Supporting Patrons of Color Kristyn Caragher Aisha Conner-Gaten Tracy Drake Tonyia Tidline

COMMUNITY AGREEMENT be open-minded listen to understand, not respond do not interrupt & respect silence apply curiosity use “I” statements what more should we add?

OUTCOMES FOR TODAY Have a clear grasp of why it is important to embrace inclusion and implement anti-racist strategies in the library and in library work Have a vocabulary and framework to use as a building block for understanding ally work as an information worker Develop methods of engagement beyond programming that are responsive to the communities throughout the year

OUR WORK TODAY what do we mean by “supporting patrons of color?” we are facilitators… we are here to share perspectives and experiences

FRAMING PERSPECTIVES oppression anti-racism collective liberation social justice

Questions for Reflection Who are you? Who do you serve? Who does the work? Strategies

Questions for Reflection Who are you? “identity” “social groups”

Questions for Reflection Who do you serve? describe your community barriers to service…

Questions for Reflection Who does the work? “the usual suspects?” who asks tough questions?

Questions for Reflection What are you going to do? Who are your partners or allies What resources do you need?

STRATEGIES own your comfort level check your privilege consider cultural competence check communication failures revise policies program wisely cultivate partnerships

questions? comments? concerns?

THANKS! For strategies: http://bit.do/supportpoc