ANTI Racist Cumbria have put together their Advent Calendar for anti-racism work over Christmas and beyond.
December 1: “Don’t treat your journey to becoming anti-racist as an act of self-improvement: this process isn’t really about you.”
December 2: “Take time to research and understand the history and impact of racism.”
December 3: “Listen to marginalised voices. Seek out different views and stories”
December 4: “Language is very important, break the habit of using or hearing outdated words without questioning.”
December 5: "Accept the discomfort of difficult conversations"
December 6: “Speak up, not over. Amplify rather than overshadow”
December 7: “Don't explain away racist behaviour. If you feel you’re making excuses, you probably are”
December 8: “Recognise the spaces in which you have privilege and power to make a difference.”
December 9: "Think offline. Impactful anti racism work needs to happen in our daily lives."
December 10: “Anti racist allyship is in what you do, not what you believe, it's proactive not reactive”
December 11: “Keep up momentum. Don’t feel satisfied that you’ve learned or done all you can”
December 12: “Remember that just because you don’t experience it, doesn't mean that it doesn't happen.”
December 13: “Acknowledge that privileges do not mean that you have had an easy life. Advantages are usually structurally ingrained and unconscious."
December 14: “Mistakes will happen. Apologise without caveats or being defensive, then learn from it”
December 15: “Check the lens that you are listening through. You may have to un-learn to re-learn”
December 16: "Anti Racism is everyone’s responsibility. Take action, but most importantly take accountability."
December 17: "You can't always change someone's mind, but there may be an opportunity to plant a seed: Over the years, a seed can grow."
December 18: "Be consistent about challenging injustices every single time"
December 19: "Don't assume, listen carefully to the support that people actually need"
December 20: "Learn about intersectionality and the different experiences faced by individuals"
December 21: "Don’t underestimate the value of traditional forms of activism like protests, donating and writing to your MP."
December 22: "Check in with yourself about your intentions. If your actions don't go beyond social media, are you really committed to becoming anti racist?"
December 23: "Prepare responses in advance for common themes in uncomfortable conversations. 'All lives should matter. But all lives won’t matter until Black Lives Matter'"
December 24: "Every small change that you make will matter. Small changes stack up to make big differences."
Visit antiracistcumbria.org for more.
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