Re-Examing Language: 'Colorblindness' & Disability
Language is a reflection of our societal norms, cultural beliefs, values, and even identities. As a result, language is ever evolving. "Colorblind" is a term we use frequently in our facilitation to explain how this ideology unintentionally harms People of Color and negatively impacts racial dynamics and conversations about race.
We've recently learned that "colorblind" is a problematic term on several levels, including in disability. Subini Annamma, Stanford University professor, explains,
"it associates blindness with ignorance. It's an inadequate descriptor and also implies passivity...When you choose to be 'color blind' you've made an active choice. There's a paradox there, if you say you're not going to see color, you've already acknowledged it."
To learn more about the conversations we are having at Cultures Connecting and the different ways we're learning to address this, head on over to our blog by clicking the button below.
Dr. J.P. Anderson Presenting at WA DEI Conference
Dr. J.P. Anderson, our Racial Equity Consultant, will be presenting a session on "DEI in an Age of Backlash" at the Washington DEI Empowerment Conference on June 5th. J.P. will speak to the current political climate and the ways we can continue moving forward with our work.
This conference is designed by and for Washington State employees. According to their mission statement,
"The goal of the conference is to foster a culture, systems, and practices that prioritize inclusion and belonging in our state workforce. Sessions highlight lived experience and ideas for creating inclusive Washington communities and workplaces."
Visit the conference website to learn more and to register if you're a Washington state employee.
Nestle Boycott & Strategies for Relying Less on Amazon
Our team, as well as many of you, participated in the 24 Hour Economic Boycott organized by The People's Union. The next boycott is of Nestle on March 21-28.
Nestle is a huge conglomerate and includes brands such as Purina, Buitoni, Cheerios, Coffee Mate, Häagen-Dazs, Perrier, and more. Visit their brand website to learn about what products you should avoid.
The Amazon Boycott ended just last week but some of you may be considering cutting ties with the company but struggle to because of its convenience, availability of products, and fast shipping. While a week feels doable for most, here are some strategies for shifting your purchasing power off Amazon in the long term.
Cancel your recurring deliveries and find alternatives. For example, if you have your pet's food on auto-delivery, schedule them on a company like Chewy that has retained DEI instead.
Most of the products are not sold directly by Amazon but by small businesses. You can look up the companies and buy directly from them. This does mean you'll have to pay shipping and wait a little longer but sometimes their prices may be lower.
Remove the app from your phone. You're less likely to make purchases when it's not as easy.
Cancel Prime. This will likely reduce your over-consumption by removing the convenience factor and will encourage you to look for alternatives such as shopping at small businesses.
However you decide to approach these boycotts and as you evaluate your purchasing power in the long term, remember that there is no such thing as perfect activism and that not everyone has the same privileges, whether that is financial or the amount of time you have to research or shop elsewhere. Similar to our approach to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work, meet yourself (and others) where you are and do your part with the resources you have.
Final Reminder: Talking About Race E-Course Discounted through March 31st
A final reminder that our Talking About Race e-course is currently $99 through the end of March. We wanted to provide our community with the tools to engage in difficult conversations about race. You can claim your discount by entering courageous18 during check out. Visit the e-course page to learn more.
If you're an organization, be sure to reach out to Judy at judy.lee@culturesconnecting.com for special group rates.
We sent an interim newsletter issue last week with a message for you, our community, called "A Letter to Our Community & Four Tenets to Guide Us." We've been having many conversations here at Cultures Connecting about how to care for our community and felt it was important to share this letter separate from our regular newsletter. If you missed the last issue and would like to read the letter, you can visit our blog.
Other blog posts you might have missed:
Upcoming DEIB/Social Justice Events
For details on these and other events, workshops and conferences happening in the social justice space, visit our Events Calendar. If you have an event you would like us to share, please reach out to us!
3/18: Race Forward: Building Racial Equity: Foundations Virtual
3/18: NAMI BIPOC Support Group
3/19: A Taste of Coaching for Equity
3/19: Big Joyful Boundaries: On Developing Boundaries for Protecting Your Joy
3/19: SURJ: Protect and Resist in the First 100 Days
3/20: Know Your Rights (Español) w/NW Immigrant Rights Project
3/20: NAMI LGBTQ+ Support Group
3/21: NAAM Freedom Day
3/22: Celebrating Women's History Month & Acknowledging Black Women
3/22: Playing for Liberation: Practices to Warm Up & Settle Down as We Work Towards Collective Liberation
3/24: Teach the Black Freedom Struggle Online Class
3/25: Race Forward: Facilitating for Racial Equity
3/25: Anima Cafe: Managing Work Teams Through Divisive Times
3/26: White Privilege Conference 2025
3/26: Freedom Lifted: Shared Power in Supervision
3/26: SURJ: Protect and Resist in the First 100 Days
3/26: Louder Together: Intersectionality in Uncertain Times
3/26: Solidary Virtual Training for Education Activism
3/27: Community of Practice, Grief Circle
3/28: Free DEI Support: Monthly Open Zoom Calls
...and so much more! Visit our Events Calendar to see the most up-to-date full schedule.