What is the Do the Work Study Group?
Embrace Bend’s Do the Work Study Group is a space for White people and other dominant groups to explore race, racism, and White Supremacy without accidentally harming non-White or non-dominant groups in the process. We will facilitate discussion around a specific topic by journaling, sharing stories, and working through outside resources like books, articles, videos, etc. By being honest and vulnerable with one another, we will cultivate a space that acknowledges that mistakes WILL happen, but that these mistakes don’t make us evil, and that we will work together to grow and heal. Active participation in this group will empower each of us to re-enter our outside lives with a stronger ability to push for change here in Bend towards racial equity.
Why is this important or needed?
In conversations about race and racism, White people often feel exempt, because they don’t think they are racist, they don’t think they are a part of the problem, or because it doesn’t concern them. Because we are taught so little about these topics in school, and what we are taught is often a white-washed falsehood, we lean into ignorance and pretend the problems aren’t real.
For the White people who want to learn more about race and racism, there is the question of “Am I ready?” Am I ready to hear things I don’t want to hear? Am I ready to engage with those who are more knowledgeable about this than I am? Am I ready for the emotions that come with these conversations?
And, perhaps even more importantly, there is the question of “If I participate, will I cause more harm than good?”
White people aren’t exempt from conversations about race and racism. We benefit from systems that uphold White Supremacy, while everyone else is punished through microaggressions, racist policies, personal and communal violence, and systems of oppression.
In order to engage in these conversations meaningfully, without taking up space, without causing additional harm, without speaking over others, without making it about us, and without distracting from the work, we need to prepare ourselves with knowledge and emotional readiness. Specific spaces need to be established to provide us the room, resources, and time to go about this preparation in healthy, sustainable ways.
This is why the Do the Work Study Group is here.
What is the Do the Work Study Group NOT?
Not a book club. If you are looking for book clubs in Bend about race, racism, or racial justice, here are a few options: Embrace Bend’s Decolonize This Book Club.
Not allyship training. If you are looking for allyship training in Bend, check out Allyship in Action.
Not DEI training. If you are looking for DEI training in Bend, check out Better Together, TRACEs or Allyship in Action.
Not a consultation group. If you are looking for consultants, again, check out Allyship in Action.
Not a formal educational program. If you are looking for formal education programs on race, racism, etc. then keep an eye on programs coming to COCC or OSU-Cascades.
NOT a White pride group. (It’s annoying that this even has to be said, but it does.)
Not a therapy or counseling group. If you are looking for therapy or counseling resources, please speak with a medical professional.
Not a pity party.
Who is this space for?
This group is primarily for White people. If you are interested in joining or learning more, but you aren’t sure if the space is safe for you, then please reach out to the organizers.
When does this group meet?
The Do the Work Study Group will meet once a month. Depending on the needs of members, we will determine dates, times, and locations together.
What are the goals for this group? What can members expect to walk away with after?
For those who participate fully, members can expect to…
End White silence through a more confident understanding of race and racism, including appropriate language to navigate conversations about race or racism in everyday life.
Specifically define and understand White Supremacy and Whiteness vs White people.
Understand and unlearn “White conditioning” and other violent and harmful systems of oppression.
Process the emotions that come with waking up, including mourning, grieving, shame, confusion, regret, and then to navigate pathways for healing.
Embark boldly to dismantle White Supremacy in the spaces we individually inhabit every day.
Be better prepared to support community organizing work led by people of color and to reduce harm.
Expectations:
Expectations are important, as they inform how we should each be entering this space and these conversations. Considering and being mindful of expectations promotes safety, well-being, and encourages genuine growth.
We expect members to…
Share ownership of the group’s conversations and behaviors,
Show up for meetings willing and excited to learn,
Understand that we are each unique and different, therefore our paths will diverge and require special approaches,
Respond to criticisms with humility,
Self-evaluate consistently throughout every conversation,
Know that mistakes will happen and are inevitable; they offer chances to grow,
Respect boundaries,
Approach new information that may be hard to hear with patience and respect,
Honor the organizers and fellow members,
Share openly and honestly, while also being considerate and aware of those listening,