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Definitions: The Language of Equity

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Language is ever changing and manifests our world view. When we have access to language, we are better able to understand and articulate community needs. It is important for our growth that we be mindful of the language we use, as it cultivates our patterns and determines our routes to liberation. In our ever-changing, technologically-advanced modern world, we have more access to shared language than ever before. And, in the world of equity work, fluidity and understanding of terms and definitions is necessary as we work collectively to dismantle antiquated, oppressive systems that have for too long been barriers for marginalized communities.

Learning Goals

This workshop is designed for folks who are toward the beginning of their journey to understand equity and all its intersections. Participants will share experiences with language, receive clarity on such concepts as racial equity vs. racial equality; liberation; identity & positionality, and reflect on social scripts.

-Participants will gain a better understanding of terminology
-Participants will delve deeper into their social scripts and rectify language
-Participants will leave with a template of racial equity framework to carry on their anti-racist work

LOCATION

Online via Zoom

PRICING AND REGISTRATION

For any questions regarding registration, our sliding scale, work-trade opportunities or accessibility needs, please contact Shay Braden at sjp@ywcapdx.org or ‪(971) 358-6227.

ACCESSIBILITY

This class will be held online via Zoom. Please contact us to let us know if you need specific accommodations.

VIRTUAL CLASSROOM TIPS

Thanks for joining us online! Here are some suggestions for getting the most out of this workshop:

  • Mute your microphone. To help keep background noise to a minimum, make sure you mute your microphone when you are not speaking. When your microphone is not muted, avoid activities that could create additional noise.

  • Engage with the class. These are intended to be workshops, not webinars! Please come ready to engage and participate, and help build community within the “classroom.” Not everyone is able to participate via webcam, but if you are able, we ask that you do so as much as possible.

  • Limit distractions and avoid multi-tasking. You can make it easier to focus on the meeting by turning off notifications, closing or minimizing running apps, and muting your smartphone. You’ll retain the discussion better if you refrain from replying to emails or test messages during the meeting and wait until after the workshop ends.

  • Help us improve our program! Each workshop will have a brief survey sent out. All results are anonymous and help us continuously improve our program.

  • Take notes. Our facilitators’ own their presentation material so it is not a requirement for the presentation to be shared afterwards.

  • Need an accommodation? Email us so we can create an ideal learning environment for you. sjp@ywcapdx.org

GROUP PARTICIPATION FRAMEWORK & AGREEMENTS

While guidelines and expectations will vary from workshop to workshop, most of these apply to a typical workshop session:

  • One speaker at a time. When one person talks, everyone else listens.

  • Community wisdom. Nobody knows everything, together we know a lot.

  • Take space & give space. Be mindful of how much you’re participating in the discussion.

  • Intent vs. impact. Before sharing, consider how what you say will affect others in the group.

  • Confidentiality. Details shared in the class stay in the class, but what’s learned goes with you.

  • Active participation. In this environment, it’s better to be open and imperfect than worry too much about being overly articulate.

  • Embrace discomfort and expect non-closure. Learning and growth can be stressful, do your best to hold space for those feelings.


PRESENTER AND CONTACT INFO

Presented by: Ruby Joy White

Ruby Joy White (b. 1988, Denver, CO; Prince/She) is a stylish, 30-something sapphically-inclined, writer-violinist-dancer-Sagittarius-TOMBOY, based in Portland, OR. A radical imaginist, Prince is a cultural curator, and plans & executes creative events, art talks, festivals, and installations that center People of Color and all their intersections. Additionally, Prince is a sociologist, hosts conversations on equity in creative spaces, engages with youth, and has a background in the academy. She is a Content Writer and Editor for Art for Ourselves, a creative essayist, and a consultant for anti-racist and queer equity work, organizational structure & strategic planning. Ruby curates and creates vibrant experiences that aim to transport those engaged into realms that connect the soul to the beauty and intersections of the self. Prince’s work is best described as aesthetic, altar-like intimacies that tell stories, illuminate Queerness (in all its forms) and challenge the cacophony of the static norm.

Ruby is the Equity and Racial Justice Program Manager for Parks and Nature at Metro, and holds a B.A. in Journalism – News/Editorial and a B.A. in Sociology – Family Studies from the University of Northern Colorado.


Contact Us
Email: Christina at christinaf@ywcapdx.org or Shay at shayb@ywcapdx.org
Phone: (503) 294-7395

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December 1

Creating Neurodiverse-Friendly Spaces

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December 5

Detour Spotting: Naming Avoidance of Racial Justice Work