Found this free online course on implicit bias on LinkedIn! It is short, clear, and focused on understanding how common biases show up in hiring and how we can work together to mitigate them.
I’ve also pooled together a few extra readings here:
The Hawthorne Effect
Currently I am helping an organization develop an internal leadership manual that details culture around the processes and practices in the organization. We look at how to resolve conflict, make decisions, deal with information sharing, and more.
We recently hired a consultant to assist us with improving equity in the organization. During our meeting today asked if they could join in on our next staff retreat to observe our conversations around our leadership manual development. Our tiny staff has been working together now for several months and built a stronger sense of trust–and as a result–honesty through that process.
I was hesitant and tried to vocalize my concern that I didn’t want to create a situation where we were inserting a ‘stranger’ into the process midway (our 3rd out of 5 staff retreats)–and that this could possibly result in a backslide and close down the openness and candor I’ve been able to cultivate.
She understood immediately and said that she agreed after further dialogue, citing the Hawthorn Effect.
Notes | Accomplices Not Allies: Abolishing the Ally Industrial Complex from Indigenous Action
Below are excerpts from the article:
The ally industrial complex: Capitalists advancing their careers off the struggles they ostensibly support. Where struggle is commodity, allyship is currency
Accomplice not Ally
ac·com·plice
noun: accomplice; plural noun: accomplices
a person who helps another commit a crime.
“When we fight back or forward, together, becoming complicit in a struggle towards liberation, we are accomplices.”; Direct action is really the best and may be the only way to learn what it is to be an accomplice. We’re in a fight, so be ready for confrontation and consequence.
Types of Problematic Allyship
“Salvation aka Missionary Work & Self Therapy” – “Allies all too often carry romantic notions of oppressed folks they wish to “help.” These are the ally “saviors” who see victims and tokens instead of people.”
“Exploitation & Co-optation” – “Those who co-opt are only there to advance self interests.” These entities almost always propose trainings, workshops, action camps, and offer other specialized expertise in acts of patronization.
“Self proclaiming/confessional Allies” – “All too often folks show up with an, “I am here to support you!” attitude that they wear like a badge. Ultimately making struggles out to feel like an extracurricular activity that they are getting “ally points” for. ” Meaningful alliances aren’t imposed, they are consented upon.
“Parachuters” – Parachuters rush to the front lines seemingly from out-of-nowhere. They literally move from one hot or sexy spot to the next. Parachuters are usually missionaries with more funding.
“Academics, & Intellectuals” – Intellectuals are most often fixated on un-learning oppression. These lot generally don’t have their feet on the ground, but are quick to be critical of those who do.
“Gatekeepers” – Gatekeepers seek power over, not with, others. They are known for the tactics of controlling and/or withholding information, resources, connections, support, etc.
“Navigators & Floaters” – The “navigating” ally is someone who is familiar or skilled in jargon and maneuvers through spaces or struggles yet doesn’t have meaningful dialogue (by avoiding debates or remaining silent) or take meaningful action beyond their personal comfort zones (this exists with entire organizations too). They uphold their power and, by extension, the dominant power structures by not directly attacking them.; Floaters are “allies” that hop from group to group and issue to issue, never being committed enough but always wanting their presence felt and their voices heard. They tend to disappear when it comes down to being held accountable or taking responsibility for fucked up behavior.
“Acts of Resignation” – In the worst cases, “allies” themselves act paralyzed believing it’s their duty as a “good ally.” There is a difference between acting for others, with others, and for one’s own interests.
Suggestions for some ways forward for anti-colonial accomplices:
- articulate your relationship to Indigenous Peoples whose lands you are occupying.
- Accomplices listen with respect for the range of cultural practices and dynamics that exists within various Indigenous communities.
- Accomplices aren’t motivated by personal guilt or shame, they may have their own agenda but they are explicit.
- Accomplices are realized through mutual consent and build trust. They don’t just have our backs, they are at our side, or in their own spaces confronting and unsettling colonialism. As accomplices we are compelled to become accountable and responsible to each other, that is the nature of trust.
Weekly Round Up | Sliding Scales, Allyship, and Indigenous History
June 21 – 27
Every week I create a round-up of my favorite reads and listens over the last 7 days. Some links go directly to articles and books, others go to my post with notes.
