Page 103 - Microsoft Word - resource book.doc

Dismantling Racism Resource Book

Common Points of Resistance among white people

Fear of more POC coming into the organization
If the white membership or leadership of an organization is fearful of more POC coming in
to the organization, then that organization is definitely not in a good position to seriously
take on a racial justice focus. Rather the organization should most likely focus on internal
dismantling racism education. If, however, this fear is isolated to just part of the
membership or leadership than it may be possible to move forward with a racial justice
organizing campaign while doing intentional internal dismantling racism education.

The research phase of an organization’s campaign may provide an opportunity to provide
some of the internal education needed to dismantle racist fears. Empirical and anecdotal
data may move white members and leaders to begin to focus on issues rather than their
own racist beliefs.

People feeling unprepared and inexperienced at working with a race analysis
Organizations can build on the work and expertise of other organizations and institutions
that have experience working with a race analysis. This can be an impetus for building
alliances or coalitions that bring organizations with a strong history of racial justice work
together with less experienced organizations.
Relying on tried and true organizing strategies – while still being flexible - may provide
and opportunity to overcome assumptions that racial justice organizing is a whole different
ballgame than familiar organizing strategies. While we don’t want to deny that moving a
racial justice campaign may have unique strategies and challenges, sometimes the feeling
of not being equipped does not represent a lack of capacity to move a racial justice agenda.

Fear of wedging membership, wanting to avoid “divisive” issues, Alinsky
organizing rule
If we avoid issues of race because we think it is divisive, we are avoiding some of
the most critical issues. Too many progressive organizations have sat out key racial
justice fights for fear of wedging their membership, with the effect of
strengthening the racist right- wing.

It’s better to strengthen your constituencies’ understanding of and commitment to racial
justice than to avoid the issues of race and racism. Building a strong and shared analysis of
oppression is key to undermining this “cardinal organizing rule.” Sometimes confronting
points of disagreement can move an organization past seemingly huge barriers to a whole
new level of work.

Dismantling Racism Project 101 Western States Center