An Anti-Oppression Lens

Advocacy does not happen in a vacuum. It takes place within social, political, and historical systems shaped by power, and historical legacies that can be rooted in inequality or barriers for participating in democratic processes. To advocate responsibly and effectively, it is essential to understand and reflect on these dynamics, both by positioning ourselves individually and recognizing the power organizations are afforded in different contexts and communities.

Throughout this course, an anti-oppression lens is used to encourage:

Awareness of how systems of power shape global issues and responses
Reflection on personal and organizational positions within those systems
Respect for the knowledge, leadership, and lived experiences of communities most affected by the problems we’re trying to solve

To learn more about your own positionality, privilege and power, make sure to review the resources below. Each button will open an external link or video.

Anti-Oppression

Anti-Racism as a Journey

Privilege is Power. How you can use it to do some good!

Wheel of Privilege and Power