I woke up today knowing that I had to continue writing about how we dismantle racism. Many of you wander by my postings and read them, but I see many of you move on. As part of my work, I dedicate myself to connecting with as many people as possible, so I speak to people daily about their relationship with racism. Most people squirm and wiggle and prepare to be blamed. Often, that’s what happens.[1] Yet, most leaders right now are not interested in taking the issue seriously.
In the middle of the summer last year, numerous nonprofits called me requesting assistance to address institutionalized racism. However, what they actually wanted was staff training. I remain confused about why the staff is the issue. In most cases and assessments I have conducted, the issues rarely relate to direct relationships between clients and staff. In fact, most clients are loyal to their agencies because of their relationships with frontline staff. Yet, the standard protocol is to “fix” the staff.
However, in most cases, I find most leaders want to sit in the middle, just on the other side of silence. When I do get to talk to them, they are terrified and exhausted. The existential awareness of the burden of responsibility is beginning to set in. Many of them spend time reflecting on what the hell everyone is talking about. In the end, nonprofit leaders are willing to hire consultants, get “training,” and then continue on with business as usual. I can’t believe how many times I have heard the following:
“We talk to our clients all the time. We can speak for them.”
“We have all the answers already. We know what to do. Why do we have to ask them again?”
“Our students won’t be able to do that process. It’s too complicated. It’s too academic.”
“Maybe we should dumb it down.”
“Just fix it. Stop talking and get to work.”
“I did cultural competency in college. I work in communities of color. I am not the enemy.”
“Why won’t POCs just listen? We have done this stuff for years. Doesn’t our experience count?”
“As a donor, I don’t want to fund anyone who isn’t willing to be a true American.”
I have had White men list their affiliations with POCs as criteria for being “woke.” And the list goes on.
Fear be damned, and discomfort is a terrible reason to not do anything. So, it is time to reach out and find someone to talk to about race. And not just about race, but what plan you have to break your own patterns, see where you have and continue to remain silent, and what you need to break your silence. The call to action is now! Reach out to me if you find yourself terrified! (arthur.padilla@stratag.works).
[1] Read my blog on Fault versus Responsibility to get my perspective on this issue.
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