Witnessing Whiteness is an important step on the road to racial justice.
Witnessing Whiteness groups are where people racially categorized as white come together to uncover and explore the impact of our white racial identity and the operation of racism in our lives and communities.
Using Shelley Tochluk’s book Witnessing Whiteness: The Journey Into Racial Awareness and Anti-Racist Action (3rd Ed.), participants explore:
The history and construction of white racial identity and the myth of white superiority;
Community building within white spaces;
White culture and values and how they are reflected by United States national culture;
Manifestations of white supremacy and privilege;
Cross-racial communication, conflict, and relationship building;
Activation of white solidarity, accountability, and movement toward antiracist action.
Within a supportive setting, participants are able to confront their personal biases, learn how to interrupt racism, and act as agents of change. Our approach is designed to “build knowledge, skills, capacities and communities that support anti-racism practices” (Tochluk).
Program Details
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This program is for adults (18+) who are racially categorized as white. You can read more about the reasons behind meeting as a racially-caucused group of white people here: Why a White Space?
We currently offer groups in the greater St. Louis region. If you live outside this area but still wish to participate, you can contact us about your options.
We recommend there be no reporting relationships within the group (i.e., supervisors with those they supervise) as we have found it can lead to less open and honest discussion for both parties in that relationship.
Additionally, we would ask those participants who are attending with a family member (spouse, adult children, siblings) to consider carefully the impact of their relationship on their ability to be honest and open in uncomfortable, difficult discussions.
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Teams of three volunteer facilitators guide each group.
All facilitators have gone through the Witnessing Whiteness program and facilitator orientation, and receive continuing professional development.
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Groups are offered twice a year in the spring and fall.
Groups meet for 14 sessions, approximately once a week, with two scheduled weeks off.
Each session is two hours.
Groups may meet day or evening hours, weekdays or weekends; you will be asked for your availability when you enroll.
We ask that participants commit to attending all of the 14 scheduled sessions. If you are not able to do so, we ask that you wait to enroll in a future group that better accommodates your schedule.
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Groups are available either in person or online via Zoom.
In-person groups meet at a variety of locations. If a particular organization is hosting a group, those groups meet at the organization’s location of choice. Unaffiliated community groups have met in locations like schools, libraries, etc.
Online groups take place in a private, secure Zoom meeting. You do not need a Zoom account to join, though certain personalized settings are only available through a (free) Zoom account. Access information is provided after enrollment is confirmed.
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Sessions include a variety of different learning tools and formats, including:
Online groups
Large group, small group, and one-on-one participant discussions using Zoom breakout rooms
Large and small group activities using Zoom breakout rooms
Individual private journaling
Editing digital documents (e.g. Google slides, Word documents) in real time
Writing on handouts individually and in small groups
Reading aloud and individually
Watching videos together
Group grounding/breathing exercises and short, guided meditations
Poll-taking using raised hands, the Zoom chat, and/or Zoom’s poll function
In-Person Groups
Large group, small group, and one-on-one participant discussions
Large and small group activities (that involve limited physical activity)
Individual private journaling
Writing on handouts individually and in small groups
Moving around the space to form small groups, participate in a “round robin”-style group brainstorm, etc.
Reading aloud and individually
Watching videos together
Group grounding/breathing exercises and short, guided meditations
Poll-taking (using raised hands or another form of nonverbal communication)
Sessions include at least one short break during each meeting for participants to stretch, use the restroom, etc.
In order to keep our energy up for in-person discussions, we like to have snacks available. If you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions, please let us know in advance.
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Groups use as a guiding text Shelly Tochluk’s book Witnessing Whiteness: The Journey Into Racial Awareness and Antiracist Action (3rd Ed.). You will need your own copy of the book to participate.
You can purchase a copy from local St. Louis booksellers The Novel Neighbor and Left Bank Books for 20% off the list price. We provide additional discount codes once you are registered.
The book is available as an ebook and an audio book as well.
Participants are also encouraged to bring a notebook and pen, as sessions can involve journaling or note-taking.
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We strive to host inclusive, accessible discussions that enable all individuals to engage fully, including those who are neurodivergent and/or who have a disability (whether formally diagnosed or not). If you have any questions or requests regarding accommodations that will help enable your full participation (e.g. large print handouts, closed captioning, written instructions, screen breaks, etc.), please contact us.
You will have additional opportunities to check in about accessibility concerns throughout the enrollment process, and may reach out to us at any time.
