EDUCATE AMPLIFY ACTIVATE TRANSFORM
EDUCATE AMPLIFY ACTIVATE TRANSFORM
Offered monthly, the Opening Conversation About Race, created by WRJI and facilitated by trained professionals, provides a brave and supported space for self-reflection and learning with other Wellesley Alums.
Anti-racism is a lifelong journey: this is an invitation to begin or to re-ignite your anti-racism work. Whether you are a BIPOC or a white Alum, we welcome you to enter the dialogue, advance the learning process, join the struggle for racial justice. WRJI offers Next-Step Programs to help you continue your journey - both personal and institutional.
A bi-monthly Next-Step Program, created and led by Tyree Oredein, '98, this workshop is an exploration of ways in which white folks harm BIPOC. Beyond blatant overt racism - slurs, defacing property, hate groups, and racially motivated assaults - do white folks understand how they regularly, unwittingly, or even quite intentionally, harm and endanger BIPOC folx? From dismissing the lived experience of BIPOC and “playing devil’s advocate," to involving police unnecessarily, learn about micro-aggressions and other dangerous acts, and how to counteract them.
A Next-Step Program, created and led by Fiona Oliphant, '93, this new workshop is intended for Alums to become more familiar with what it means to be an ally. We will explore in depth the most effective ways to offer support, to intervene, to plan and execute action with and in solidarity with BIPOC folx. Through presentation and discussion, white alums will have the opportunity to challenge themselves: what are you willing to give, and give up, to dismantle white supremacy? BIPOC are invited to grow stronger allyship with one another.
Join other Wellesley Alums each month to discuss an explosion of books being published on the history and experiences of racism. Deepen your understanding of the power of racism in America, its roots, prevalence, and ways to fight it - receiving professional guidance for your racial justice work. Professionally led by avid reader and skilled facilitator, Fiona Oliphant, '93, third Sunday of every month. Six books will covered in two 6-month cycles.
We recommend but do not require, that participants join a WRJI Opening Conversation, especially if you have not previously participated in frank conversations about racism and its impact on BIPOC.
Have you missed out on important movie experiences - or watched them and wished for a place to discuss and look more deeply into their messages? WRJI Movie Nights are designed to provide Wellesley Alums with a brave and supportive space to do just that. We will watch the selected movie together on Zoom, then discuss it for an hour. Anyone who has recently seen the film is welcome to join us for the discussion only, in the final hour.
We recommend but do not require, that participants join a WRJI Opening Conversation, especially if you have not previously participated in frank conversations about racism and its impact on BIPOC.
The WAAT program is an intensive study group, developed by a group of WRJI leaders over a 2-year period of intensive study and facilitated by them. WAAT consists of 9-10 sessions, scheduled approximately 2 weeks apart, with reading and writing assignments in between. WAAT "graduates" develop a personal anti-racism action plan, identifying ways in which they can impact racial justice and continue their own journey.
WAAT is intended for those who have participated in the Opening Conversation or another anti-racism experience. Interested alums will be contacted as future cohorts are formed.
The mission of the WRJI is to actively promote racial justice in our national culture and practice, as well as the wider world community, advancing inclusion and eliminating both institutional and internalized racism. We strive for 4 key goals: educate, amplify, activate , and to transform.
Our leaders are passionate about doing anti-racism work ourselves - together, in our families and communities, at work and in our own hearts. We move forward and back - taking on pieces of work as our busy lives permit, supported by one another, and our Executive Coordinator.
WRJI was born at Reunion 2017, when a small group raised the imperative to combat racism. We grew slowly for 3 years. In May of 2020, when the gruesome murder George Floyd amplified long-standing cries for anti-racism, Wellesley alums turned to WRJI; hundreds have participated in online programs since June 2020.
WRJI is led by Michele Leonard, '77. One of the founders of WRJI and a Class Co-President, Michele brings unwavering passion and commitment, along with years of organizational experience, anti-racism activism. She employs a steady, gentle leadership style to keep volunteers on course and mission-focused.
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All-cotton, v-neck and tapered style, soft t-shirt, printed front and back. Available in (female -gendered sizes) L/XL/XXL.
We hope our supporters and program participants. Just fill out an order form with #, size(s) and mailing address. If you choose, please DONATE HERE.
Copyright © 2019 Wellesley Racial Justice Initiative, Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
An independent movement of Wellesley Alums
We grieve the victims of Anti-Asian hate: verbal attacks, physical assaults, discrimination, and murder. These horrific events must stop and perpetrators held accountable. We stand in support of our Asian siblings, offering comfort for your pain.
In honor of AAPI Month, our May Movie Night will screen and discuss "Minari," with guest facilitator Cathi Kim, '03. Learn more and register HERE.
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