White Privilege Conference 10 Memphis, TN April 1 - 4, 2009
ARSJ presented at the 10th annual White Privilege Conference (WPC) an adaptation of a book chapter submitted by ARSJ to address white antiracism work and accountability as well as responsible, cross-cultural collaboration and healing.
"Liberated Narratives: Being accountability for self, friendship and community", like ARSJ's past workshops, was an interactive presentation reflecting the real challenges that service providers and community activists face within their groups and while intervening with their constituencies.
ARSJ members facilitated three improvisations skits that dramatized real stories of misuses or abuses of power by employees and volunteers of a community service agency and a non-profit organization. Audience members had a chance to reflect on the conflict acted out before them and to change the outcomes of each scenario by putting themselves, literally, in the shoes of some of the characters. Re-enacting the drama with impromptu dialogue, participants experienced how critical conscious reflection and action generate more equitable, liberatory outcomes.
"This workshop was one of the best of the conference. It was the only presentation that actually gave me a chance to practice the conversations and strategies I usually shy away from because they seem too difficult." - Workshop Participant Evaluation