Racial Affinity Groups

“To advance racial equity, there is work for white people and people of color to do separately and together.” (Racial Equity Tools) These racial affinity groups are intended for individuals actively a part of Washington Communities for Children and/or on the Help Me Grow Washington Action Teams.

• Spaces specifically designed for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are an important aspect of racial justice work. Oftentimes, spaces are automatically and unconsciously set up to center whiteness, which is harmful for BIPOC and can negatively impact their well-being as they simultaneously navigate stereotypes, microaggressions, and racial inequities. It is important for BIPOC to have an inclusive and safe space to be their whole and authentic selves without the additional burden of whiteness.  
• Spaces specifically designed for white people are also an important part of racial justice work. These spaces are intentionally formed for white people to “work explicitly and intentionally on understanding white culture and white privilege and to increase one’s critical analysis around these concepts. A white caucus or affinity group also puts the onus on white people to teach each other about these ideas, rather than constantly relying on people of color to teach them.” (Racial Equity Tools) 

For more information, please fill out the Racial Affinity Group interest form