Land of Opportunity Exercises
RACE: The House We Live In
This video looks specifically at systematic advantage/disadvantage. Beginning with discrimination originally instituted in the early years of our country learners will see how this has evolved into vast differences in wealth and opportunity today
Allow at least 2 hours
Definitions for talking about Racism
Introduces common vocabulary and definitions for talking about race and racism, very helpful for discussion
Allow at least 40 minutes
“How White People Became White” Reading - need refference
Reading on the evolution and role of the concept of race in US history as it intersects with immigration. Learners should have already read the chapter prior to the session.
Allow at least 30 minutes
Racial/Anti-immigrant Coding in the Media
Introduces the idea of racism being communicated by code words in popular media and discourse. Students should have gathered media ahead of the session or the facilitator should come prepared with examples for the class to use.
Allow at least 40 minutes
Introducing the Systematic Racism Worksheet
Introduction to and explanation of the systematic racism worksheet. This worksheet is a way of uncovering and working against racism in an organization or community.
Allow at least 30 minutes
30 Days – Immigration
“30 Days” is a television series where individuals spend a month living a life foreign to them. In this episode, Frank, a member of the Minute Men group, spends 30 days with an undocumented family.
Allow 50 minutes for viewing and at least 30 for discussion
Land of Opportunity Lectio Divina - need scripture
Lectio Divina is an ancient Christian practice where passages of scripture are read and participants reflect on the meaning that occurs to them. This practice can be easily adapted to other traditions using readings from that tradition.
Allow at least 20-30 minutes.
When did your family become part of a race?
Engages learners in looking at their own family history in light of the history of immigration and race in the US. Learners should have had teaching on understanding race as an evolving social construction in order to do this exercise.
Allow at least 30 minutes
How have you benefited from Racism?
Learners will think about and discuss their own personal benefit from the system of racism. This exercise should follow extensive learning about racism as a social construct of unearned benefits.
Allow at least 30-40 minutes