Anti-racism presentations and discussions hosted by Lawrence’s Anti-Racist White Affinity Group (ARWAG)

ARWAG is a group of white staff and faculty at Lawrence committed to understanding and challenging racism. Recognizing that the burden of anti-racist work falls disproportionately on people of color, ARWAG provides a setting for white people to take responsibility for educating themselves. This group functions in consultation with Lawrence’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

Anti-racism 101 presentations:

A presentation over Zoom about key concepts and practices of anti-racism for white faculty and staff. Participants will get practical ideas and information that can be applied immediately, as well as recommended readings, podcasts, and social media follows for continued development.  Includes opportunities for Q & A.

The presentation will be offered on the following dates:

Mon. July 13, 3:00-4:00 p.m.            

or, Wed. July 22, 9:00-10:00 a.m.    

or, Mon. July 27, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

RSVP to Cindy Pickart at cindy.j.pickart@lawrence.edu to receive the Zoom link. Please indicate which date you plan to join.

3-session discussion series:

Participants will join a 3-session discussion series over Zoom. The series will meet one hour per week for three weeks. Prior to each of the three sessions, participants watch a film, listen to a podcast, or read essays and excerpts.

The first session will focus on racism and mass incarceration with discussion of the film 13th (free on Netflix; no subscription needed.) The second session will focus on racial inequities in medical care and health outcomes, with discussions based on a podcast and short article. The third session will address practical allyship via discussion of several short articles and excerpts.

We’re offering several rounds of this discussion series (though the discussion will be on the same material for each round.) Two co-hosts will facilitate discussions, and we will strive to keep discussion groups small. Ideally, the same co-hosts and participants will meet together for the entire sequence.

This 3-session discussion series is offered:

RSVP to Cindy Pickart at cindy.j.pickart@lawrence.edu to receive the Zoom link and access to the podcast/readings for discussions #2 and #3.  Please indicate whether you will join the series that begins on July 14 or on July 29 or on Aug. 20.