Please join us for a new training series sponsored by the 3 County Continuum of Care and the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness. Presented by Racial Equity Partners (REP), the series offers 5 online sessions, each exploring a topic that will deepen participants’ understanding on the impact of structural racism. The goal is for attendees to gain a better understanding of the history of race and white supremacy, the impact of racial trauma, and racial disparities in homelessness, all grounded in the importance and value of people with lived experience to affect systems change. We will strengthen our relationships and learn from people with lived experience about their ideas and strategies to address racial inequities.
Participants should plan to attend all five training sessions – and need to register to attend. Session details are below. Each session has its own registration link. Once you have registered, you will receive log-in instructions by email.
Session 1: Defining Lived Experience
Wednesday, March 1, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm/EST
Click to register for session 1 here
This session will review the concept of “lived experience” and ”lived expertise” and share how organizations work to center and integrate PLE into decision making, advocacy and systems change. We’ll also discuss fundamental knowledge about organizations and federal housing programs (construct, acronyms, language) – and the different ways to engage with them – from services to advocacy – in the work to end homelessness.
Session 2: he History of White Supremacy and Becoming Antiracist
Wednesday, March 15, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm/EST
Click to register for session 2 here.
This session will provide some history on race and white supremacy in America, discuss white privilege and how it has advantaged and disadvantaged groups and strategies for becoming antiracist.
Session 3: Understanding and Overcoming Trauma
Wednesday, March 29, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm/EST
Click to register for session 3 here.
This session will introduce the trauma-informed care framework to complement the work of racial equity. Attendees will learn the connection between racism and trauma and intergenerational trauma; they will also learn how to respond both to others and to self- in order to move through the experience of trauma towards healing. Trauma-resiliency and self-care will be highlighted, necessary to fuel the work of racial equity and inclusion.
Session 4: Deconstructing Capitalism: Foundations of our Financial System
Wednesday, April 12, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm/EST
Click to register for session 4 here.
This session will show the connection between structural racism and asset building and break down basic financial system concepts (e.g. the market, stocks & bonds, credit and equity). Gain an understanding of these and related concepts to help build your knowledge for financial stability.
Session 5: Historical Barriers to Home Ownership & Finding a Path Forward
Wednesday, April 26, 1:00pm – 2:30pm/EST
Click to register for session 5 here.
This session will provide an understanding of the structural barriers that have impacted home ownership for people of color. Get an overview of the steps and terms related to home ownership and what’s needed to lay your own foundation for the future.
