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What
is the UNtraining?
As
children, we do not choose to take on our white conditioning, but as adults
we can choose to undo it. The UNtraining provides a challenging and compassionate
environment for white people to look at personal and collective issues
around race. The program offers tools and practices to investigate white
cultural conditioning, to uncover the ways it shapes our experience of
ourselves and people of color, and to support change in ourselves and
in the world.
Key
UNtraining concepts (download
pdf)
Short
booklist (download
pdf)
Why
Only White People?
We believe that white people have the responsibility
to educate ourselves about racism, rather than expecting people of color
to be our teachers. In
white caucus work, people are more free to express difficult feelings
and to examine complex situations around race. This honesty, often held
back in mixed groups to avoid embarrassment or for fear of causing harm,
is crucial for learning and healing. Sharing common experiences breaks
down two other aspects of white conditioning—isolation and the taboo
of talking about
personal issues around race.
White
Privilege and the Cost of Whiteness
The premise of the UNtraining is that we are all affected
by racism. No matter how aware our parents may have been, how liberal,
loving or spiritual we may be, as white people we have been trained to
be "white" by media, educational systems and continual subtle
feedback from those around us.
Although
it may not be obvious at first, we benefit from racism in our daily lives
through the privileges associated with light-colored skin. Even less apparent,
however, is the cost to us as white people living within this hierarchical
system. Many of us live with guilt, fear, and defensiveness. Our curiosity
is stifled and our passions blunted. This keeps us from speaking out and
taking action against racism. Or if we do, we may come across as righteous
and judgmental, which is rarely helpful or effective.
How can white
people reconcile heartfelt antiracist beliefs with the invisible power
of this white training?
The
UNtraining Program
The UNtraining
is held in small groups that meet once a month for six months in a workshop
format that combines presentation of concepts and tools, experiential
exercises, self-reflection and group process. Each group consists of a
maximum of ten men and women who are "white identified." The
meetings are generally held on weekends.
There are
three phases of the UNtraining. Each phase is complete in itself, although
they build on each other:
- Phase
One introduces the basic concepts and tools of the UNtraining
- Phase
Two deepens the experience of using the tools in the group process
- Phase
Three is tailored to the needs that arise in the particular group
The cost
is a sliding scale from $360 to $660 for a six month series.
Community
Building
We
recognize that there are many approaches to dismantling racism and standing
for social justice—and that collaboration is essential for systemic change
to occur. In 2007, the UNtraining began building connections with other
white anti-racist organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los
Angeles, part of a growing national movement. Starting in 2008, members
of the UNtraining community are piloting a series of open meetings where
white folks can come to learn more about racism, share experiences, and
expand their capacity for addressing racism in their lives.
Other
UNtraining Services
UNtraining
teachers are available for workshops, presentations, and private consultations.
Organizations
we have worked with include:
JFK University, Spirit Rock Meditation Center, San Joaquin Delta College,
Institute for Transpersonal Psychology, UC Berkeley School of Social Welfare,
Berkeley Psychotherapy Institute, Starr King School for the Ministry
All website
content ©2006-2008 the UNtraining |