Anti-racism COMMITMENT

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ANTI-RACISM WORK

Insight on the Inside is ready to put forward a bold and informed plan for how we build and sustain an actively anti-racist organization. This page is meant to begin to define what this means, and actionable ways to realize this vision.

 

Our Renewed Intention

Being antiracist results from a conscious decision to make equitable choices daily. These choices require ongoing self-awareness and self-reflection as we move through life. In the absence of making antiracist choices, we (un)consciously uphold aspects of white supremacy, white dominant culture, and unequal institutions. Being racist or antiracist is not about who you are; it is about what you do.

 

Our work

In 2021, we launched a long-term strategic review with the intention to embed anti-racism into every aspect of IOI. This vision encompasses the classroom setting where volunteers lead meditation and mindfulness practices, and within our organization life.

  • Committee Work: Our Anti-Racism Committee is developing recommendations for self-reflection and organizational change by inquiring into the present and past volunteers' experience with IOI. The Committee is also developing a long-term education program on racism. 

  • Fellowships: We have raised funding for multiple fellowships which create paid positions for members of the communities where we serve.

 

Resources and Training

  • A workshop with Ericka Huggins: In November 2020, we held a workshop with Ericka Huggins, a leading expert on the role of spiritual practice in sustaining activism and promoting social change. The workshop was titled: “Inner and Outer Alignment with Systems of Racial Equity”. The workshop was designed for IOI and provided an opportunity for self-reflection and open discussion. 

  • The AntiRacist Table: The AntiRacist Table held an intensive workshop ‘The Racial Healing Biography Series:Towards Conscious Change’ during January and February 2022. The AntiRacist Table also led a workshop at IOI’s January 2021 meeting. 

  • Circles of Support: Circles of Support is a leadership training program for formerly incarcerated individuals that helps participants develop public speaking skills and prepares them to serve as advocates for effective, humane reentry policies and practices, and fosters civic engagement. In April 2021, members of the Circles of Support community joined IOI to share their stories.