Racial caucusing offers a safer space for people with a shared racial identity to discuss and ask questions about race and racism. For example, in POC caucus spaces, members can share their stories and ask questions with others who might have similar experiences around identity, race, and racism. In a white antiracist caucus group, members can share their stories and ask questions about race and racism without concern of making mistakes or inflicting harm on people of color.
This event, which is only open to current class members, alumni, honorary LT, and LT staff, is an opportunity for you to build skills and practice strategies to help you address and dismantle systemic racism, as well as foster connection and community. You will have 45 minutes of facilitated discussion time in racial caucusing groups to meet and share with other LT alumni. You will learn why and how racial caucusing is used to advance racial equity, as well as experience the unique power of racial caucusing for yourself. This workshop is valuable for both those new to racial caucusing and those with previous experience.
Agenda:
4:00-4:30 p.m. Why Racial Caucusing?
4:30-5:15 p.m. Facilitated POC and White Caucus Sessions
5:15-5:45 p.m. The Experience of Caucusing and Next Steps
5:45-6:00 p.m. Q&A for Fleur & Anu
6:00-6:30 p.m. LT Breakout Discussion Groups (optional)
Who: LT Alumni, Honorary LT, Current LT class members, and LT staff only.
When: March 2, 2021 from 4:00pm to 6:00 pm.
Where: Zoom
Cost: $5 - $50
Facilitators’ Bios
Dr. Anu Taranath
As the daughter of immigrants who has grown up between two cultures, I often draw on my personal experience as a way to connect with and amplify the voices of those who have historically not been heard. As a scholar and academic, I also know that racial equity work is challenging, emotional, institutional, and personal. I partner with clients for the long haul and strive to build inclusivity and collaboration, inviting as many people into the conversation as possible.
My work has been honored by a variety of awards and recognitions: I’ve received the University of Washington “Distinguished Teaching Award,” and Seattle Weekly’s “Best of Seattle” designation. My book Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World was selected as a Finalist for three book awards, and included on the Fodor’s Travel “Best Books of Spring” list for 2019. I’ve taught about global issues, race, gender, identity, and equity to thousands of students, presented at high-profile as well as more humble events, and collaborated with social change agents and innovative thinkers in 10 countries.
Courses that I teach are centered around global literatures and issues of identity, migration, race, sexuality, colonialism, feminism, ethical travel and inclusive pedagogy.
I’m currently serving my fourth term as a member of Humanities Washington’s statewide Speakers Bureau. I travel across the state to work with librarians, educators, retirement home residents, and many others interested in better understanding our complex world.
You can learn more about me through press, my publications, or awards I’ve received. You can learn more about Anu on her website HERE.
Fleur Larsen
I am a Seattle-based facilitator and seasoned consultant in the nonprofit sector with a background in education and counseling. My 20-years of experience has given me a perspective on what is needed to move our sector from a cycle of putting out fires, to a movement based in lasting equity and empowerment. In my commitment as a social justice facilitator, I bring strong skills and experience in community building, power and privilege, and liberation work.
I started facilitating 18 years ago on challenge course programs with youth and adults. Currently, I work with several companies utilizing challenge and experiential facilitation with corporate and nonprofit groups. People often learn better by doing. Experiential facilitation engages and activates more parts of the brain. My style is based on sharp analysis, flexible thinking, fun, purpose and results. My work is relationship-based with connection, collaboration, and community as integral elements to reach results.
My professional life has been in youth development for over 20 years. I've worked with foster care youth, wilderness therapy, early childhood education, middle school girls, and college leadership programs. Recently, I was at Seattle Girls' School for five years, a middle school based on anti-bias curriculum, dedicated to being accessible to all families.
In 2000 I co-founded Skate Like a Girl which now has three chapters in Seattle, Portland and San Francisco. This was my heart and soul for eight years. More than just teaching girls and women to skateboard, we built a community based on values of social justice.
I’m from Seattle and grew up on a boat in Lake Union with my dad and in an apartment on Queen Anne with my mom. I grew up sailing and snowboarding in the Northwest. I dedicated 15 years to teaching youth and adults to connect to their personal power and natural environment on the water and in the mountains. I care deeply about this city, our shared future, and the issues and influences shaping our local economy, politics, and social culture.
You can learn about Fleur on her website HERE.