Challenge yourself to engage in respectful conversation with people close to you when they make problematic comments by actively listening and utilizing the E.A.R.S strategies (credit: Dr. Kathy Obear).

• Explore, inquire and ask questions(s)

• Acknowledge their feelings

• Restate what they said to check for accuracy

• Exploring Solutions together

Actively seek race-related events and events on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Conduct research on local non-profit organizations to locate resources and opportunities to engage. Many of these events are free and open to the public! Additionally, fine Anti-Racism seminars or events that focus on identifying how racism shows up in everyday life and offers strategies dismantle racism.

Subscribe to newsletters from nonprofits focused on racial equality and diversify your news outlets to include different viewpoints, ideologies, etc. Utilize different resources (i.e. educational videos, news articles) with more nuanced analysis through a lens of race/ethnicity, including updates and action steps.

Take race and ethnicity focused courses outside what is required for your major or area of study. Engaging in classes you wouldn’t otherwise take allows you to gain more-in-depth perspectives and knowledge of current racial disparities through history exploration, contemporary issues, and theory. Some departments that offer classes related to race may include Asian Studies, The Program on Intergroup Relations (IGR), African American Studies, Islamic Studies, Latino/a Studies, CASC, American Culture, and Arab American Studies.

Step out of your comfort zone to engage in conversations that challenge the way you see the world by exchanging stories and sharing different perspectives. Learning about other people’s lived experiences can broaden your preconceived notion of racial issues.

Try to practice active listening by listening to understand rather than listening to respond. When you choose to engage, do not assume you know or understand the experiences of marginalized communities, especially those you do not identify with. If people share their experiences with you, be sure to affirm and validate their experiences while being cautious of the space you are occupying.

Institutional and systemic barriers have led to a lack of representation and support for many marginalized communities in mainstream media, politics, and organizations. It is important to champion their work in movies, art shows, books, and music by promoting it on social media, purchasing their materials, and recognizing their contributions to their respective industries.

Locate organizations that are working within communities to enhance the lives of those disproportionately affected by racism. Support them by donating money (if possible), volunteering time, or spreading awareness of their mission.

Examples include:

• “Where are you really from?”

• “What are you?”

• “You sound white” or “You’re really well-spoken.”

• “I don’t really see you as Indian.”

• “You have really big eyes for an Asian person.”

During a national crisis, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, do not scapegoat certain racial and/or ethnic groups for the crisis. Blaming entire communities for crises can lead to increased violence and overt discrimination towards the targeted group(s). Remember that the U.S. consists of a diverse group of people and one’s race/ethnicity and/or skin color does not determine one’s claim to being American. Recognizing the racism behind certain comments or actions will allow you to
become a better ally to the targeted group(s).