Tuesday: Sliding Scales
- Read Me First: The Sliding Scale: A Tool for Economic Justice→ [Notes→]
- Read Me Second: How to make the sliding scale better for you & your clients →
- Article: Sliding Scale: Why, How, and Sorting Out Who by RideFreeFearLessMoney→
- Article: Beyond the Sliding Scale: A Next-Generation Model / The Problem with Pay What You Can→
- Precedent: Sliding Scale | Rumble & McVan→
- Precedent: Sliding Scale | Attic Apothecary→
I’ve always been committed to offering a sliding scale, understanding that it is an important component to promoting broader accessibility to programs and services. However, finding the right way to implement a system. However, sliding scales based on individual income levels are insufficient, as many factors complicate a persons financial position. I’ve been researching other ways people have gone about implementing their systems.
Wednesday: 1491 & Allyship Continued
Whenever I read a book, I typically end up doing a lot of broader peripheral reading to the subject, either tracking down sources mentioned, looking up additional context or historical background, or more deeply diving in to one aspect or another. This helps me more fully comprehend and place what I’m reading, and deepens the processing.
Last night I finished 1491 by Chris Mann, a book I’ve been working on for three weeks now. I’ve detailed my initial comments on last weeks round-up and have compiled my notes and excerpts here. I don’t typically take so long when reading a book, but found that both the density of the writing as well as my frequent need to engage in peripheral reading, slowed the process.
- Essay: Coast Salish History by Alexandra Harmon→
- Article: Native American vs. American Indian: Political correctness dishonors traditional chiefs of old→
- Article: Blackhorse: Do You Prefer ‘Native American’ or ‘American Indian’? 6 Prominent Voices Respond→
“Each time we choose to elect our own names and references we are empowered. This discussion does not argue that the term ‘Indian’ is better, or that ‘indigenous’ is, or to invalidate being an American or not to be; it is about choice; what we choose as well as how and why we used these names. One thing is certain, we can all agree to reject pejorative references to Native people, e.g. ‘redskins,’ ‘squaw,’ ‘savages,’ etc.” - Resource: Accomplices not Allies: Abolishing the Ally Industrial Complex by from IndigenousAction.org→[Excerpts/Notes→]
Notes | How to Make the Sliding Scale Better for You + Your Clients by Alexis Cunningfolk
Additional Reading:
The Sliding Scale: A Tool of Economic Justice
Disadvantages of a Sliding Scale:
- People take advantage of the system
- Not getting paid fairly
- It stresses people out
“If it feels more emotionally draining to offer a sliding scale – don’t do it. That’s really ok. The purpose of creating accessibility in our offerings is not to create unneeded stress or complication in our lives but, instead, to help everyone involved in the transaction feel more empowered. “
A Managed Sliding Scale
- Closed, Multiple Tiers – Pre-set tiers; Ticket prices and number of tickets in each bracket calculated based on wage & costs.
- Limited number of tickets at each price – “Helps folks make decisions more mindfully. Folks are less likely to just choose the bottom option if they see that there are limits.“
- Pay-it-forward pricing – “Set at a few dollars above the actual cost of the class. I let folks know that if they purchase a class ticket at this price that they are supporting financial accessibility for those folks lower down on the scale.“
Example
Tickets :The Plant Sabbat is offered at a sliding scale. The actual cost of the class is $35 and tickets listed below that price are limited. Please read my sliding scale guide below before purchasing a ticket.
3 tickets are available at $20
5 tickets are available at $30
Unlimited tickets are available at $35
A Quick Guide to the Sliding Scale
While I encourage you to read my full thoughts on the sliding scale, here is a very brief rundown:
The top price class ticket is the actual cost of the class. If you choose a ticket price below the top tier you are receiving a discount.
The middle price is for those who are able to meet their basic needs but have little-to-no expendable income. Paying for this class may qualify as a sacrifice but it would not create hardship.
The bottom price is for those who struggle to meet basic needs and paying for this class would still be a significant hardship.
