Foundational Training: Structural Racism and Advancing Equity Training 1

Preparing to Take Action to Dismantle Structural Racism

Trainer: Ruth Shim, MD, MPH

This course provides an introduction and overview of key concepts associated with dismantling structural racism and advancing health equity. It is often difficult to have open and thoughtful conversations about race and racism and particularly, its impact on society and on individuals with mental health problems and substance use disorders.
Thus, a significant amount of preparation is needed before taking action to dismantle structural racism.

This course will introduce key definitions and terminology related to health equity and structural racism. Additionally, the development of a practice of self-reflection is needed to increase knowledge and awareness of how structural racism impacts clients experiencing mental health problems.

Participants will be encouraged to practice self-reflection and commit to lifelong learning as it relates to advancing health equity.

Download the presentation slides here.

Agenda Topics

1. Introduction and Framing of the Issue

2. Key Concepts and Definitions

3. Practicing Self-Reflection and Dialogue

4. Understanding the Urgency

5. Creating a Plan for Preparation

6. Commitments and Next Steps

Learning Objectives

As a result of attending this training, participants will be able to:

1. Define key concepts, related to health equity, including social justice, structural racism, social determinants of mental health, and mental health inequities.

2. Improve efficacy in initiating and participating in dialogue about structural racism and its impact on health and mental health outcomes.

3. Develop a practice of self-reflection when exploring concepts related to structural racism.

Assignments

This self-directed learning course is designed to be an engaging introduction to developing a life-long practice of self-reflection. For 15 days (over 3 months), as a community, we will commit to reading, watching, and listening to the provided educational content. Each day’s content should take an average of 20 minutes to complete. After each day’s content, you will be asked to answer self-reflection questions to deepen your understanding of structural racism. Please spend 10-15 minutes reflecting by writing your thoughts down (journaling) in response to the questions/prompts.

Please complete the first 5 days of content before our first training on September 15. To allow for ample time, you may consider allotting 1 hour total for each day of content.

Day 1: White Privilege & White Fragility
1. Watch this video (6 minutes): How ‘white fragility’ reinforces racism
2. Read article (15 minutes): White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack
3. Answer the self-reflection question: In what ways have I experienced privileges associated with my race (or other aspects of my identity)?

Day 2: How Race Was Made
1. Listen to this podcast (29 minutes): How Race Was Made
2. Answer the self-reflection question: How did you feel upon hearing the description about where whiteness came from?

Day 3: The Economy That Slavery Built
1. Listen to this podcast (31 minutes): The Economy That Slavery Built
2. Answer the self-reflection question: In what ways have you personally benefited from (or been harmed by) a racist, capitalistic economy? What might economic justice look like for oppressed groups, and how might this economic justice affect you personally?

Day 4: Black Lives Matter, Colorism, and Anti-Black Racism
1. Watch this video (9 minutes): Colorism and White Latinx Privilege
2. Rad this article (20 minutes): Asian Americans’ Indifference to Black Lives Matter
3. Answer the self-reflection question: What role has anti-Black racism had in your personal and professional life? In what ways have you experienced indifference to anti-Black racism (now or in the past)?

Day 5: How to Be an Anti-Racist
1. Watch this video (19 minutes): The Atlantic Festival with James Fallows
2. Answer the self-reflection question: How does it feel to consider that anti-racism is not a fixed identity, and thus, that you must reaffirm your identity as an antiracist from moment to moment?

Weekend BONUS #1 (this activity is optional and can also be completed with family, friends, learning communities, etc)
1. Watch the documentary film I Am Not Your Negro (available on Netflix, iTunes, YouTube, Hulu, GooglePlay, Amazon Prime)
2. Answer the self-reflection questions: What were your initial reactions to this film? How have your reactions changed with time and discussion with others?