A collage of photographs of African American families and children, all smiling for the camera.

Tools to Get You Started

Encourage confidence to act

This section will provide downloadable documents that you can use to begin work in your state. Please note this is not an exhaustive list rather it is one to help you begin to do this work. You will find a mix of presentation docs, training modules, articles, Ted Talks and more.

Section Highlights

Dismantling Racism Works Web Workbook

Dismantling Racism Works (dRworks) closed in May 2017 after offering trainings, workshops, and organizational consulting for over 12 years, and for another decade before that under the name of ChangeWork.

dRworks’ web-based workbook was originally designed to support the Dismantling Racism Works 2-day basic workshop. The workbook is offered as a resource to the community. Please credit dRworks if and when you use this resource.

Implicit Bias Training Modules: from The Kirwin Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at the University of Ohio. The modules which are research based focus primarily on implicit bias and are designed in short segments for you to learn at your pace.

Tools from Trying Together is an excellent list that offers resources for parents, community members schools and anyone interested in doing this work. Of note, under the Resources for Discussing Racism and Violence with Children section there is a moving New York Times article, Talking to Children about Race, Policing and Violence and a discussion where journalists chat about their own experiences and how they had “The Talk” with their children.

Select a category

Rest to Create Change

Throughout the history of the United States, Black labor has often been exploited, even as Black people have been mischaracterized and stereotyped as lazy or indolent. The work to end racism has always required effort – physical, mental and emotional.

Rest to Create Change highlights the importance of rest as we work against racism in our communities. You will learn about:

  • Why sleep is important
  • The difference between rest and sleep
  • Why rest matters in this work
  • How to develop a rest practice and “rest leaders”
  • The history of yoga and rest in the Black Community

Please use and share these resources with others who are working to end racism.

Sleep and Rest

Sleep and Rest
A person lays in bed underneath the bedding, appearing very tired.
  • Why is Sleep Important?
  • The Difference Between Sleep and Rest
  • Black Americans and Sleep: The Connection between Sleep, Rest, and Health Disparities in the Black Community

Rest in Practice

Rest in Practice
Letters from the game Scrabble spelling the word REST.

A rest practice is not built overnight. It takes time to cultivate. There is no wrong way to rest, the key is developing a consist practice. Listen to Yetta Myrick, FamU Co-Lead, in conversation with her yoga teacher, Adriana Adelé, as they talk about their rest practice journey.

Podcasts

Podcasts
Radiant Rest Podcast promotional image with a person standing peacefully with arms in the air on a beach.

The Radiant Rest Podcast, hosted by Tracee Stanley, is a source for all things yoga nidra, rest, sleep, and dreams. Tracee Stanley states “I believe that the unique practice of Yoga Nidra offered to us by the ancient sages, is the healing salve for our times.” The Radiant Rest podcast includes conversations with Dr. Gail Parker, Michelle Cassandra Johnson, Tricia Hersey, and Octavia Raheem.

Finding refuge podcast cover art.

The Finding Refuge Podcast, hosted by Michelle Cassandra Johnson, “exists to remind us about all the ways we can find refuge during unsettling and uncertain times, and to remind us about the resilience and joy that comes from allowing ourselves to find refuge.” The Finding Refuge Podcast includes conversations with Adriana Adelé, Octavia Raheem, and Tracee Stanley.

Rest Practices and Resources

Rest Practices and Resources
Call the Nap Ministry Hotline for a Recorded Rest Message, 1-833-LUV-NAPS

In Radiant Rest, Tracee Stanley explains, “Deep relaxation practices help us to relax systemically and to bring awareness to all the parts of ourselves that require loving attention.”

“We must believe we are worthy of rest. We don’t have to earn it. It is our birthright. It is one of our most ancient and primal needs.”-Tricia Hersey, Author of Rest is Resistance

Terms and Definitions

Terms and Definitions
Closeup of a dictionary defining the word focus.

Michelle Cassandra Johnson and Dr. Gail Parker define terms throughout their various books to support shared learning and understanding.  

History

History
Rosa parks holds a yoga pose on a colorful mat.

