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Dismantling Racism Resource Book

Do you have intentional and effective approaches to developing
leadership throughout your organization?

In order to sustain and build the work, organizations need to be intentional about
leadership development. Building power for communities of color means building a strong
base of people of color and anti-racist white allies as members and leaders. Concentrating
leadership in the hands of a few weakens the work and makes it easier for opponents to
hurt the organization by discrediting one or two individuals.

Is there a shared analysis and language about race and racism
within the organization?

Does your organization have an analysis of institutional racism and white supremacy? Some
multi-racial organizations mistakenly seek to address racial inequities by facilitating the
assimilation of people of color into dominant racist institutions. Other multi-racial
organizations fall into the trap of using a “color-blind” or “love sees no color” analysis to
mage diversity within the organization.
Does your organization intentionally work to educate its membership and the community
about the realities of racism?

What is your approach if you want to target the systemic racism of an institution (school
board, police department, city hall, etc.) that is headed by a person of color? Without an
analysis of institutionalized racism, it may be difficult for your organization to challenge
institutions headed by people of color due to fears of discrediting people of color public
officials.

Are you intentionally building alliances with other organizations
and communities of color?

To what extent does the organization’s analysis of racism affirm the shared experiences
of various groups of color both within the organization and in relationship to other
communities?
One of the ways racism operates in the U.S. is that it divides to conquer, driving wedges
between various ethnic groups and communities of color. It is critical for organizations to
proactively build alliances among people of color. We cannot ignore real differences and
tensions, but should consciously and constructively try to mend problems and create
collaboration. If people of color are divided, our work for racial justice is jeopardized.

Dismantling Racism Project 99 Western States Center