. He sees anti-racism work as critically important if white people are regain their collective humanity. In addition to being a facilitator of Doing Our Own Work, Aaron is a community training partner with the Michigan State University Extension multicultural awareness program.

The Leaven Center in Lyons, Michigan is midway between Lansing and Grand Rapids. The main floor of the Lodge and Guest House are barrier-free. The center is located on 25 beautiful acres of land and the meeting room in the Lodge faces the Grand River.

You may register online with a credit card or download a registration form at The Leaven Center web site: www.leaven.org. For more information about The Leaven Center or to inquire about partial scholarships, call 989-855-2606 or email leavencenter@leaven.org.