Fostering Liberatory Habits.
Simple actions and behaviors to start building new habits that promote perspective taking, empathy and self-reflection. This list is considered a starting point, for those new to the journey of developing a liberatory consciousness and committed to doing their part in dismantling systems of oppression while co-creating a more equitable world.
Be Curious
Foster awareness in yourself: In what areas do I need to build knowledge and skills?
Explore your assumptions with others. What did you hear in what I shared? What might I be missing?
Take the Harvard Implicit Association Test (IAT) to discover your attitudes toward specific social groups .
Ensure your values are aligned with your actions. Sign up for A Space to Anchor.
Take an assessment to examine your white privilege and learn more about white privilege with these starters:
Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack (article) by Peggy McIntosh
Deconstructing White Privilege (Video) by Robin DiAngelo
Be in Conversation
Speak with others that are different from you.
Starter guide for non-black parents/caregivers to talk to kids about race.
Tips / conversation guide for battling stereotypes in movies and media from Common Sense Media.
Illuminate blind spots by seeking feedback on how you may be perceived by others.
Inclusive Conversation Tips:
Enter conversations with intent to understand and “hear” others.
Use open-ended questions to learn more.
Replace “No, but…” with “Yes, and…”.
Check your understanding of another’s view. Am I correct that you are saying…?
Use inquiry-based approaches instead of advocating for your view when facing differing perspectives.
Be Committed
Commit to being an anti-racist. Find your own resources or start here.
Assess where you are in the Anti-Racist Learning Zone.
Broaden your network. Where can I go to be with people who are different from me? (And, be aware of your privilege relative to people you are reaching out to)
Follow the leadership of oppressed people: In spaces where you have privilege, how might you step aside?
Call out bias when you are able.
Be an ally / advocate. https://guidetoallyship.com
Bring a workshop to your organization. A starter session: Sparking a Conversation on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
Find a learning partner to commit to the actions you are taking and being held accountable to developing a critical consciousness around race, power and privilege.