Since George Floyd's murder there has been a lot of reflexive reactions from non-profit institutions around the world trying to play "catch up " when addressing structural racism and inequality within their ranks. While from the outside this is good, many of these institutions unknowingly or knowingly, put the burden of educating and pushing forward these difficult changes on their BIPOC employee's. I cant tell you how many work shops, DEI seminars or diversity conversations ive been asked to be apart of. It can be overwhelming. Frankly I'm tired. I wanted to see if other folks are having similar thoughts and experiences.
I hear you and yes I agree. I try to look at it this way though. For YEARS, I have wanted my voice heard, and now everyone wants to hear it. For me yes it is tiring, but like everything else, it will eventually die down, so I am trying to take advantage of every opportunity while the iron is hot and I have their attention.. If people are really trying to do better, then I will do what I can to help, including when being invited, encouraging them to be careful of not putting the burden of it on their BIPOC friends. We have an opportunity to educate and guide in a way that has NEVER allowed us to do so in the past. We just need to make sure we take care of ourselves. Also, maybe tag team. If someone comes to you and you are tired at the moment and need to emotionally recoup (because it can be tolling on the soul,) graciously decline but offer a colleague that can step in in your place so the opportunity isn't lost. We are all in this together.. Hope this helps. Stand strong, we will get through this. UBUNTU
Jason, I understand where you are coming. Personally these are matters that have been bothered my for as long as i can remember. While there been multiple attempts to provoke discussion or action at some point I found myself just finding my own of way dealing with "the way things are". Now finding myself breaking from that mold and having to try to educate others but also having to prepare myself to defend these matters. It's weighs down trying to find the right way to present things or discuss things to ensure that the work nor myself gets discredited. The seminars, workshops, and discussions are truly helping me by not only reminding myself that these are important matters and providing resources, mechanisms, strategies in making progress. But its providing me support that I am not in this alone and that it needs to stay the matter of our attention and focus.
I continuously am trying to remind myself that 'I am not an expert on this', 'I do not speak for all', 'there isn't a magic solution', and probably most importantly 'I will get something wrong'. What's becoming evident that this also must be recognized, understood, and shared with the is the individuals I stand beside in this effort, my colleagues, and the leadership team. And personally this is what weighs on me and wearing at me.
Not just you!
Ashley
Absolutely, it’s tiring. While I haven’t had the same experience at my job I can understand how frustrating it must be. I agree that this will die down and so I’d also like to strike while the iron is hot, but I don’t have the answers.
It might be helpful for us to come together and discuss strategies, perhaps enlist a professional to talk to us about this. Frankly its a lot of pressure, I don’t know the answers. Donna Walker-Kuhn might be a great resource.
Im glad I'm not the only one. I guess the part that is most disheartening is that folks are not being compensated for this additional work. This is part of a larger narrative that i have seen happening in businesses across the country. I see everyone's point, its important to "strike" when the iron is hot. But also times are already stressful and expecting marginalized communities do do this extra heavy lifting in these times is crazy. Its the ultimate catch 22
If you're being asked by an organization to do this additional work, then you should be compensated! I'm curious if a colleague asks to have a conversation to better understand your personal experience, does that also feel draining?
I appreciate your courage. You are not alone. It is exhausting. I don't know what the solution is, but for now I am acknowledging these feelings are valid and working on self care.
Depends on the colleague and the context. But for the most part im past trying to explain structural racism and its inpacts on my daily life to white people. Thats a choice i made about 6 years ago. I dont fault or knock others who do, i just dont have the bandwidth anymore
I hear you, and you are allowed to be. Make sure to take care of yourself.
You are so right Jason. We have a history of being asked to go above and beyond and contribute more, with little to no compensation or acknowledgement of our work. I think each person's situation and experience is different, some may be ready and willing to jump in and take on the task, however, we should feel empowered to say "I am not an expert in this field and you should hire someone who is". Frankly, if this topic is as crucial to the future of the organization as many are claiming it is, then it is also worthy budget support. Perhaps we can source a list of qualified people/organizations that we can share with individuals and organizations that are seeking advise/change.