{"id":241826,"date":"2020-09-08T12:25:33","date_gmt":"2020-09-08T19:25:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/?p=241826"},"modified":"2021-10-06T16:49:18","modified_gmt":"2021-10-06T23:49:18","slug":"staying-engaged-in-anti-racism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/lifestyle\/staying-engaged-in-anti-racism\/","title":{"rendered":"Staying Engaged and Activated as an Anti-Racist Ally: Advice for the Long Haul"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"anti-racism
Image via The Kinswomen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The enthusiasm and fervor around Black Lives Matter in May and June left us hopeful but skeptical. We do anti-racism work<\/a> full time, but we could never have imagined that when we started Kinswomen<\/a> that we would receive such a swell of engagement in this work. We were hopeful that we were moving quickly towards long-awaited change<\/a>. We were also skeptical as to whether everyone who felt \u2018awakened\u2019 would continue to stay engaged and take action.<\/p>\n

Now it\u2019s September, and even though we\u2019re only a few months from George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor\u2019s murders, and Black Americans continue to face daily and systemic injustice, we\u2019ve seen the initial attention and commitment to anti-racism wane. The social media posts<\/a> demanding justice have thinned, the marches have died down, and it might seem like everything is fine (\u2026if you\u2019re white.) We\u2019ve seen less outreach about doing DEI training for companies and individuals–it’s as if the long-standing issues have been quickly resolved.<\/p>\n

\"hosts
Image via @kinswomen_podcast<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Change takes time, patience, commitment, and investment. We must understand that there is no social justice fairy who can wave a wand and create change. It\u2019s on us. This work is still vitally urgent and important, even if there are some of us who are lucky (or naive) enough to feel like our lives or liberties are not immediately threatened.<\/p>\n

We understand that no one can be motivated by anger and outrage long-term without burning out. The allyship journey is life-long, so we have to be intentional about sustaining our commitment and energy for racial justice. Here\u2019s some advice for setting yourself up for the long-game. Remember, we\u2019re here as a resource and guide for you!<\/p>\n

1. Get Clear on Your Limits<\/h2>\n

In order to make anti-racism part of your fiber, be honest with yourself on what you can do and contribute. If you can contribute time, commit to an hour daily (or whatever you can truly sustain) of anti-racism education. If it\u2019s money, set aside an amount per month to donate to causes that resonate with you. Maybe it\u2019s using your proximity and privilege to advocate for equal pay in your workspaces, or supporting the BIPOC employee resource groups. Maybe you commit to having one hard conversation a week with your boss, friend, or family member. If you have to schedule it, do it! Make anti-racism a habit until it becomes part of the fabric of who you are.<\/p>\n

2. Know That it Will Feel Uncomfortable<\/h2>\n

Like exercise<\/a> or therapy, the more you put into it, the more it\u2019ll pay off. But the journey might feel uncomfortable along the way. That\u2019s part of it. Preparing for the discomfort of growth will help you when you start to slide back into feeling comfortable.<\/p>\n

3. Have Friends and a Community to Keep You Accountable<\/h2>\n

Being an ally requires a community<\/a> and support system that you can have honest conversations with\u2014which is why our course, Allyship in Action 101<\/a>, is so effective. There are plenty of anti-racism support groups online, or maybe you have a book club or friend group that you can lean on when you have questions, want to work through something, or you\u2019re not sure how to confront a situation when it comes to race. If you don\u2019t have a community, create one! The work is effective when it\u2019s collective.<\/p>\n

4. Remember Your ‘Why’<\/h2>\n

Many people were moved, rattled, or guilted into action back in May and June. Consider what flipped a switch for you. What took off your blindfold? If that hasn\u2019t happened yet (and we hope it has, if you\u2019re reading this!), start with self-reflection and education. Consider the communities you grew up in and what they looked like, where the biases you have come from, or how much about other cultures you know. Figure out a way to make this work personal and important to you. Everyone has a reason to be motivated towards racial justice and social change, even if they don\u2019t see it at first. Think about the impact and the legacy you\u2019d like to be remembered for.<\/p>\n

5. Take Care of Yourself for the Sake of Others<\/h2>\n

Find time for peaceful<\/a> moments alone, or with people who understand you. As the Kinswomen, we recognize when we need a break, whether that is taking a day off, or getting together as friends and not talking about work. Whatever helps you re-center and decompress<\/a> (maybe it\u2019s taking a break from social media or the news), make time for it. This is crucial to maintaining longevity.<\/p>\n

6. Make This Work Part of Who You Are–and Find the Joy in It<\/h2>\n

Fighting for the rights of BIPOC shouldn\u2019t only be motivated by sad and oppressive stories. There\u2019s so much joy and so many accomplishments that come from BIPOC cultures. Spend time in that space\u2014read books by BIPOC authors (not only about racial issues), watch movies directed by and centering BIPOC artists, and actively seek out art and culture that challenges your perceptions. Normalize everything that isn’t white.<\/p>\n

We hope this article helps reinvigorate and refocus your passion for social justice and keep you accountable for the long-term. Remember, it\u2019s a marathon, not a sprint. If you\u2019re looking for additional support, take a listen to one of our episodes, or join our course, Allyship in Action 101<\/a>, which provides a community of allies learning from and leaning on each other.<\/p>\n

Love,<\/p>\n

The Kinswomen<\/p>\n

How are you sustaining your commitment to anti-racism? Tell us in the comments!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Together, through their podcast,\u00a0The Kinswomen<\/a>, Yseult Polfliet and Hannah Pechter aim to bridge the gap between women of color and white women by having open, honest discussions about race, and offering guidance on how to be an ally.<\/em><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The enthusiasm and fervor around Black Lives Matter in May and June left us hopeful but skeptical. We do anti-racism work full time, but we could never have imagined that when we started Kinswomen that we would receive such a swell of engagement in this work. We were hopeful that we were moving quickly towards… Read more »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":174,"featured_media":241836,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[42077],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-241826","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow To Stay Engaged As An Anti-Racism Ally - Lulus.com Fashion Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The allyship journey is life-long. 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