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Dismantling Racism Resource Book

• Is there a deliberate plan to develop the leadership of people of color staff members and to share
decision- making authority?
• Is your organization accountable to people of color organizations and communities who are
affected by but not part of the organization?

Anti-racist organizations develop the leadership of staff and members so that power can be shared
in a meaningful and accountable way. In an anti-racist multi-racial organization, decision-making
power is shared across race. A white anti-racist organization must create a decision-making process
that is accountable to organizations and communities of color; this task is essential, complicated
and requires constant attention.

Who has control and influence over financial resources?
• Who develops the budget? Who does the fundraising?
• When the budget or fundraising plan reflects work to be done in support of people of color
communities, do these communities have input on where the money comes from and how it is going
to be spent?
• Does your organization advocate with funders to support the work of people of color organizations
directly?

In an anti-racist multi-racial organization the budget and fundraising plan are understood by people
of color as well as white people at all levels of the organization. Budgeting and fundraising in a
white antiracist organization must ensure accountability around racism.

What kind of education about racism and oppression is provided through the
organization?
• Are people of color supported in seeking information around issues of internalized racist
oppression and self-empowerment either within the organization or from outside the organization?
• Are white people supported in seeking information around issues of white privilege and supremacy
either within the organization or from outside the organization?
• Are there regular trainings and discussions at the member, staff and board level about dismantling
racism and accountability?

An anti-racist organization will provide training and encourage discussion about racism, white
privilege, power and accountability with board, staff and members. People of color within an
organization will have specific opportunities to understand and dismantle internalized racist
oppression, while white people are charged with understanding and dismantling white privilege.

What is the culture of your organization?
• What are the values and norms, stated or unstated?
• Are people of color welcomed in the organization only in so far as they assimilate into the existing
organizational culture?
• Is white culture treated as the norm? Do the art, holiday activities, and food reflect people of color
cultures?
• Is discussion of racism and oppression normal and encouraged or seen to distract from “the real
work?" Do people in leadership positions participate in and support discussion of power and
oppression issues?

Dismantling Racism Project 66 Western States Center