Pilot Group 2020
Testimonials
“I feel more connected to others in our community committed to this work, supported in my efforts to move an antiracism “agenda” forward, and more able to fluently speak to the issues.”
“It was great that we were starting with a common framework of trust and understanding, being that we all were dedicated practitioners. I also felt like I could make mistakes and it would be OK - no one would abandon me.”
“It made me more aware of racial prejudice in myself and others. Also the history of racism, and whiteness. It meant I was more able to talk to people of color about race, my own racial experience, as well as listen to theirs - particularly in my workplace.”
“The program has helped me look at racial conditioning I know I have, and to shed light on my own tendencies in a safe and supportive group. I have a greater sense of curiosity in my own and others’ racially-biased tendencies, and some skills in addressing these.”
“I learned a lot about racism and racial injustice and its history in the US. As I live here, this feels very important. It inspired me to be more pro active around racial injustice, and I can now see more clearly where I might have let things go.”
“I found the format really held the conversations - three word tune in, reading the agreements to begin and taking some time to pause before going into the sessions felt connecting and creating a conscious space of sensitivity. I did not feel pressure to participate if I wasn’t feeling able to do so and, at the same time, I felt the atmosphere was one where I could explore thoughts that arose or were sparked off by others. The rotating facilitators etc gave a sense that we were forming a community and that it was not a ‘class’... I liked the mix of fish bowls, whole group and break out groups - that mix was right for me.”
“The background reading was excellent, and formed the frame or structure for each session, keeping us on track.”
“I loved the engaging materials and the safe, supportive group experience.”
Pilot Group 2020 - Evaluation
An initial version of the program was conducted over 9 weeks, from July to September of 2020.
Participants were all based in the UK and the US, of Scottish, Anglo-American, Italian-American, Chilean-American, English, Welsh, and Australian origin. All participants were white or white-presenting, in terms of the racial construct. Three identified as men, 6 as women, and 1 identified as non-binary.
Out of the 10 participants, 9 completed the 9-week program.
At the end of the program, 96% of respondents confirmed that they would recommend the program, and 94% claimed they found the program helpful.
Constructive feedback which drove further curriculum development:
While 72% found the amount of material each week to be appropriate, a sizable 28% of participants found it to be “too much.” Subsequently, the pacing for pilot two was spread over 12 weeks instead of 9 in 2021, and a more modular format for 2022 began to take share.
Materials were found by some participants to be excessively US-focused. A more international perspective, particularly as it relates to the history of colonialism and its intersection with modern Buddhism was desired.
Some participants requests more tools to explore relationship building with people of color. Those in leadership roles in their sanghas requested more case studies of Buddhist and other faith-based organizations moving towards greater diversity and inclusion.
Several participants requested a more discussion-based format as the curriculum progressed and trust built within the group.