Plexus Education Foundation Presents
A Seat at the Table: Navigating Family Dynamics as an Ally
Description
In today's diverse and interconnected world, being an ally is not just a role we play in professional settings—it's also crucial within our own families. However, navigating allyship within family dynamics can present unique challenges and complexities. "A Seat at the Table" is a dynamic and interactive training session designed to address these challenges head-on, offering participants the opportunity to engage in facilitated conversations, problem-solving exercises, and strategic planning to effectively support marginalized family members and create inclusive family environments.
Objectives
- Deepen understanding of what allyship is and looks like in everyday interactions
- Identify common family situations requiring allyship
- Review strategies that will address family situations
Components
- Explore the complexities of allyship within family dynamics: Participants will delve into the various factors that influence allyship within the family context, including power dynamics, intergenerational differences, cultural backgrounds, and personal relationships.
- Identify common family situations requiring allyship: Through interactive discussions and real-life scenarios, participants will identify and analyze common situations where allyship is needed within family settings. These scenarios may include addressing microaggressions, supporting LGBTQ+ family members, challenging discriminatory beliefs, and more.
- Develop strategies for effective allyship: Participants will collaborate to develop practical strategies and action plans for navigating challenging family situations as allies. They will explore communication techniques, boundary setting, conflict resolution strategies, and ways to foster empathy and understanding within the family unit.
- Foster a supportive and inclusive family culture: Through reflective exercises and group discussions, participants will explore ways to cultivate a culture of inclusivity, respect, and acceptance within their own families. They will brainstorm ideas for promoting open dialogue, celebrating diversity, and creating safe spaces for all family members to thrive.
Recommended Reading
Barker, M.-J. & Scheele, J. (2016). Queer: A graphic history. Icon Books.
Bauman, J. (2019). The Stonewall reader. Penguin Classics.
Bourne, S. (2021). Allies: Real Talk About Showing Up, Screwing Up, and Trying Again. DK, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.
Chen, A. (2020). Ace: What asexuality reveals about desire, society, and the meaning of sex. Beacon Press.
Dawson, J. (2015). This book is gay. Sourcebooks Fire.
Gainsburg, J. (2020). The savvy ally: A guide for becoming a skilled LGBTQ+ advocate. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
Getty, S. (2020). How to They/Them: A Visual Guide to Nonbinary Pronouns and the World of Gender Fluidity. Sasquatch Books.
Givisser, M. (2020). The pink line: Journeys across the world's queer frontiers. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Habib, S. (2019). We have always been here: A queer Muslim memoir. Viking.
Hall, D. M. (2009). Allies at work: Creating a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender inclusive work environment. Out & Equal Workplace Advocates.
Kobabe, M. (2019). Gender queer: A memoir. Oni Press.
Koenecke, L. (2021). Be an Inclusion Ally: ABCs of LGBTQ+. Lisa Koenecke, LLC.
Thompkins, C. (2021). Raising LGBTQ allies: A parent's guide to changing the messages from the playground. Rowman & Littlefield.
password required