GPS for Solidarity
We believe that diverse groups of people can and must come together to address racism and oppression. We know that Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) deserve a place to speak their truths where they simultaneously do not need to take care of others or suffer any consequences for what they say. We know that white people must prioritize this work and have a space to grapple with hard realities of intersectionality, privilege and power.
Solidarity groups are a powerful approach to bringing diverse groups of people together to redefine how we address conflict and move situations forward. Utilizing the GPS model, we address how to set new standards of engagement and partnership. Solidarity Groups provide opportunities for reflection on how our different identities and approaches to conflict have impacted our ability to choose our actions.
Why do some of us go quiet during conflict while others of us want to call someone out? How do we address situations from microaggressions to major offenses without blowing everything up? Solidarity Groups allow us to address the emotional aspects of conflicts and simultaneously expand our own ability to address challenging situations through a relational approach that centers our integrity with a commitment to the best overall outcomes.
GPS for Solidarity was developed in partnership with Loretta Ross as part of her series of classes, “Ending White Supremacy” and “Calling In the Calling Out Culture”. For more information: Lorettaross.com
"It’s not enough to learn about white supremacy. All of us have to do the work of dismantling it both in ourselves and in the world. We have to take on the challenges of Call Out culture and learn how to Call In. GPS is the place where I send people to do the work of ending white supremacy and learning how to Call In!"
~ Professor Loretta Ross, Smith College, Co-Founder of Sister Song and 14th Strategies Consultant, and author of “Calling In the Calling Out Culture”
"GPS has created a transformational process that allows us to address the very core of the issues and this is exactly what we need right now."
Solidarity Group Participant
"In Solidarity Groups I listened more attentively, was not distracted and found myself wanting to reach for community in a way that is unfamiliar, unknown and at the same time, what I’ve always longed for."
Solidarity Group Participant
"We were able to have really open, honest, and meaningful conversations about race that I never thought were possible before. We said hard things and instead of feeling estranged from each other, I felt more compassion. More importantly, I am now ready to take on the next challenges in my organization to end structural racism."
Solidarity Group Participant
Learn more at: lorettaross.com