Working across difference requires constant reflection on power, privilege, and the limitations of our own perspective.
Positioning
As a white British woman who has spent decades working with refugee communities and communities of colour, I have had to continually examine my own assumptions, biases, and the structural advantages I carry into every space.
The Danger of Speaking For
There is always a risk that well-intentioned practitioners end up speaking for rather than alongside the communities they work with. Our platforms, our networks, our ease of navigation through institutions – these can amplify some voices while inadvertently silencing others.
Ongoing Practice
- Asking who benefits from this work – really benefits
- Ensuring communities shape projects from the beginning, not just participate in pre-designed activities
- Being willing to step back, to platform others, to redistribute resources and opportunities
- Accepting criticism and learning from it rather than becoming defensive
Not a Destination
Anti-racist practice is not a destination to arrive at but a continuous journey of learning, unlearning, and accountability. I do not always get it right. But I am committed to staying in the conversation, to being challenged, and to doing the work.
