:: goals and objectives

It is not often that we hear the words "white privilege." Racism is a term we hear more often. These words are closely related, although the parallel is almost never drawn. White privilege is the flip-side of racism, the unearned entitlements and advantages that Whites receive at the expense of people of color. This conferene will address white privilege, as it is a crucial step in education and action against racism. In our society it is rarely, if ever, talked about. This conference will create a safe space for dialogue and education. Through speakers, discussions, panels, and workshops we will work together to create a common language around privilege, think about how privileges is exercised in our own lives and understand how we carry our whiteness with us through the world. This conference will provide a safe, yet challenging space for self-reflection and honest conversations. It is a chance for all people regardless, of education or social identity to come together to ask the questions, "what is white privilege, what does it look like in my life and what can I do about it?"

We have many exciting and challenging workshops, panel, and discussions planned. Some of the issues that will be addressed in the conference are: how should Whites should feel about being white (the question of white pride), the history of the concept of whiteness, internalized domination, fears and guilt, collusion, and defensiveness and other methods of avoiding responsibility. This conference will also give people tools and resources to take action. This will involve looking at the cost and benefits of racism to white people, addressing consequences of taking action, and collectively developing tactics and strategies that will allow for white people to be allies as well as to do anti-racist work respectfully.