Educate Yourself

For many of us, the hardest bias to recognize and respond to is our own. But, like so many other things in life, this gets easier with education and practice.

No One Can Do the Work For You

In trying to do better, we often put a greater burden on people in an oppressed group by asking them to educate us about their experiences. However, this can wind up doing harm, even when we are trying to help.

If someone volunteers information about their experiences, listen. If they don't, find ways to educate yourself. Educating yourself can involve:

• Asking questions of friends who share your privileged identity but who have been learning about this for longer

• Attending DEI workshops offered by your school

• Explore online resources (we've provided links to several on the Additional Resources page!)

All of these systems put their roots deep inside us and it takes effort, intention, and time to recognize them within ourselves and work to "reprogram" ourselves. Simply learning information and understanding on an intellectual level won't be enough.

Be patient and compassionate with yourself. No one is perfect, and it matters that you keep trying.

You're Not Doing This Alone

Finding a group of peers who are interested in reflecting on and discussing their privilege can help. Structured activities such as Intergroup Dialogue can help. Your campus might have other resources as well.

Organizations such as Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) provide community and resources to support you on your journey. Find local organizations. If there aren't any yet, start your own. All of this will be more rewarding if you do it as part of a community!

And all of this will help you create inclusive learning spaces.