COURSE DESCRIPTION
The multifaceted concept of oppression has a profound impact on individuals and societies as a whole. The various forms of oppression that exist, such as racism and xenophobia, ableism, sexism, homophobia, and classism, continue to choke the overall wellness of society, allowing systems of power to maintain their dominance.
The far-reaching consequences of oppression for both the oppressed and the oppressors must be examined and dismantled in tangible ways. Considerations on how oppression perpetuates inequity, limits opportunities, and undermines social cohesion must be executed when centering justice. Oppression’s long-term functions have led to psychological impact, internalized oppression, and overall wellness outcomes that continue to grip society and create barriers for collective actions toward peace and wellness.
Through open dialogue and critical thinking, participants will seek to understand the root causes of oppression, challenge oppressive narratives, and identify strategies for dismantling these systems of injustice. Participants will explore the role of education, activism, and collective action in promoting social transformation and creating a more just and equitable world for all.
Participants will examine the psychological, social, economic, and political consequences of oppression on individuals and communities by analyzing the role of oppression in perpetuating inequity and marginalization. Additionally, participants will discuss the importance of understanding the impact of oppression within social equity initiatives.
Workshop Objectives:
· Define oppression and identify its various forms, including racism, sexism, heterosexism, classism, and ableism.
· Analyze the historical and contemporary roots of oppression in society.
· Examine the impact of oppression on individuals and communities, including its psychological, social, economic, and political consequences.
· Develop strategies for challenging oppressive systems and promoting social change.
· Foster a sense of collective responsibility for dismantling oppression and creating a more equitable society.
· Identify individual and collective strategies for challenging oppressive systems
· Discuss the importance of building alliances and coalitions across different identity groups
· Explore the role of advocacy, activism, and community organizing in dismantling oppression
· Develop personal action plans for promoting social change
Facilitated by Ruby Joy White
LOCATION
Online via Zoom
PRICING AND REGISTRATION
For any questions regarding registration, our sliding scale, work-trade opportunities or accessibility needs, please contact Shay at shayb@ywcapdx.org, or (503) 294-7395
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.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Recording. These sessions are designed to be interactive workshops rather than webinars, and as such are NOT recorded. Presentation materials (Powerpoint, handouts, etc.) are typically available.
Time Zone. We’re located in Portland, Oregon and so all workshop times listed are Pacific.
PRESENTER
Presented by Ruby Joy White, (prince|they\she) - Creative. Sociologist. Writer. Social Equity Strategist & Facilitator
Ruby Joy White is a generationally-mixed Black diasporic, sapphically-inclined, gender queer, neurodivergent person. They describe themself as being half creative, half sociologist. She holds degrees in Journalism and Sociology from the University of Northern Colorado, an (in progress) certificate on Arts and Culture Strategy from the University of Pennsylvania and National Arts Strategies, as well as a transformational leadership certificate from Imagine Black (formerly the Portland African American Leadership Forum) and Restorative Justice training.
Ruby has extensive experience in anti-racist and social equity work, sociological practice (specifically within family dynamics, family violence, trauma, dynamics of poverty, s*xual assault and domestic violence advocacy, and social systems), education & curriculum development, writing, painting and drawing, cultural and creative curation, arts administration, community engagement, data assessment & research, employment policy, program development, design, editing & layout, strategic planning, leadership transmogrification, recruitment, and organizational development.
Currently, Ruby serves as the Director of Community Events, Education, and Culture for Portland’5 Centers for the Arts as part of Oregon Metro, a regional governmental agency. Ruby is also a board member of the Contemporary Art Council at the Portland Art Museum, board member of the Alberta Abbey, Hey Doc Clinic Advisory Council, and member of Imagine Black.
Ruby’s foci when working with organizations is to address blatant acts of racism/discrimination, the dismantling of organizational culture rooted in White Supremacy, patriarchy, misogyny and sexism, homo and transphobia, and ableism. Ruby infuses techniques in analyzing power and power structures, anti-Black and anti-Indigenous actions, utilization of trauma-informed assessment, and to collectively work with staff to create and identify goals, outcomes, and overall strategies to infuse social equity into the very foundation of the organization, including recruitment and retention efforts.
Contact Us
Email: Shay at shayb@ywcapdx.org, or
Phone: (503) 294-7395