The Resource Center for Nonviolence (RCNV) presents a series of antiracism book circles as an act of radical education and collaboration.
Learning and Teaching While White | Antiracist Strategies for School Communities
By Jenna Chandler-Ward and Elizabeth Denevi
Date/Time: Mondays 6:30–8pm | 4/24, 5/01, 5/08, and 5/15
Location: Zoom
Group Facilitator Liz Fohs
Liz Fohs is a white educator in Santa Cruz. Her experience is teaching 2nd Grade in the Live Oak School District and serving as the Mindfulness Instructor for the TK-3rd Grade students and elementary teachers. She is interested in learning more about how her whiteness shows up in her life, learning, teaching and communication with students, families,colleagues and community members.
Book Description
We need to name whiteness, in order to move toward antiracism.
For too long, white educators have relied on people of color to make change to a relentlessly racist school system. Racial equity will not come until white educators recognize their role in supporting racist policies and practices, and take responsibility for dismantling them.
Learning and Teaching While White is an accessible guide to help white educators, leaders, students, and parents develop an explicit, skills-based antiracist practice. Through their own experiences working with school communities, and the strategies and tools they have developed, Jenna Chandler-Ward and Elizabeth Denevi share how white educators can gain greater consciousness of their own white racial identity; analyze the role of whiteness in their school systems; rethink pedagogical approaches and curricular topics; address the role of white parents in the pursuit of racial literacy and equity; and much more. Their book will empower white educators to be part of creating a more equitable educational system for all students.
Learn more about the book https://www.teachingwhilewhite.org/learning-and-teaching-while-white
About RCNV Antiracism Book Circles
RCNV aims to spread love and eradicate hate by helping to dismantle all forms of supremacy as the first step in creating a just and joyful future for all.
As part of this effort, our volunteer-facilitated online book circles offer participants from our region and around the world courageous spaces to help one another engage in transformative antiracist, equity-focussed learning.
Antiracist conversations can be both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Strong feelings can arise as a natural part of the process. Antiracism Book Circles are an opportunity to learn how to navigate and support one another as we move through transforming racism, patriarchy, and all forms of bias from the inside out. With support from RCNV staff, volunteer facilitators cultivate inclusivity, mutual respect, and collaborative learning.
This program is offered on a donation basis. Funds go to support the work of RCNV and cover administrative costs. Any amount is highly appreciated, traditionally we suggest $25 per person or more for those wishing to grant space to others, but any donation amount is accepted and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
After you register and as our circle start date nears, your facilitator(s) will reach out with more details. We look forward to having this journey together.
Affinity Groups
Due to the sensitive racial nature of the books offered, we sometimes offer separate affinity groups to respect the process of participants and to provide more safety and depth for those individuals identifying as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPoC).
Mixed-race individuals are welcome to join affinity groups matching their self-identification.
Possible Weekly Discussion Topics
Week 1 Part 1, Ch. 1-2 Valuing Racial Difference
Week 2 Part I, Ch. 3-4 Systemic Racism and Whiteness Within
Week 3 Part II- Ch. 5-6 Rethinking Pedagogy, Assessment and Feedback
Week 4 Part II- Ch. 7-8 Antiracist Leadership and The Role of White Parents