The A.R.E. Project was born from a desire to encourage learning as a community, to hold each other accountable, but also to positively reinforce one another’s efforts in becoming actively anti-racist. As such, by entering the Project, each participant will adhere to these five principles

 

Transparency and trust : We’re here to listen, take suggestions, and create a safe and conducive learning environment for all. We hope our participants trust one another to keep confidentiality and have the best intentions during discussions.

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Education : We want to make learning about anti-Blackness approachable and sustainable. We also want to ensure the content is accessible to our participants. We have groups focusing on socio-economic, neurodivergent, and language accessibility, and we are continuing to discuss new ways to make our club accessible.

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Community : We value creating a healthy, safe community for all. We also try to support Black-owned businesses by directing participants to buy our selected content from Black-owned businesses and featuring Black creatives on our social media.

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Respect : We expect our participants to be respectful under all circumstances. We aspire to create a space conducive to discussion and education ; this can only be achieved through mutual respect.

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Compassion : We welcome anyone who is willing to learn, no matter how educated they are on racism. We assume the best intentions from our participants, but will recognize the impact if there is harm.

 

To make sure the monthly meetings remain a safe space and as conducive to learning and discussion as possible, we have come up with a list of agreements. If participants do not respect these, moderators will address it.

 

Agreements :

In order to maintain the purpose of the ARE Project’s dialogues, the dialogue seminar subgroup has created a list of agreements that all members will need to adhere to during our discussions. 
 

Keep your cameras on

We ask that all members keep your cameras on during meetings, primarily for safety reasons regarding participants’ identities, but also to help build a greater sense of community.

 

Add pronouns to your name

We also ask that each participant renames themselves on Zoom to include their pronouns. If you do not feel comfortable sharing your pronouns, we respect your wishes. Please address everyone by their preferred pronouns or use their first name if they do not wish to share their pronouns. 

 

Pass or pass for now

Each participant has the option to “pass” or “pass for now” if they are asked a question they don’t feel comfortable sharing or need more time to gather their thoughts. 

 

Be respectful of others’ opinions, do not force your own opinions on others

It is essential that all members agree to be respectful of others’ opinions and do not force their opinions onto other participants. Remember, the goal of these discussions to is learn, not persuade. 

 

Minimal profanity

To keep the conversations respectful and appropriate for our younger members, we ask that all participants try to avoid using profanity. We understand that slip ups may occur, but just be aware of the words you use in our discussions. 

 

No hate speech of any kind

Hate speech of any kind will not be tolerated during ARE Project meetings. 

 

No slurs

Slurs may only be used for educational purposes by people who are part of the group that the slur refers to. Slurs cannot be used by people outside this group and cannot be used to address or attack anyone. 

 

Assume good intentions

Since we are all here to learn, it is likely that members might make remarks that come across as offensive or rude. It is always best to assume that each member has good intentions and does not mean to be hurtful or hateful. Mistakes happen, and as a community dedicated to education, kindly correcting someone or explaining the impact of their remarks will help us all continue to learn.

 

Step up and step back

If you know yourself to be reserved, challenge yourself to talk more, we value your input and participation. On the contrary, if you tend to be very participative, take a breather once in a while, hearing others’ perspective will only enrich your own.

 

Ask questions of genuine interest

We expect you to ask questions you genuinely want the answers to,and not only for the sake of debate or provocation.

 

Speak as I, not we

Don’t expand your own point of view to a generalized group, your own experience is valid in itself.

 

Respect confidentiality

Never share any personal information or opinions that were divulged in the meetings.

 

Lean into uncomfortable topics

 

If you feel unsafe in your room, contact Sasha or Hannah

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We reserve the right to refuse participation to the meetings to those violating the code of conduct at the discretion of the host or project organizers.

If a breach to either the values or the meeting agreements is committed in any of the ARE Project’s online spaces, the organizers will determine the best way to proceed in order to maintain our learning ideals and a safe space for others.