Building on this we created the A.C.T.I.V.E. Approach for training participants in antiracism.

Action-orientated

It is not enough to merely watch a video or read text. One must engage with the material to fully grasp the concepts. This is the reason interactive exercises and  assessments (online) are so important. Equally, the content promotes new ways to behave around racially minoritised people, therefore encouraging new ways to act.

“Fresh approach and new information on fundamental concepts, and exercises that reinforced concepts in a powerful way.”  Birth Companions 2021

Challenging

There is no change without challenge. Though kind in its intention, the work is designed to prompt people to act differently. To do that, one must feel compelled through personal challenge. The content encourages learners to rethink attitudes, behaviours and policies that although have become the norm, discriminate.

“I felt a realisation that I have turned a blind eye to some behaviour and failed to act. I also reflected on some of my behaviours where I have come from a place of defensiveness when I have been challenged on language.”

Coventry City of Culture Trust Oct 2020

Thought-provoking

Sessions are filled with prompting questions, designed to push participants past what they already know and to consider different points of views and concepts perhaps they hadn’t previously. This can lead to understanding where change needs to take place and being motivated to do so.

“Thank you, Rebbecca, for a really interesting and thought-provoking session. Hopefully it’s the starting point for us to make some changes”  

Irene Taylor Trust, Jan 2021

Introspective

Cultures and organisations are made of individuals. Our approach starts with educating the individual first to influence culture. Through kind critical dialogue, learners are prompted to question and re-evaluate personal thoughts and attitudes.

“…it changed my life, my way of thinking and most importantly my way of reacting. I am a better person for it and the conversations I have had since, no matter how uncomfortable have helped me to grow! Thanks!!

Avanti West Coast Participant

Validating

Often ethnic minorities simply want their experiences heard and acknowledged, often they are denied their reality as people avoid conversations about race. Through teaching about structural racism, this promotes validation and opens the doors to honest discourse and consequently appropriate action.

“It will allow me to be more vocal within a work context and help me on my journey of 'not prefacing or concluding every response on this topic with something to soften a blow or make others comfortable.”

Geese Theatre Company Oct 21

Empathetic and safe

To enter such dialogue requires participants to become vulnerable. This can only happen if the environment is deemed safe. Creating such spaces is a priority in our work. This is achieved in part by creating judgement-free zones.  

“Thank you for handling a difficult subject with gentleness & strong lead - a difficult balance. Questions were handled directly and with tact”

University of Sussex 2021