An example of allyship, of community, of equity and so much more…
I recently signed up for an online course with a German organisation Circlewise and was happy to see this:
“For Collective Reparation, Equality and Justice!
We acknowledge the myriad ways of oppression and discrimination that have been inflicted on indigenous, black and people of color (BIPOC), as well as people who identify as LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and others) as well as Sinti and Roma people.
As one small gesture for more equality in the world, we offer this course for free to those who identify as one of either.
So if you are BIPOC, Sinti, Roma or/and LGBTQ+, you are welcome to just send us a short note, and we will grant you free access to the course.
NOTE: This is not a scholarship fund, and we do not assume that individual BIPOC, Sinti, Roma or LGBTQ+ people do not have access to wealth – we see this rather as some tiny reparation effort, that we are offering with a sincere prayer for equality and justice. ”
After signing up for the course, this was also part of the course introduction:
“As a person who happens to be a white European cis-gender woman and therefore privileged in countless ways, I have only started the process of unlearning the manifold hidden and outright expressions of racism, sexism and other oppressive forces, which in our society have been passed on through many generations and the culture around me and us.
Please know that me and everyone at Circlewise really care to learn how to step away from these and find healthier and more just ways of conducting ourselves in the world and for facilitating healthier spaces – where specifically people who have been marginalised and oppressed for many generations can safely feel welcome and at home.
So if at any point during this course (whether in the videos, texts or during our community calls and in our community online space) you feel hurt or upset because of something that was said or not said, done or not done, that you found to be discriminating, racist, devaluing, belittling, prejudiced etc., no matter whether it seemed like a small or big thing (all of these are really big things!) – I would be very grateful if you could send us a note about it (no matter whether it was something that I did or someone else in our organisation or course community).”
Wouldn’t it be amazing if all white owned spaces would do the same? Of course they first need to commit to anti racism learning but it’s entirely possible. Feel free to share with anyone you know who could be inspired by this.