MAKING SPACE FOR CONVERSATIONS THAT MATTER
Both in the educational sector and beyond, affinity groups can be an essential part of creating an environment where diversity is supported and valued.
Yet, without having experience with and knowledge about how to run affinity groups or a solid understanding of social justice concepts, it can feel daunting to get these conversations started.
Great news: we can help!
Our training modules (listed below) offer organizational support for your current social justice objectives or to get you started in launching affinity groups for your staff, students, or the community you serve.
What we offer:
TRAINING MODULES
Affinity group facilitator training
LEVEL 1
Learn about the value of affinity spaces and how to create affinity spaces that support anti-oppression goals. Begin exploring facilitation strategies that promote equitable and brave conversations while considering practical issues when running affinity groups.
LEVEL 2
Be prepared to facilitate an affinity group. This module encourages reflection about the objectives of affinity group work as a framework to explore planning considerations, group discussion and reflection strategies, and facilitation techniques for navigating difficult conversations.
LEVEL 3
Continue to develop your skills as an affinity group facilitator. This module deepens an understanding of the connections between affinity groups and social justice while exploring opportunities and challenges with cross affinity conversations.
Reflecting for Change
OUR IDENTITIES
Explore identity in the context of anti-oppression. Reflect on who you are by considering facets of your identity, how you view yourself as part of identity groups, and how your intersectional identities shape your relationship to systems of privilege and oppression.
SYSTEMIC OPPRESSION
Understand how oppression operates in society and institutions. Develop confidence identifying, responding to, and eliminating oppressive attitudes, actions, and institutional practices.
WHAT’S HOLDING US BACK?
Figure out what’s holding your organization back from being a more inclusive place for everyone to learn, grow, and work. Explore what issues may be getting in the way of personal, interpersonal, and institutional change.
Building for Change
CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS
Not everyone feels prepared to respond in supportive, sensitive, and informed ways to the questions and emotional responses that arise when discussing equity and social justice. Embrace these vital learning opportunities especially when events take place that get people talking.
ALLYSHIP & SOCIALLY JUST COMMUNITIES
Discover institutional and personal strategies that address the often unacknowledged costs of doing social justice work. Learn what it means to be an effective ally and why they are needed. Consider what practices institutions can implement to encourage all members of an organization to equitably share in the work of creating healthy workplaces, educational institutions, and societies.
"When I wonder about something, I do my homework to understand it.
When I find myself incapable, I trust those who are."