My Learning Circles
About Us
Why we do this
Our goal is to build multicultural, diverse, engaged communities and work to dismantle racism and other oppressions. My Learning Circles are opportunities to do some of that work, to expose ourselves to our true history, to increase awareness of ongoing oppressions, and to explore and reveal our reactions to issues concerning race and marganalization in America. We are animated by imagining "what if" a critical mass of us are exposed to this information and knowledge.
Why learning circles
As Maya Angelou reminds us, "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." This is a format where we learn together, strive to hear each other and express our doubts and discomfort, encourage each other, and learn in a safe small-group setting. It is a way to deepen our relationships and understanding.
Why is this for me
Many of us don’t have experience talking about racism, so it can feel scary. Are you ready to permit yourself to be vulnerable? Do you believe risk-taking helps us learn? Can you hold space for others to learn and be open to learning yourself? If so, My Learning Circles may be right for you. Remember, there can be shame when we notice our faulty, human pasts and present. In My Learning Circles, we forgive ourselves and begin again in love, and we allow others to do the same.