So, before our last workshop, we drafted this list. Luckily, we noted again that we are coming from fundamentally the same perspective. Kind of a good thing for business partners!
Our Foundations
We
believe…
Oppression is taught and can be unlearned. It is not our fault, but it is our responsibility. People learn best when they believe they have more to learn. Increasing awareness of oneself is a strategy for change. Listening is a form of action. Most people are well-intentioned, even while they are unaware of
how they are hurting others. Impact and outcomes matter more than intention. Experiencing discomfort is important to learning. Hurt people hurt people. Strong relationships are the foundation of cultural competence. Hurting, shaming and blaming are not effective tools for opening
and changing minds. Building relationships across difference is not necessarily the
same as confronting systems of oppression. Challenging racism and white privilege is everyone’s work. Although People of Color may bring a personal understanding of
racism, this does not mean they fully understand they dynamics of racism, power
and privilege. Although White people may have knowledge of institutional racism
and privilege, this does not mean they understand personal experiences of
racism. It takes sustained effort to change systems. We will not naturally
evolve toward greater equity. There are no quick fixes or cookbook approaches. Change is possible. There is hope.
Please share which of these resonate with you and which you don't agree with. What is your experience that led you to that perspective?
