Race Conscious Dialogues

In 2017, Race Conscious Dialogues began offering workshops focused on internal work for people who are white, and that work continues. Beginning in 2019, space was held for people of the global majority to engage with inner work as well - those who identify as Latine/Latinx, Asian and Pacific Islander, South Asian, MENA, Black, Indigenous and multiracial identifying persons are invited to register for these sessions. *

During our time together, we will examine our identities in the larger conversation of race, the complexity of identity, and oppressive power structures, with a specific focus on unpacking the nuances within our racial identities and the dominant narrative of whiteness. While we share common experiences being othered and racialized by the dominant culture, even amongst people of color we cannot assume that we are gathering with the same lived experiences. We seek to honor both the similarities and differences we bring to this space, while still acknowledging the diversity in our experiences when it comes to colorism, texturism, featurism, caste, classism, language, citizenship, creed, anti-Blackness, xenophobia, etc. This cohort will be facilitated by Erika Bachner and Maya Puentes and is one of the most impactful workshop offerings we provide.

Friday August 1 (5PM-8PM) - Community Building and Understanding our Social Identities (dinner provided during session)

Saturday August 2 (9AM-12noon) - Intersectionality and Unpacking Racial Socialization (lunch provided after)

Saturday August 2 (2PM-5PM) - Relationships to Dominant Culture as BIPOC through narrative

Sunday August 3 (9AM-12noon) - Narrative Sharing (lunch provided after)

Sunday August 3 (2PM-5PM) - Deconstructing Dominant Culture, Addressing Internalized Oppression, and Engaging in Allyship

Please plan to participate in all 5 sessions, as they are designed to build upon one another. Navigation of stairs is required for the room where this particular cohort is held. While some of our events are virtual and others are held in accessible locations, and we are working on capital improvement solutions, we realize we must improve upon our disability justice efforts.

THANK YOU!!!

* Registration is free for all Race Conscious Dialogues workshops in 2025 for mental health professionals, courtesy of the Oak Park and River Forest Community Foundation.

** While RCD does not take photos during confidential sessions, photos may be taken in passing and during larger events and gatherings.

IMPORTANT - Once you have registered, please add raceconsciousdialogues@gmail.com to your contact list so you don't miss emails from us. Please register with an email address you check regularly. Price is never a barrier for participating in a Race Conscious Dialogues event or cohort - please contact raceconsciousdialogues@gmail.com with any questions.