Pilot Group 2021
Testimonials
“I feel more confident to speak about racism, and to speak up when I see/hear something that’s not ok or not comfortable. I am more knowledgable and more committed to being part of the change.”
“I’m so much more aware of the cynical causes and conditions that created racecraft and racism, the pernicious and insidious effects, and the lasting legacy of white supremacy conditioning. And that it’s possible to dismantle it — idea by idea, intention by intention, challenge by challenge...”
“I am more aware and more conscious of situations I’m in, as being all white or predominantly white. I have new questions in my head: What’s happening here? What might this be like for people of color in this space? What can I do to bring into consciousness diversity and inclusivity? The program made me think and feel differently. My experience and perspective isn’t the only one, nor the best one! ”
“Excellent facilitation model and so open and welcoming of us all, with the message that we are co-creating this context. Everyone’s voice was valued.”
“I am more aware of my conditioning. [I am] more aware of my impact on people of colour and what it might be like to be in their shoes. I now move towards people of colour more easily. I’m more sensitive to people of colour in our Buddhist community and I think more about my perspective in my way of taking about “how life is.” It may be different for them.”
“Let’s keep doing this! I’d do it again!”
“I loved the intensive dive every week with check-ins, groups, sharing, fishbowls, music and more!”
Pilot Group 2021 - Evaluation
A second version of the program was developed, this time spread over 12 weeks, with new content, from March to June of 2021.
Participants were all based in the UK, in Italy, Spain and the US. There were Swedish, Scottish, English, Italo-Anglo-American, Chilean-American and of German origin. All participants were white or white-presenting in terms of the racial construct. At the time, two identified as non-binary, 3 as men, and 6 as women. Out of 11 participants, 10 completed the 12-week program.
At the end of the program, 94% of respondents confirmed that they would recommend the program, and 94% claimed they found the program helpful.
Constructive feedback which drove further curriculum development:
The new web-based platform was much celebrated.
Although there were more resources to round out a more global perspective on issues of race, this still needs to be improved.
Although there was more spaciousness in a 12 week format, some participants did report overwhelm with the materials.
Questions around the sequence arose, particularly in the timing of topics of trauma and integrating a more somatic dimension. Some suggested bringing this in earlier.