The Pay-It-Forward price is a few bucks above the actual cost of the class and that extra money goes towards supporting scholarships as well as future free and low-cost classes. Essentially it’s an opportunity to not only take your class but also support your fellow community members while you’re at it. Sweet!
Precedence | Sliding Scales – Rumble & McVan.
This is an amazing example of a sliding scale method I came across from the event Philanthropy & Equity Community of Practice (White Folks & Allies session) hosted by Tanya Rumble and Nicole McVan. I really like this method of reflection driven, self-selection.
We use a sliding scale for our CoP to both make it accessible for those with lower incomes/wealth and to reflect the value and labour of this work. ($75-$50-$25-$0) Ask yourself:
- Are you and your family homeowners or landowners?
- Have you attended private education institutions or do you have an advanced degree?
- Does your organization cover your professional development expenses?
- Are your bills or credit cards on autopay?
- Have you not had difficulty accessing and affording healthcare services (Physiotherapy, Counselling etc) for you or your family members?
- Do you have zero to no debt and/or do you have disposable income?
- Do you have a safety net composed of “financially stable” or wealthy family and friends?
- Do you have Citizenship in the country you live?
If your answers were mostly yes we suggest the $75 price point.
If some answers were yes and no, we suggest $50.
If most answers were no, we suggest you select $25 or $0.
Weekly Round-up | Performative Activism and The Truth About the History of the Americas
Every week I create a round-up of my favorite reads and listens over the last 7 days. Some links go directly to articles and books, others go to my post with notes.
This week was a particularly light reading week, with most of my time spent on making progress through Hood Feminism and 1491; Both which are still not finished. I usually get through books pretty fast but Kirkland Arts was bringing in a new Executive Director this week, which took up most of my available free time and energy.
Tuesday: Executive Onboarding
In anticipation of the new ED onboarding, I’ve been going through my old executive materials as well as looking up new resources for dealing with virtual onboarding. While nothing was stand out, I did like the break down into 5 categories by Nick Chambers.
Thursday: Poetry
Brainpickings is one of my favorite websites and this week one of the featured authors was the poet Lisel Mueller.
Friday: Performative Activism & Settler Priviledge
What is Performative Activism?
“We know performative activism occurs when those with power wish to give the appearance of supporting members of Black, Indigenous and racialized communities — but aren’t willing to transfer power and transform organizational cultures, policies, practices and behaviours.”
Why should we care about performative activisim?
Aside from the fact that the nonprofit sector is rooted in White Saviorism, “Performative activism leads to new and insidious forms of oppression for Black, Indigenous and racialized people. Performative institutions distract from the real issues at stake and also create additional labour for the Black, Indigenous and racialized people who end up collaborating with them.
- Article: 7 Questions to help figure out if you’re dealing with a performative nonprofit by Sanaa Ali-Mohammed→ [my notes →]
- Article: What is Retroactive Allyship Theater, and are you guilty of it? | Nonprofit AF→[my notes →]
- Article: Who Is a Settler, According to Indigenous and Black Scholars by Ashleigh Rae Thomas→
Weekend Reads: 1491
Despite going to relatively well resourced schools in the 1990s and early 2000s, I didn’t receive a comprehensive or accurate education in the history of the pre-Columbus Americas. I remember doing study projects on spanish conquistadors, with the focus on their ‘discoveries’ and achievements, rather than on the genocide of the existing indigenous populations. I was taught hat the Americas were for the most part uninhabited and underdeveloped by the time the Europeans landed, and that there were no major civilizations aside from the ‘barbaric’ Maya or Aztec.
1491 hammers home the astounding and offensive the gap between my childhood education and reality. Before Columbus, there may well have been more people living in the Americas than in Europe, with some estimates putting it as high as 112 million, many of them in urban complexes bigger and more sophisticated than London or Paris. These civilizations undertook major engineering and public work projects, build monuments to rival the Egyptians, and modified their landscapes to produce an abundance of food. Furthermore, the largest human dieback in history occurred when the Europeans arrived–carrying with them Smallpox, with up to 90% of the population dying from the disease.
I first read 1491 in college, but was so exhausted due to my academic load, that the impact of what I was reading was minor. Living now in the Pacific Northwest, and travelling more extensively across the western states of the US, this book has re-opened my eyes to the past brilliance and devastation of our indigenous populations.
