MSPJC knows that oppression affects all of us, and it’s only through looking at these hurts that we can heal ourselves and our society so that we can build a truly just and peaceful community. It is with this understanding that MSPJC’s training program, G.O.T. Power, has been offering a series of anti-oppression workshops facilitated by Laura Sullivan this fall.
Laura does an amazing job of offering important theory to be able to cognitively understand these oppressions, while also offering a safe and confidential space for individuals to do some healing work around how these oppressions have affected them personally. Due to the intimacy of these workshops, participation is limited to 8 or 10 people. We will continue to offer these and more anti-oppression workshops in 2013.
Did you know that there’s such a thing as oppression of activists? Ever had someone put you down because you failed to meet their expectation of your activist nature? As with all forms of oppression, it can be internalized too. Ever beat yourself up for not doing enough? These are examples of topics that are addressed in the Emotional Support for Activists workshop. We’ve all heard of activist burn-out. This workshop also encourages self-care so that we can do this important work for a lifetime, while maintaining a healthy balance. This workshop will be offered again on December 12th from 6-9 at the Memphis Center for Independent Living. Space is limited to 8 people. Register here to join us.
Empowerment for Women was offered twice in November. This workshop particularly focuses on ‘internalized sexism’—the ways that we internalize the messages of sexism and act them out, often hurtingourselves and other women. It also addresses the relationship between interpersonal and institutional sexism, and the role of socioeconomic issues in women’s oppression. Within this framework, topics are addressed that match participants’ interests which may include reclaiming physical space, interrupting sexism, body image and appearance issues, overcoming competition, addictions to food and other substances, and more. Email gio@midsouthpeace.org to be put on a wait list for the next Empowerment for Women workshop after the first of the year.
Ending Racism- Building Alliances between White People and People of Color was offered in November and on December 2nd. Racism is a pervasive oppression that hurts everyone, and our city is especially affected. This workshop provides a chance to learn about the role of emotional hurts in installing and perpetuating racism, and will give a chance to do some sharing and emotional healing around this important issue. Email gio@midsouthpeace.org to be put on a wait list for the next Ending Racism workshop to be offered after the first of the year.