Stephanie Y. Evans, PhD, a professor and the director of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Georgia State University, and the author of Black Women in the Ivory Tower, 1850-1954: An Intellectual History surveyed 200 black women’s life narratives and found 50 references to yoga. In the September 2021 Yoga Journal article, “The Story Behind Rosa Parks and Yoga”, Dr. Evan states, “one reference was from Sheila McCauley, the niece of Rosa Parks. McCauley wrote about yoga as a family practice and about Mrs. Parks as an avid yogini.” These references confirm that yoga has long been a form of self-care in the Black community.

“What Mrs. Parks teaches us is that self-care is part of resistance—she lived to the age of 92 because she began to center her own health needs, even as she continued with lifelong activism in Detroit and beyond” says Dr. Evans. You can learn more about Rosa Parks Practicing Yoga on the the Library of Congress website.

Did you know that Eartha Kitt and John and Alice Coltrane were dedicated yogis? The Uncommon Yogi: A History of Blacks and Yoga in the U.S., created by Jana Long, E-RYT 500, Executive Director and co-founder of the Black Yoga Teachers Alliance, is a short documentary that provides an historical view of yoga practice in black communities in the United States. You can screen the film and watch the Q&A with Jana through the Yoga Alliance.

Cultural Awareness Tools

Implicit Bias

Implicit Bias
A person holds a sign reading "Are you even LEGAL?"

According to the Perception Institute:

“Thoughts and feelings are “implicit” if we are unaware of them or mistaken about their nature. We have a bias when, rather than being neutral, we have a preference for (or aversion to) a person or group of people. Thus, we use the term “implicit bias” to describe when we have attitudes towards people or associate stereotypes with them without our conscious knowledge. A fairly commonplace example of this is seen in studies that show that white people will frequently associate criminality with Black people without even realizing they’re doing it.”

Learn more

Stereotypes

Stereotypes

Stereotypes are the internalized feelings, attitudes, opinions and assumptions that people hold. They color the way we interact. Define stereotypes then move to group activity and discussion

This section can be conducted as part of a cultural diversity/competence training or as a stand-alone team building session after Implicit Bias Training and Reframing Language activity.

Learn more

Reframing Language

Reframing Language

Reframing is a restating a negative word or thought and making it more positive. Reframing is a powerful tool to help us begin changing our mindset by changing our language.

The following activity can be done as a (15 mins) team building exercise and should be followed up by the stereotyping activity. In a presentation, pull out a few examples to embed in PowerPoint (5-7 mins).

Learn more

White Privilege

White Privilege
White Privilege. If you can't see it, you got it.
“If only one of these areas impacted communities of color disproportionately, an explanation might be found in some sociological factor other than race. But where race is a common thread running through virtually every inequality in our society, we are left with only one conclusion: white, European Americans enjoy a wide range of privileges that are denied to persons of color in our society. These privileges enable white persons to escape the injustices and inconveniences which are the daily experience of racial ethnic persons. Those who are white assume that they can purchase a home wherever they choose if they have the money; that they can expect courteous service in stores and restaurants; that if they are pulled over by a police car it will be for a valid reason unrelated to their skin color. Persons of color cannot make these assumptions.”

Learn more

Racial Microaggressions

Racial Microaggressions
An African American woman holds a sign reading "you're really pretty...for a dark skin girl."

“As defined by psychologist D.W. Sue, who has studied the topic extensively, a microaggression is a “brief and commonplace slight/insult that communicates hostility or prejudice towards particular groups of people”. The term was coined by Harvard professor Chester M. Pierce in 1970 in response to insults and dismissals he witnessed inflected on black Americans. While many argue against the validity of microaggressions based on the fact that it’s an entirely subjective claim, when presented with examples, an overwhelming majority of us recognize these phrases.”

“You’re very pretty for a dark skinned woman”

Learn more at focusforhealth.org

Slang Vs. Slander

Slang Vs. Slander
Artists' depictions of the text 'slang' and 'slander.'

SLANG: WHAT IS A KAREN?
The term “Karen” was made popular by social media and is used to refer to a person (without using their real name) who uses their privilege to “report” on situations they deem “suspicious”. There are tales that the name was a reference to a girl named Karen in the 2004 movie Mean Girls.