- Book: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus by Chris Mann
- Article: 1491 | The Atlantic
- Podcast: Factually! The Truth About the Americas in 1491 with Chris Mann
- Article: Inside a New Effort to Change What Schools Teach About Native American History | Smithsonian Magazine
Still in Progress…
I’ve been slowly making progress on these below, and will log them with my notes once I finish (Hopefully this week?)
- Book: The Nonprofit Communications Engine; A leaders guide to managing mission-driven marketing and communications by Sarah Durham (No progress from last week)
- Book: Strategic Fund Development: Building profitable relationships that last by Simone P Joyaux (No progress from last week)
- Book: The Trauma-sensitive classroom by Patricia Jennings (No progress from last week)
Notes | What is Retroactive Allyship Theater, and are you guilty of it? by Vu Le | Nonprofit AF
How Retroactive Allyship Theater shows up:
- Expressing support or agreement after the fact
- Offering condolences or sympathy after the fact
- Giving praise after the fact
- Sharing personal stories afterwards
- Providing criticism or feedback afterward, instead of when it would have made a difference
- Indicating regrets for not doing or saying something
How to Combat Retroactive Allyship Theater:
- Be aware of when you’re engaging in this
- Recognize why you’re not speaking up
- Take tentative steps to buy time
- Find opportunities to take corrective actions
- Reflect on what you would do next time
Extroversion & Speaking Up
“So many of our strategies for fighting injustice are geared towards extroverts, people who are naturally more comfortable speaking up. For those who are quieter and who need time to reflect, it can be more challenging to push back in the moment when we see or hear problematic things, or when someone needs support.”
Notes | 7 Questions to help figure out if you’re dealing with a performative nonprofit by Sanaa Ali-Mohammed
- How do they treat Black, Indigenous, and racialized workers who speak out about white supremacy and racism?
[Performative] “leaders tend to favour the ones who make them feel comfortable, who aren’t asking the organization and leadership to do better” - How do they approach internal interventions?
[Performative leaders] “shy away from training and conversations about anti-racism, instead preferring to speak about equity, diversity and inclusion. However, you can’t have equity if you’re not dismantling oppression and talking about anti-racism.”; Performative nonprofits often adopt a “checkmark” approach of “let’s do training, so we can say we’ve done training.” - How do they quantify their commitments and measure progress?
“For a sector [like fundraising and philanthropy] that has become so good at quantifying things, that organizations don’t have measurable outcomes [especially for addressing anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism] is concerning.” - How are mistakes, oppression, and harm acknowledged?
Performative leaders and institutions will often fail to acknowledge or challenge the broader systems — like imperialism, capitalism or settler colonialism — that lead to specific instances of oppression, and will instead focus on the resulting symptoms.
..without acknowledgement of harm caused and apology and reparations to those who have been harmed, institutions and leaders cannot form authentic relationships. ; - Do they demand trauma porn?
Performative institutions demand Black, Indigenous, and racialized people’s stories of overcoming pain and adversity, in many cases in exchange for access to resources like funding. - Do they recognize the complexity of Black, Indigenous and racialized people’s experiences?
Performative institutions often mask internal issues of racial discrimination through tokenism, which relies on the idea that all Black, Indigenous, and racialized people are interchangeable for one another. - Are they taking risks?
Authentic allies are willing to take risks to interrupt oppression.
Anti-racism work is not just about training[…] It’s also about shifting culture and policies embedded across all levels of an institution, which requires allocating the time and resources needed to do so effectively.
On Emancipationist vs Reconciliationist Post-Civil War Perspectives | Eric Forner
Two understandings of how the Civil War should be remembered collided in post-bellum America. One was the “emancipationist” vision hinted at by Lincoln in the Gettysburg Address when he spoke of the war as bringing a rebirth of the republic in the name of freedom and equality. The other was a “reconciliationist” memory that emphasized what the two sides shared in common, particularly the valor of individual soldiers, and suppressed thoughts of the war’s causes and the unfinished legacy of emancipation. By the end of the century, in a segregated society where blacks’ subordination was taken for granted North and South, “the forces of reconciliation” had “overwhelmed the emancipationist vision.”