GLRC Equity and Justice Learning Arc
The GLRC has long prioritized increasing our staff competencies in equity and justice and incorporating principles of environmental justice in our work. Historically, we've done that via group learning sessions and individual learning activities. However, these one-off or highly individualized learning sessions don't ensure that all our staff have the same cultural competencies and that new staff benefit from the same training. The GLRC Equity and Justice Learning Arc will make sure that everyone on staff has the same high level of training in four key areas: Identity, Diversity, Justice, and Action. These are the four modules of the Learning Arc.
We stand at a moment where intersecting crises of climate change, habitat loss, and chemical contamination threaten communities and wildlife populations across our region. To meet this moment, we must bring together a diverse set of allies to fight in the courts, pass strong policies, and build community-based movements and habitats on the ground. Our hope is that the Learning Arc gives all of us the tools we need to work with diverse communities to collectively solve these environmental challenges.
Some of you may feel that parts of the Arc are redundant to things you've already learned. That's great, you'll be able to help your colleagues understand what you have already learned. We also know that the pursuit of justice is iterative and circular. First, you learn, then you practice, and then you master a concept. And after all of that, you figure out that there's a whole lot more that you have to learn so you start the cycle again!
We want to thank the GLRC Equity and Justice team for overseeing the development of these materials and especially recognize Lindsey Bacigal and Anna Marie Zorn for all of their work bringing the Arc to fruition. We look forward to learning together.
—Becca and Denise
Spreadsheet to check completion
For each lesson you will also be doing reflection questions. The questions are on each individual lesson page but also housed within this document. Please make a copy of this document and provide your reflections in that same document throughout the course of the arc. This will not be shared with anyone else.
We recognize that the benchmark for some of the standards in this training will be different based on staff members’ identities (e.g., the ability to speak up may differ amongst staff due to power dynamics and safety, among other reasons).
*Themes, outcomes, and standards adapted from Teaching Tolerance curriculum from the Southern Poverty Law Center
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Identity
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Pre-Lesson
Outcome: I am aware of the various ways that privilege can exist in the world based on identity (the invisible knapsack).
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Lesson 1
Outcome: I have a positive view of myself, including an awareness of and comfort with my membership in multiple groups in society.
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Lesson 2
Outcome: I know my family history and cultural background and can describe how my own identity is informed and shaped by my membership in multiple identity groups.
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Lesson 3
Outcome: I know that all my group identities and the intersection of those identities create unique aspects of who I am and that this is true for other people, too.
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Lesson 4
Outcome: I express pride and confidence in my identity without perceiving or treating anyone else as inferior.
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Lesson 5
Outcome: I recognize traits of the dominant culture, my home culture and other cultures, and I am conscious of how I express my identity as I move between those spaces.
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Diversity
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Lesson 6
Outcome: I interact comfortably and respectfully with all people, whether they are similar to or different from me.
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Lesson 7
Outcome: I have the language and knowledge to accurately and respectfully describe how people (including myself) are both similar to and different from each other and others in their identity groups.
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Lesson 8
Outcome: I respectfully express curiosity about the history and lived experiences of others and exchange ideas and beliefs in an open-minded way.
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Lesson 9
Outcome: I relate to and build connections with other people by showing them empathy, respect and understanding, regardless of our similarities or differences.
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Lesson 10
Outcome: I understand that unequal power relations have affected the development of group identities and cultures.
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Justice
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Lesson 11
Outcome: I relate to all people as individuals rather than representatives of groups and can identify stereotypes when I see or hear them.
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Lesson 12
Outcome: I can recognize, describe and distinguish unfairness and injustice at different levels of society.
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Lesson 13
Outcome: I can explain the short and long-term impact of biased words and behaviors and unjust practices, laws and institutions that limit the rights and freedoms of people based on their identity groups.
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Lesson 14
Outcome: I am aware of the advantages and disadvantages I have in society because of my membership in different identity groups, and I know how this has affected my life.
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Lesson 15
Outcome: I can identify figures, groups, events and a variety of strategies and philosophies relevant to the history of social justice around the world.
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Action
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Lesson 16
Outcome: I know when to step up and when to step back, and I know that sometimes this means relinquishing my power or using my privilege to lift up others in my place.
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Lesson 17
Outcome: I have the courage to speak up to people when their words, actions or views are biased and hurtful.
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Lesson 18
Outcome: I stand up to exclusion, prejudice and discrimination, even when it’s not popular or easy or when no one else does.
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Lesson 19
Outcome: I will support marginalized communities by showing up how I am asked.
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Lesson 20: Learning Arc Survey
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