Equity Challenge: Week 10
This is week 10 of the Challenge, and we are concluding our focus on interpersonal racism. As with internalized racism and bias, this section emphasized the importance of self-reflection, paying attention to our words, thoughts and actions, and learning about how other people experience racism in their daily lives. To view previous weeks emails, please click here.

Please take today to reflect on how internalized and interpersonal racism connect. Our Challenge today focuses on ways you can continue to recognize and address racism that shows up in your networks, workplaces and communities.
Week 10: Reflect
Here are some reflection questions for you to think about:

  • What have you learned? What new ideas or insights did you explore?

  • What connections did you make from week to week? How does information you learned about internalized racism and internal bias relate to interpersonal racism and microaggressions?

  • Have you recognized racism and microaggressions in personal interactions? Do you know how to confront racism that you see among your family and friends? At work? In your community? 
Building on our exploration of internalized racism and bias, the past two weeks of the Challenge focused on interpersonal racism - the biased response that occurs when individuals interact with others who are considered racially different than themselves. We explored sources that flagged common racist attitudes and everyday bigotry, as well as personal stories from individuals experiencing racism.
 
Last week, our focus on microaggressions highlighted a common way racism shows up in personal interactions. These everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights, snubs, or insults, targeted to people based on their marginalized group membership, require awareness and education to prevent.
 
In our next section, we will delve into structural racism, examining how institutions create barriers, reinforce biases and perpetuate racism. Today, we challenge you to take action that will help you continue the work of recognizing and addressing interpersonal racism and microaggressions.
Week 10
Think about the previous weeks’ topics and connections you’ve made with the materials and do one or more of the following:

ACT:

Prepare yourself to interrupt racist jokes. Click here for some advice about how.

Review these safety tips from Stop AAPI Hate for those experiencing or witnessing hate.

  • Explore bystander intervention trainings. Read more about being an Upstander vs. Bystander (4-minute read) and attend an online bystander intervention training workshop or find one hosted by an organization in your area. Here are a few training options (note: we know this is a limited list, so please be sure to explore if there are local opportunities in your area):

Free Opportunities (with limited space)


  • Hollaback! offers free one-hour anti-harassment trainings including a bystander intervention workshop


  • Google “Bystander Intervention Training + Your City/County” to see if a local organization is hosting an upstander training workshop (e.g., some universities offer trainings to their faculty, staff and sometimes even the community at large). If there isn’t an option in your area, ask your workplace or a local organization to consider hosting one. 

Share your reflections or additional resources about today’s topic on social media using #EquityChallenge - or send us a note at unitedway@unitedwayracine.org
 
Learn more about the Challenge and review weekly topics by visiting
Local Resources
A weekly book discussion group reading books on race and racism.

A yearlong, faith-based series of interactive and multidimensional public events. The series goal is to increase our understanding of how we think and feel about racism, resulting in actions that can help to transform us as individuals and the systems of racism in our country. 

The YWCA of SEW Wisconsin offers a variety of trainings about different facets of equity, such as structural racism, cultural differences, social transformation and more.

Higher Expectations engages community partners, aligns efforts, and maximizes resources to promote excellence and equity in education and employment outcomes in Racine County.
Hear from Deanna Singh, Founder/Chief Change Agent of Flying Elephant and her husband Justin on how to talk to your children about race to help children develop a healthy understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.


Events

University of Wisconsin - Parkside
Center for Ethnic Studies Annual Conference
Wednesday, April 7 3:30 -7:15 p.m.

Thursday, April 15 8:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Good Friend, Inc
Tuesday, May 18 12:00 - 12:45 p.m.
Make your commitment to inclusion—the active, intentional and ongoing engagement with diversity—official by signing our Declaration of Inclusion Pledge. This pledge is to respect and appreciate all aspects of any person, including race, religion, skin color, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, physical abilities, age, parental status, work and behavioral styles, and the perspectives of each individual as shaped by their nation, culture and experiences. You will also receive our quarterly diversity newsletter to build your "equity muscle."