DAY 1: What is Critical Race Theory?

| CHALLENGE | DAY 1 | DAY 2 | DAY 3 | DAY 4 | DAY 5 | DAY 6 | DAY 7 | DAY 8 | DAY 9 | DAY 10 | DAY 11 | DAY 12 | DAY 13 | DAY 14 | DAY 15 | DAY 16 | DAY 17 | DAY 18 | DAY 19 | DAY 20 | DAY 21 |

Before we begin… 

We want to thank you for joining us in our Stand Against Racism Challenge! Made possible by YWCA USA, the SAR Challenge was “designed to help foster a virtual community of growth and learning around social, systemic, and institutional racial inequity by providing participants with dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership.” It has allowed YWCAs across the country to come together to engage in a nationwide challenge.

As we move in a new direction, the name of our challenge has changed from the 14-Day Racial Equity & Social Justice Challenge to the 21-Day Stand Against Racism (SAR) Challenge. Additionally, weekly blogs from our YWCA Spokane Racial & Social Justice Committee will be released with localized content related to the weekly themes released by the national organization. Our work starts now and continues every weekday from May 2 – May 30. Each day you will be presented a new topic supplemented with a few articles, videos, infographics, or podcasts to help you to take a deeper dive.

There may be points where you disagree with the position the editorial team has taken – we welcome that! All we ask is that you undertake this challenge with an open mind and willingness to explore new ideas and allow yourself to sit with any emotions they may bring up for you.

This content may be hard to process so having a self-care plan in place beforehand is a good idea. This can be anything including meditation before or after engaging, watching your favorite show, or doing something creative.

Do not feel any pressure to engage with every piece of content. The time required to complete each challenge and whether it is audio, visual, or interactive are listed upfront so that you can participate in a way that fits your schedule and learning style. We look forward to going on this journey towards true equity and justice with you!

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DAY 1: WHAT IS CRITICAL RACE THEORY?

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If you followed the news at all this past year, you probably heard about Critical Race Theory and what students are learning about race and racism in schools.

Today, we take some time to explore what CRT is, dispel some common misconceptions, and take a deep dive into the origins of this important academic movement, as well as some action items to ensure children learn a truthful accounting of our country’s history of systemic racism and how that legacy continues to impact our lives today.

Why do we need it?

Because we do not live in a post-racial society.

We have data on racial income inequality, wealth inequality, and housing inequality. We continue to see injustices against underserved racial communities.

Teaching how these injustices came to be is the first step in working towards racial progress.

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if you have…

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daily reflection

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Take a moment to reflect today’s challenge and any insights you experienced.

• How did this challenge make you feel?
• What did you learn?
• What did you notice about yourself after taking the challenge?
• Consider sharing this new awareness with a friend or group to help deepen your understanding of the information.
• Continue the conversation online and connect with others by joining our Racial & Social Justice Facebook group.

Let us know why this challenge is important to you by leaving your comment here. 

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Share each challenge online with #SARChallenge

| CHALLENGE | DAY 1 | DAY 2 | DAY 3 | DAY 4 | DAY 5 | DAY 6 | DAY 7 | DAY 8 | DAY 9 | DAY 10 | DAY 11 | DAY 12 | DAY 13 | DAY 14 | DAY 15 | DAY 16 | DAY 17 | DAY 18 | DAY 19 | DAY 20 | DAY 21 |

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support this work

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Racial Equity work is consistently underfunded. YWCA needs your help to continue to provide high quality programming like our Stand Against Racism Challenge.

Make a $21 investment in your own anti-racist development and challenge yourself to encourage 21 other people to take the challenge and match your $21 investment.

DONATE TODAY