Next Steps

Remember, racism is systemic or structural. This means that it was constructed by particular practices, including legal and social policies, as well as on-going everyday practices. As a result, we can help end racism by taking action to stop these policies and practices. Feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of structural racism is real, but small steps add up and lead to more significant changes. This is how we breakdown whiteness—brick by brick.

These next steps come from No Innocent Bystanders: Becoming an Ally in the Struggle for Justice. 

oNE: Connect

Start with an organization or group close to you to connect with people who share your concerns, for opportunities to learn, and with concrete activities for change. If possible, select an organization that is run or led by BIPOC community members. Some anti-racism groups specifically for white people have white leaders; in this case the group should have easily identifiable practices of accountability and allyship.

TWO: Amplify

In a world of misinformation and disinformation, allies should be working to share accurate information via social media, at local events, in the workplace, and at the dinner table.

Three: Advocate

The group with whom you connect will have, or be working to develop a policy agenda. These changes often require contacting elected officials, holding community events, marching in demonstrations, talking to your neighbors, and so on. 

Four: Accompany

Accompaniment is a tradition that comes from Christian ministries during the Salvadoran Revolution. The practice is translated into ally movements when members of a dominant group use their privilege to acknowledge and affirm the human dignity of BIPOC, stand with them  to provide safety (such as white protestors standing by police lines to protect Black protestors), or go with them when navigating government systems.   

Five: Impede

It takes time to change unjust policies and practices. Slowing them down through strategies like flooding elected officials with contacts, create public documentation that archives unjust practices like a social media account or website, use protest to disrupt legislative cycles or local activities, and so on. 

Six: Celebrate

Structural racism devalues people and cultures. Celebrating those people, cultures, traditions, and histories is an act of resistance. Do so in cooperation with BIPOC groups to avoid cultural appropriation.