White peoples’ ability to engage in conversations about racism depends on, at least in part, the practice they have had in such conversations. Flashlights provide a learning space in which participants’ shape, test, fail, and reshape putting their thoughts about race and racism into words.

During this series, participants develop the willingness, readiness and ability to engage in conversations about racism. Through a blend of facilitated discussions, experiential exercises, and reflective practices, participants will develop their confidence, discomfort tolerance, and skills to navigate complex conversations with empathy, clarity, and conviction.

Each week, participants will attend a 60-minute live Zoom session. The goal of the live sessions is to provide a space for participants to practice, reflect, and incorporate learning, as well as to foster an emotional connection both internally and with other participants. To prepare for most live sessions, participants will spend approximately 15 minutes between sessions listening to a podcast in which two co-hosts engage in discussions about race.

Flashlights is intended to serve as a mirror, reflecting the culture that white people inhabit and envisioning a future where alternative voices actively address racism through dialogue and action. Graduates of Flashlights are invited to join a Flashlights community of practice that meets monthly to continue practicing and sharing resources.

Ideal for:

• You identify as white.
• You believe racial justice does not happen without frank conversations.
• You want to better articulate that whiteness is a privilege; whiteness has been the root of much oppression; and all people play a role to fight that oppression.
• You are open to dialogue rather than training/knowledge acquisition.

Cost

• FREE to participants in Region VIII (CO, UT, WY, MT, ND, SD).
• Priority will be given to those in Region VIII.

What to Expect

This series will take 8 weeks to complete. Because community building is essential, we ask that you commit to all 8 weeks. The Flashlights Project is unique in that it is a commitment to the power of the collective. How you show up may play a major role in others' presence and progress. We ask that all who are interested in this opportunity first request a seat and hold a 10-minute conversation via Zoom with the facilitator, Joe Weber, to build a shared understanding of Flashlights. After requesting a seat, you will be assisted with scheduling the call.

This Series Will Take 8 Weeks to Complete

• Week 1: Setting the Learning Space
• Week 2: One Tree
• Week 3: Privilege
• Week 4: Underlying Narratives
• Week 5: James Baldwin says
• Week 6: How did you come to your understanding?
• Week 7: Who is under attack?
• Week 8: Assumptions

Successful completion of this course requires your participation in 6 of the live sessions by video using a webcam or built-in camera on your device.

Weekly Online Learning Activities

Each week, you will have a video to watch or podcast to listen to before attending the live session via Zoom.

Series Access

After requesting your seat in the series, but before being enrolled, you will be asked to have a brief call with the series facilitator. Once enrolled, you will receive an email from the series facilitator with additional information two (2) weeks before the first live session. If you don’t see an email (don’t forget to check your spam folder), please contact us at lms.registration.rmphtc@ucdenver.edu.

Learning Objectives

1. Foster a sense of community and collective responsibility towards ending racism.
2. Engage in conversations about race and racism

Length of Learning Opportunity

8 hours over 8 weeks

Primary Competency

Cultural Competency Skills

We strive to host inclusive and accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. Please let us know of any accommodations that will assist your full participation.

Please choose a session below.

You will be contacted within 2 business days with additional information.