racial justice work: hiring Farron (consultant)

More than two years ago, I began meeting monthly with a small group of fellow white people to support each other in our racial justice work. What started out -- my original invitation -- as a "check-in group" for "dismantling white supremacy" has been growing into something that is bringing more questions than answers. (In an important, growing way.)

Because I am/we are white, I wanted to examine how white supremacy culture might get in the way of real growth and transformation. I wanted to look at how we might be replicating systems of oppression in our group. I raised money to hire a consultant. I got a "Leadings Grant" through the Portland Friends Meeting (in Maine) and received three donations from individuals. I hired Farron Harvey to help me answer some questions: is what we are doing replicable and... realizing we needed to back up from that question... why are we doing this? are there ways we are upholding white supremacy even in how we are holding the space?

Our group did, in fact, uphold white supremacy in our work with Farron. We harmed Farron through direct and indirect racist acts. We are still working on what this means, how we might repair the harms, and how we can learn and do better. Farron is no longer working with our group.

Farron's wisdom and support have helped me step a little more boldly into my "power," though I'm still very uncomfortable with that.

I am re-starting this fundraiser because I would like to hire Farron for 20 hours, at $200/hour, to be used in the next ~8 months or so. I have used the $850 raised with the first run of this gofunde me to pay Farron. I have used my own money to pay part of what’s due, but I owe them more. I will be applying for grants where I can, and I will continue using my own money to pay for Farron's guidance and support. My goal with this gofundme (and all of my other fundraising to raise this money) is to raise a total of $5,500 to cover my past due balance as well as the planned additional 20 hours.

Thank you for considering it.

--Heather