DETOUR-SPOTTING for white anti-racists

This workshop is based on essay by the same title (available in Written Resources). This is an interactive experience for identifying and acknowledging the “detours” from an anti-racist path taken by even well-intentioned white people. White people will help other white people identify their racist attitudes and behaviors and work to interrupt these “detours.”

Sample Objectives

• To recognize and acknowledge specific racist attitudes and patterns of behavior that divert white people of conscience from their intended anti-racist path

• To work with other white people to identify strategies for overcoming these “detours” or setbacks

• To identify ways white people can help other white people uphold their anti-racist commitment 

Design

This one to three day workshop is designed for up to 30 white people who have had previous racial justice training.

Sample Agenda (for a one day version)

Opening

Working assumptions and conceptual framework (lecture/discussion)

“The Four Faces of Racism”  (handout & didactic)

“Detour-Spotting for White Anti-racists” (interactive triads, based on essay)

            Identify Detours

            Explore potential strategies for interrupting the Detours

            White helping white sustain anti-racist commitment and actions

Wrap-up

Final journaling

Closing