Are you interested in examining race, power, privilege and oppression? Want a space where we can explore challenging topics in a way that is both authentic to the pain that is tied up in this but also is compassionate to each of us as human beings?
In a world full of oppression – White Supremacy, Islamophobia, (cis)hetero-patriarchy, classism, ableism – exploring privilege and oppression can be paralysing when it is tied in with guilt and shame. But if we are to create a world without oppression – in the groups we work in now and in our dream communities of the future – we need to explore these in an honest and frank way that acknowledges our position in this society, and allows us to work for a better one.
If you want to explore these complicated questions, join us this February as Resist + Renew host a weekend course on these topics. In this space we want to explore, discuss and experiment with ideas, but we recognise that this is life-long work and that this weekend is a contribution to a journey, not a quick fix to bring about ‘diversity’ in a questionnaire.
Given our current context of increased racism and division following Brexit in the UK, a wider trend worldwide and an ‘activist movement’ that is predominantly White – we will be primarily focusing on issues of race and White privilege. However, we will aim to carry out the weekend in a way that all identities are welcome and recognising that everyone is on spectrums of privilege and oppression and that there is space for expressing how it is to have these experiences.
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone who is involved in groups working for social justice – whether that’s in grassroots organisations or in a paid role at an NGO – and who wants to examine how both we and the wider structures of the world need to change.
Is this course for White People?
Absolutely! Racism and White Supremacy can’t be overcome without White people working on this too. We recognise that coming to terms with privilege and power can be an uncomfortable thing but ask that people embrace this vulnerability as an opportunity to learn.
Is this course for Black and People of Colour?
Yes – we very much welcome Black and People of Colour. For us it’s important that the voices of those most affected by racism are given space. However, we also recognise that sometimes this can result in marginalised people doing ‘all the work’ of ‘teaching’ people about oppression. We therefore will plan to use a variety of tools and approaches to reduce the possibility of this.
Where is the course being held?
The course is going to be run in the Dinedor Outdoor Centre in Hereford. We chose this location to get away from the busyness of everyday life in cities, to be closer to nature and to decentre London.
This venue is wheelchair accessible.
Cost of the weekend
We want this to be an accessible space, therefore we have a sliding scale for the course. We both don’t want to turn anyone away due to the cost, but also recognise that some people can pay more either from their own income or through the institutions that they work in:
Costs from £25 to £250.
Registration
If you are interested in joining us please fill in this form and if you have any questions email us @ [email protected]
We look forward to hearing from you!
Resist + Renew