Monash launches We Stand Together – Resilience Against Racism workshops
Monash Council’s We Stand Together – Resilience Against Racism workshops will provide the opportunity for community members to learn how to respond if affected by racism and racist behaviour. The sessions provide the opportunity to empower participants and build their skills and confidence to speak up themselves, or as active bystanders.
Monash has a proud history of advocating against racism, being one of the first Victorian councils to support the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Campaign, ‘Racism – It Stops With Me’, inviting the community to reflect on what they can do to counter racism when it happens.
Monash Council is also recognised by the Refugee Council of Australia as a ‘Refugee Welcome Zone’ and continues to demonstrate its commitment to embracing and celebrating cultural diversity through its diverse policies and programs that support cross-cultural awareness.
Monash Mayor, Cr Tina Samardzija, believes this free program is an important part of Council’s commitment to addressing racism and supporting those who have been affected by racism.
“With over half of our residents born overseas, our multiculturalism is one of the best things about living in Monash. It makes our community better and stronger. We see this every day in our workplaces, shops, schools, and community events.
“Unfortunately, though, racism still exists, and we see this in both extremist behaviour and on a day-to-day basis. We want to support our community who experience this to build the skills, confidence, and techniques to speak up and support others.
“The idea for our Resilience Against Racism workshops was generated from our Multicultural Advisory Committee and I’m pleased to see this turn from a community idea and into a Council program.
“People who experience or witness racism can sometimes feel uneasy for not doing more about it at the time. These free workshops will support people in this position by teaching practical tools to empower themselves to deal with any future confronting behaviour as well as supporting others.
“If this is you, or could be you, please come along and learn with other members of the Monash community,” said Cr Samardzija.
Workshop details
Five in-person workshops will take place at our Clayton Community Centre, Cooke Street, Clayton.
The workshops are FREE, but bookings are essential.
All workshops run from 6.30-8.30pm on the below dates.
- Thursday 27 July 2023: Experiencing Racism – How to deal with my emotions?
- Thursday 29 August 2023: Resilience Against Racism – Reframe and empower
- Thursday 28 September 2023: Resilience Against Racism – Speak up with confidence
- Thursday 31 October 2023: Resilience Against Racism – Rebuilding your strong cultural identity
- Thursday 30 November 2023: Intersectionality – Racism and sexism at work and study
