My colleagues and I at MWD are deeply motivated by the goal of creating a just and equitable world. Living in the United States, a country founded in white supremacy, and working in philanthropy, a field with a long history of a paternalistic white savior mindset, we realize we have a lot of work to do. I’m excited to share some ideas that inform my racial justice advocacy as a white woman living and working in the Third police precinct in Minneapolis, where George Floyd was killed. Hopefully, they’ll be helpful for you too. After all, anti-racism is a verb!

 

Impact, not intention.
It doesn’t matter whether someone intends to be racist in their words or actions. The impact of their behavior is what matters. Rather than focusing on whether someone is racist “in their heart,” focus on the impact of our words and actions. If someone notes a negative impact you have made, consider it without defensiveness.

Listen.
Value the experience of other people and understand why your initial view may be incomplete as a result of privileged aspects of your identity and experience. When you disagree or feel discomfort, rather than reacting, think for a while about others’ experiences that have led them to a different view. Being uncomfortable is not life-threatening!

No white saviors.
Understand that seeking racial justice will often mean stepping back to follow others' lead. It will mean letting others go first. It may mean not getting the best and the most. Center the voices of those who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). Question the performative, “white savior” attitude. Make space.

Call in, don’t call out.
Rather than shaming or writing off other people, invoke conversation, compassion, and context. This means understanding we all make mistakes, being specific and direct, and talking to people in times, places, and ways that support learning.

Google It.
If you’re new to this, welcome! There are some worldview-shattering changes happening. Do your own research to learn more. If you have questions, see if you can answer them yourself first—don’t expect a BIPOC to explain it all to you.

Don’t just do the book club.
It’s important to inform yourself, question your firmly held beliefs, and process an expanded worldview with friends and neighbors. Definitely do the book club; those discussions are invaluable! But don’t stop with learning and internal reflection—take action. 

 

Ready to take action? Here are some ideas:

  1. If you aren’t able to attend in person, you can still provide crucial help. Check-in with friends or neighbors who are attending demonstrations and offer support. Offer to make sure they’re safe and provide help should the protest escalate (pick them up after an arrest, bring them first aid supplies, etc).
  2. Talk
    1. To other white people.
    2. To your kids.
  3. Donate money. This could mean giving to a nonprofit or supporting an anti-racist political candidate. This could look like mutual aid or reparations.
  4. Take bystander intervention training.
  5. Organize! When you understand that racial justice is housing justice, environmental justice, prison abolition, reproductive, health, education, food, economic justice—you will see places to plug in and get to work.
  6. Use your resources and privilege to make a difference. Don’t wait to be asked, and don’t be paralyzed because the issues are so big.

White supremacy is real, and it won’t go away without participation from all of us. It is essential for those of us who benefit most from white supremacy to actively tear it down. In fact, our inaction is complicity. Let’s keep doing the work, together.

 

FOOTNOTES:

White savior

Call out not in

Hollaback Harassment Training 

AFSC Bystander Intervention Training