While there are a few short articles and guides addressing the challenges and complexities of leading white affinity groups, there has never been a detailed handbook exclusively focused on the skills and perspectives necessary for white racial affinity group facilitators. There are many challenges in facilitating these groups including the need to have a deep theoretical understanding of racism and how it impacts your specific group; a high degree of racial self-awareness; sustained work addressing the impact of racism in one’s own life; sensitivity to and the ability to work with the range of skills and degrees of awareness participants bring; and strong facilitation and conflict resolution skills.The Facilitator’s Guide for White Affinity Groups is the first in-depth guide for anyone leading these groups in academic courses, facilitator training, mediation training, workplace diversity programs, antiracism workshops, faith communities, and racial and social justice groups. Dr. Robin DiAngelo and Amy Burtaine, who collectively bring over 20 years of experience leading anti-racist education and racial affinity groups present:a theoretical framework for understanding racism;a case for the value of racial affinity groups as a tool for challenging racism;a guide to assessing group readiness for affinity groups and evaluating progress;both a “universal” set of guidelines and guidelines for specific groups in various contexts (i.e. workplace or community settings);what to look for in strong affinity group facilitators;scenarios to illustrate common challenges;a glossary of definitions;exercises, discussion prompts, and assessment tools.Written accessibly for a wide range of readers and backgrounds, The Facilitator’s Guide for White Affinity Groups will be an important reference for anyone committed to anti-racism work.
