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Session 5: Structural Oppression 

Facilitator Guide > > Session 5: Structural Oppression 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session participants will:

  • have delved into the concept and realities of systemic racism
  • have gained an understanding of controversy with civility/civil dialogue

Suggested Agenda

  • :00 Welcome and Collective Agreements Review
  • :07 Session Intention Statement: Systemic Racism is a big and intense topic
  • :10 Controversy with Civility defined
    • Where have you seen this?
  • :30 Systemic Racism Video and Discussion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrHIQIO_bdQ
    • Definition: “It’s bigger than the day-to-day stuff, not just the day-to-day stuff”
    • Immediate thoughts from the video: 3 Participants share
  • :40 Breakout Rooms on different parts of systemic racism. Rooms could include Education, Gov/Voting Process, Housing, Health Care, Justice System, Policing etc.
    Questions to discuss within each room…

    • How do you see systemic racism in this area?
    • Who benefits?
    • How can we counteract systemic racism in this area?
    • Why is representation important?
  • 1:00 Report Back
  • 1:10 Final Showcase Planning and Discussion
  • 1:20     Integrative Closing:
    • I liked
    • I wish
    • I wonder

Facilitator’s Section

Sofia’s Field Notes

  • Provided a definition of controversy with civility: https://kristivmac.wordpress.com/social-change-model/group-values/controversy-with-civility/
    • “Controversy with civility recognizes two fundamental realities of any creative group effort: those differences in viewpoint are inevitable, and that such differences must be aired openly but with civility.  Civility implies respect for others, a willingness to hear each other’s views, and the exercise of restraint in criticizing the views and actions of others.  This is best achieved in a collaborative framework and when a common purpose has been identified.  Controversy (conflict, confrontation) can often lead to new, creative solutions to problems, especially when it occurs in an atmosphere of civility, collaboration, and common purpose.”
    • This may have been better with the collective agreements rather than here. It felt like we already covered this.
  • The systemic racism video was really great, but I think there should be some information before the video. It brings up a bunch of historical contexts that we hadn’t really reviewed yet. It fueled discussions on Jim Crow laws, ⅗ clause in the constitution, implicity bias, affirmative action, and the concept of the American Dream. I would have loved to define those beforehand and then bring up the video

Spring 2024 additions

  • Consider asking participants, “What percentage of people in our country are POC?” Have participants type answers in the chat. When we did this, we got answers running the gambit from 10% to 75%. Invite discussion on why we may over estimate or underestimate these percentages – does structural racism play a role in our perceptions of the make-up of our country?

Additional Resources