Better Camping for All: Antiracism & Organizing for Summer Camps

ABOUT THIS SERIES

Summer camps have a unique opportunity to create environments centered on community and human development. This is what makes summer camps essential to the work of antiracism as a community and as individuals. However, challenges exist within our institutions (agencies, camps, and companies) that create barriers and/or can create further harm. 

This is a two-part program: 

• Part I: Animating Antiracist Ways of Being (Digital Event)
• Part II: Foundations in Institutional Antiracism Organizing (In-Person, Chicago, IL) 

PART I: ANIMATING ANTIRACIST WAYS OF BEING*

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Digital Event

PART I Details

For people invested in transforming their institutions and ecologies to become racially just, it is critically important to understand what antiracism is and what it requires of leaders in institutions. This work includes building a shared understanding of how systemic racism operates within institutions, practice identifying its impacts, and tools for imagining solutions. The workshop is designed for institutions that want their staff as well as their leadership to build the shared framework and practice applying these frameworks to their own institutional life. 

Workshop Objectives

• Introduce a framework for understanding antiracism and what it requires of institutions and their leaders. 

• Frame systemic racism and its relationship to white dominant culture. 

• Begin exploring how systemic racism advantages white people and harms People of Color because of a socio-political arrangement we are all conditioned to accept. 

• Invite participants to grapple with how they are upholding this arrangement regardless of their intent. 

• Begin exploring the long-term strategic work of dismantling systemic racism in institutions and society.

*Due to the content and knowledge required for Part II, it is required participants attend Part I. Participants who are not in attendance during Part I: Animating Antiracist Ways of Being will not be permitted into Part II: Foundations for Institutional Antiracism Organizing.

PART II: FOUNDATIONS FOR INSTITUTIONAL ANTIRACISM ORGANIZING 

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

9:00am to 5:00pm (includes lunch)

Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago IL

PART II Details

In the context of an increasingly diverse and interconnected global landscape, the cultivation of an antiracist environment is of the utmost importance. As institutions continue to impact societal issues, nurturing a truly inclusive institutional culture of mutual respect and understanding will allow institutions to truly harness the organizational power of diversity. 

This daylong workshop will equip participants with the tools and skills that can be leveraged in the process of building a critical mass among institutional stakeholders and working towards ongoing, significant, structural antiracist transformation. 

Workshop Objectives

• Introduce the core principles of institutional organizing and its significance in fostering collective action for antiracism efforts.  

• Analyze power dynamics within organizational structures; and identify ways to interrupt and counter oppressive power dynamics.  

• Explore the ways relationships with both internal and external stakeholders can be leveraged to foster collaboration and solidarity. 

• Develop effective strategies that use resources efficiently to influence lasting change.

BONUS: Participants will receive a copy of the November DEIAJ & Antirasim Book Club: Reclaiming Community: Race and the Uncertain Future of Youth Work by Bianca Baldridge for free! Join us for the book club discussion here. (Coming soon!)

APPLICATION TO PARTICIPATE

This event is limited to one person per camp, however, a waitlist will be established for those organizations wishing to enroll more attendees. This event requires an application and acceptance. After acceptance, you will receive an invoice. Registration fee must be paid by the date listed on the invoice or the spot will be forfeited.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the space is full or 1 month prior to Part I.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS

Participants must attend Part I to gain entry into Part II. No exceptions can be made. We ask that if a participant cannot attend both parts not apply/register as this program has been designed for a cohort to be formed during Part I and continue into Part II.

COST TO ATTEND

This program rate is considered on a sliding scale, based on your agency or company's annual operating budget:

Annual operating budget of $50,000 or less: $50 per person

Annual operating budget of $50,001 - $100,000: $100 per person

Annual operating budget of $100,001 - $150, 000: $150 per person

Annual operating budget over $150,001: $200 per person

REBATES & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

• ACA Illinois Visitor Crew members will receive a $50 rebate if they register, pay, and attend this training.*

• DFI Title XX Camping Services Partner Agencies will receive a $50 rebate if they register, pay, and attend this training.*

• Financial assistance requests can be made on the application. 

*Participants must be present at both parts of the program to receive the rebate. Only 1 rebate per DFI Title XX agency. Visitor Crew rebate can not be transferred to other individuals and must be the actual, current member of the ACA Illinois Visitor Crew.  

THINGS TO KNOW

• Preregistration is required. Walk-ins and late registrations will not be accepted.

• Please notify us of any food-related allergies or needs before the event. (Otherwise, we may not be able to accommodate your needs.)

• Please notify us of any accommodations needed for you to attend these events prior to the events. 

• Parking will be included in this event and participants will be instructed on where to park prior to the event.

LOCATION & TYPE OF WORKSHOP 

PART I- This session is a live, virtual events and will utilize the Zoom Meeting platform. 

Please Note: ACA Illinois will not record this event.

PART II- This live event will take place in-person.

WHAT TO BRING TO WEBINAR & HOW TO PREPARE 

This is an interactive training course. Each person should be prepared to have their camera on, access to audio (including the ability to speak and hear,) and interact within the Zoom room via a computer. Bring a notebook/paper and pen for activities. 

THE FINE PRINT

You must pay for this event at time of registration. If you would like to pay by invoice/check, please contact registration@acail.org prior to registering.

Please Note: By registering and attending an ACA Illinois event or meeting, virtually or in person you are agreeing to all the event policies listed here. These policies include photo release, refund, link sharing, Code of Conduct, and other relative policies.