Learn more

Cultural Growth Tools

Self Assessment Tools

Self Assessment Tools
A screenshot of the document, Cultural Competence Personal Self Assessment.

This tool was developed to heighten your awareness of how you view people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) populations.

Learn more

Anti Racism Tools – Trying Together

Anti Racism Tools – Trying Together
Four young children play together in a classroom.

As caregivers, community members, and early childhood educators, we have a responsibility to ensure each child, family, and caregiver is safe from racism and discrimination and has equitable opportunities to thrive.

In order to do this, we must begin with ourselves. Set aside time in your day to do a personal inventory. What thoughts, feelings, and behaviors have you contributed to upholding systems of racism? What assumptions are you making? What actions or inactions have you taken that contribute to systems of oppression?

Learn more at tryingtogether.org

Guide for Self/Organizational Assessment

Guide for Self/Organizational Assessment
A guide for using the cultural and linguistic competence assessment for disability organizations.

There are many benefits for disability organizations to engage in cultural and linguistic competence self-assessment. Such processes can lead to the development of a strategic or action plan with short-term and long-term goals, measurable objectives, and identified fiscal and personnel resources to advance and sustain cultural and linguistic competence within the organization.

Learn more

Organizational Assessment Tools

Organizational Assessment Tools
National Center for Cultural Competence

Organizational self-assessment is a necessary, effective, and systematic way to plan for and incorporate cultural and linguistic competency. An assessment should address the attitudes, behaviors, policies, structures and practices of an organization, including those of its board, staff, and volunteers. It should also elicit the perspectives and experiences of diverse individuals and communities served.

Learn more

Implementation Docs

Implementation Docs Intro

Implementation Docs Intro
Two intersecting road signs reading "Planning" and "Implementation"
So, you have explored the Cultural Awareness and Cultural Growth docs, now it’s time to begin the implementation work. Implementation work will look different in every program. Information provided here is designed to get you started so find what works for you and roll your sleeves up.

Learn more

Cultural Implications of Screening

Cultural Implications of Screening
A word cloud with words such as 'cultural competence' and 'evaluation.'

The issue with screening:

Children from racially/ethnically diverse backgrounds are less likely to:

  • Be screened early
  • Have follow-up evaluations when they “fail” a screen
  • Get an early diagnosis
  • Access early services

Learn more

Allyship

The Journey of Becoming an Authentic Ally

The Journey of Becoming an Authentic Ally
Two young children, one white and one African American, smile at each other in a friendly manner.

What is an ally?

Dictionary.com’s definition: “to associate or connect by mutual relationship, as resemblance or friendship”. As overused as the word ally has become in recent years, it has become important as a means for folk who use their privilege to step up to support and amplify Black voices.

Who can be an ally?

Anyone can and should be an ally but it always has to be genuine and should come from a good place with good intentions. Not for your own gain or fame. Your voice as an ally should never be one that drowns out others or be done with “savior” mentality. We want you to work with us, for us. Roxane Gay said it best, “ Black people do not need allies. We need people to stand up and take on the problems borne of oppression as their own, without remove or distance. We need people to do this even if they cannot fully understand what it’s like to be oppressed for their race or ethnicity, gender, sexuality, ability, class, religion, or other marker of identity. We need people to use common sense to figure out how to participate in social justice.” Before you embark on the journey, do some soul searching and understand who you are, because along the way you will be tested and challenged as the work will be uncomfortable.

Learn more

P.E.A.R. Peer Education Against Racism

P.E.A.R. Peer Education Against Racism
Peer Education Against Racism (P.E.A.R.) and an image of a pear turning into a light bulb.

The idea behind P.E.A.R. is how allies can use their privilege to lead, develop, teach and use peer-to-peer or ally-to-ally training to create awareness, change mindsets and break down barriers to dismantle racism.

Learn more

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)

Complete your gift to help keep families at the center of children’s health care

I'm ready
Not today

Our Vision

With families at the center of health care, all children and youth reach their full potential and health disparities are eliminated.

Our Mission

Family Voices is a national organization and grassroots network of families and friends of children and youth with special health care needs and disabilities that promotes partnership with families—including those of cultural, linguistic and geographic diversity—in order to improve health care services and policies for children.

In honor of