The afternoon of the conference will focus on both the harm created by racist policies and practices and the repair work being done in each of the 10 sectors the conference is focusing on. There will be two 90 minute afternoon sessions consisting of 7 different concurrent Sector Discussions led by Leaders within those sectors. These Sector Discussion Leaders will describe the harms created by past and current racist policies and practices within their sector, share what is currently happening in their sector to repair those harms and facilitate a discussion in which participants will be encouraged to share repair work happening within that sector in addition to imagining and naming new possibilities for repairing the harms.  

 

The Facilitating Racial Equity Collaborative (FREC) previously created Guidelines for Discussion which are used at FREC meetings and events. These guidelines will be read at the beginning of each of the Sector Discussion Session in order to create a space in which all are encouraged to participate.  

 

These Guidelines for Discussion are:

1. We recognize that we are entering into cross-cultural dialogue and that such dialogue demands something from all of us.  Some of us, for example, may be accepting a responsibility to verbalize our thoughts more often than is our norm, while others of us may be accepting a responsibility to engage in more listening and reflection than is our norm. 
2. Each of us accepts a responsibility to ensure that everyone’s perspective is welcomed and carefully considered within our group. We are mindful of which voices are being centered.
3. We will be alert to the ways that white supremacy culture affects us all.
4. We expect discomfort and recognize our bodies provide important cues to our feelings. It’s okay to give ourselves a pause if needed.
5. We understand disagreement is an inevitable part of addressing racism and commit to facing conflict with openness toward the views of others.
6. We will hold each other accountable to ask questions to understand and learn from one another in times of both comfort and conflict.
7. We give ourselves permission to be vulnerable, to have our mistakes acknowledged, and to learn from experience.
8. We will respect confidentiality by taking away the lesson and leaving the story.
9. We will hold one another accountable for these guidelines and for the commitments we make to each other. We will support one another as we continue growing in our understanding and relationships.

*Click on each session title to read about the session and meet the session discussion leaders*

*PLEASE NOTE: All session are offered in person only and will be held at Metro State. None will be via zoom or streamed*