Being an Active Bystander (Upstander)

From the training I went to on Wednesday, May 25th, 2016
at the Arlington Center for the Arts, 41 Foster St. Arlington, MA,
with True Story Theater

· say “I will act when help is needed”…2x more likely to act
· speak up, project
· power of enlisting more folks, make specific requests of other bystanders
· be persistent, “many times as you need it”
· redirect attention/take energy away from group or time
· be present/listen/bold posture, etc.
· “Can I help?”, ask a question
· support the target
· “I feel uncomfortable with what you are saying.”
· interrupt (“Stop!”… “Please stop.”)
· name or acknowledge an offense
· empathize with person who was targeted (but keep to self, no words…?)
· encourage dialogue
· call for help
· empathetic listening

maturation of a white ally

The text below is from this link: The Maturation of a White Ally:

White people on an anti-racist path need allies of color who can support our journey – people who will talk to us honestly, tell us like it is, while also encouraging us and believing in us. Mushim Ikeda is one of these people. As an American of Japanese descent growing up in rural Ohio, the threads of oppression, assimilation, and resistance are intertwined in Mushim’s life history. A Buddhist teacher, writer, and multicultural community activist, Mushim is widely known for her down-to-earth, humorous, and penetrating approach to Dharma and social transformation. 

In this piece, created explicitly for White Awake, Mushim points out that while our anti-racist intentions might feel good, how we relate to our privileged status is where the rubber meets the road. It’s risky, yet rewarding, this commitment to true racial equity, and collective liberation.

I found the article on the link above helpful to read.
-D

more great resources and things to read

This link to Curriculum for White Americans to Educate Themselves on Race and Racism–from Ferguson to Charleston has so much good stuff to watch and read.

On that extensive site, I found these two links that I want to make convenient for friends and family to find and read: Be Less Racist: 12 Tips for White Dudes, by A White Dude

6 things I wish people understood about being biracial

I want to read this one still:
11 Things White People Can Do to Be Real Anti-Racist Allies

It goes on. I will add more suggestions as I read more. Post below the ones you see that I should be sure to see.

-D

anti-racism education and activity

We will be in Ashland on 6/15/16 with a fill-in-the-blank activity to get engagment...and be there with favorite books for educating those of us who need it and are interested.

See more here: Knapsack site page about this event

Also, we will be at the Framingham Concert on the Green on 7/29/16 from 6:30-8ish.
Doing the same thing and there with a petition to keep racial justice on the agenda for our Representative in this area.

See more here: Knapsack site page about this event

Please join us to participate and talk with us, if you can.
- D