Race Matters 2017 Workshop

Race Matters is a series of discussions (see additional dates/topics below) to provide a shared space for understanding, establishing and strengthening cross-cultural alliances—through dialogue and education among black, brown and white people. The goal is to engage all Marin County residents in working towards community strategies and solutions that reduce racial disparities and inequities in Marin’s healthcare, education, criminal justice, economic, and environmental housing systems.

It is widely known how racism has affected, and continues to impact, people of color in all segments of our society. Race Matters explores ways that white people have been hurt and separated from the conversation about race. We seek to engage all who are interested in being full participants, allies and partners towards racial justice.

HALF-DAY WORKSHOP

This event will kick-off the Race Matters Dialogue and Educational Series in fall 2017 by hosting a half-day workshop on race. Led and facilitated by Paul Kivel, a renowned national and international award-winning author, educator and activist on the issue of race, this workshop will provide participants with a context, analysis and framework on the various levels and forms of power; offer a safe space for participants to deeply examine the impact that racism has had in their daily lives; and to build cross-cultural alliances based on mutual understanding and respect of their differences while working towards a common purpose and goal of working towards racial justice.

FACILITATORS

Paul Kivel, Author, Educator, Activist, Author of Uprooting Racism: How White People Can Work for Racial Justice
Cesar Lagleva, LCSW, County of Marin’s Health and Human Services Department
Debra Taube, Leadership Committee Member, United Marin Rising
Oshalla Marcus, Arts and Culture Coordinator, Marin City Community Services District

PRESENTATION OBJECTIVES

Participants will be able to:

1. Identify at least two (2) strategies or actions that are working towards racial justice in Marin County and beyond.
2. Describe how racism (implicit or structural) operates at various levels and forms in U.S. society.

EDUCATIONAL AND DIALOGUE PRESENTATION SERIES

In September and October 2017, various communities throughout Marin will host panel discussions on topics as seen through the lens of race:

9/23 equity workshop (half-day)
9/28 educational equity panel
10/3 criminal justice panel
10/13 health equity panel
10/18 jobs and economics panel
10/28 environmental and housing equity panel

Each conversation and educational presentation will bring a diverse panel of subject matter experts who will provide their professional and personal perspectives and insights based on current evidence-based research, information and historical context. Each topic of conversation and presentation will last approximately two hours and take place at different locations, days and times of the week.