Addressing Resistance and Challenging Questions During Anti-Racism Training

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Anti-racism training can be challenging and uncomfortable for some individuals. Trainers may encounter resistance or challenging questions from participants during their training sessions. It is essential for trainers to address resistance and challenging questions to create a safe and productive learning environment. Here are some strategies and techniques that trainers can use to address these issues during anti-racism training.

1. Acknowledge Resistance: Acknowledging resistance when it happens during a training session can help to alleviate discomfort within the space. Trainers should validate participants’ concerns while also redirecting the conversation back to the topic at hand. One way to do this is to use reflective listening, which involves paraphrasing what the participant said and summarizing the key points. Trainers can then transition back to the topic at hand by asking the participant how their concerns relate to the training topic.
2. Redirect with Empathy: Trainers should redirect the conversation to the training topic with empathy. They should understand that resistance can stem from fear or discomfort with the current flow of the conversation. Trainers can acknowledge this discomfort and redirect the conversation by restating the training topic and the importance of the topic.
3. Foster a Safe Learning Environment: It is essential to foster a safe learning environment where participants feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences. Trainers can set norms at the beginning of the training session to establish a respectful and inclusive learning environment. They should also ensure that participants understand the purpose of the training and the importance of creating a safe space.
4. Use Real-Life Examples: Trainers can use real-life examples to address challenging questions and resistance. Real-life examples can help participants understand how racism impacts people’s lives and why it is essential to address racism in the workplace. Trainers can also use examples from their personal experiences or use case studies to facilitate discussion and understanding.
5. Incorporate Interactive Activities: Interactive activities can include small group discussions, role-playing exercises, or brainstorming sessions. These activities can help participants apply the concepts learned during the training session and encourage active participation.

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