A few quick tips for countering oppression at BUF

A few quick tips for countering oppression at BUF

 ~ Don't make and/or Challenge your assumptions.   Eric Law talks about how

  

 ~ Ask Questions  -  Demonstrate “Holy Curiosity”

 ~ Be mindful of your (white, male, economic, relational, educated, accredited, clergy, professional, hetero, cis, "been around for forever", etc.) privilege in any given interaction and/or space and think about how to best equalize the power dynamic.

~ Consider that everyone has more identities (and history) than you're aware of.  No one is just a race + gender expression + orientation. Our identities are infinite.

 ~ Welcome discomfort. There's so much more opportunity there.

 ~ Be mindful of how much space you claim, and what that might mean for others.

~ Don't touch people (or things) without explicit consent.             Not everyone responds to touch the same way; not all "friendly" touch is appropriate.

 ~ Be mindful of your language and that there may be someone within earshot to whom it may be exclusionary/hurtful.

 ~ Try to Listen more than you speak.   

 ~ When you speak, speak (only) for yourself (unless requested to speak for a group).

~ Don't make a member of a marginalized group responsible for your education about issues of marginalization and oppression. Seek out those allied people and groups (like Allies for Racial Equity) dedicated to helping with that.

~ Be aware that your intent will not always = the impact of your words & actions.

~ Try not to take things personally.

 ~ Be open to learning.

 ~ Exercise humility.

~ Remember that not everyone has the same information!             Share respectfully if you have the opportunity.