In-Person Chicago | Foundations of Antiracism: Going Beyond Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Most organizations want to be inclusive. Most fall short — not from lack of commitment, but because they never confront what's running the institution. Researchers Sarah Woulfin and Maxwell Yurkofsky put it plainly: institutional logics are shaped by dominant racial frames whether leaders intend it or not. The result is that whiteness gets upheld — quietly, consistently, and often by people who genuinely want the opposite. This is where antiracism parts ways with diversity, multicultural, and intercultural approaches. It doesn't stop at awareness or welcome. It targets the logics themselves — disrupting the values and practices that make inequity the default and cultivating the ways of being that make real transformation possible. Good intentions don't change institutions. Disrupting their logic does. This workshop invites participants into an honest conversation about what that disruption requires — of them personally, and of the institutions they lead and serve.

This workshop utilizes large and small group conversation and individual reflection, as well as applied practice of frameworks introduced to provide participants with both knowledge and experience. Crossroads' unique analysis provides a place to start or deepen for institutions committed to institutional transformation. Following this workshop, Crossroads offers a variety of opportunities to build upon themes and frameworks introduced in this workshop.

Participants in Crossroads’ Foundations of Antiracism workshop will deepen their capacity to:

• Define antiracism and understand what it requires of institutions and the people who lead them
• Explain systemic racism — how it operates beyond individual bias, as a built-in feature of institutions and systems
• Identify who benefits and who is harmed by systemic racism, and see it as the result of a social and political arrangement that we're all taught to accept as normal
• Recognize their own role in upholding this arrangement — even unintentionally — through everyday assumptions and actions
• Name concrete first steps they can take to help dismantle systemic racism in their institution and community

THE REGISTRATION FEES

Are You Paying for Yourself? - We know cost can be a barrier, so we've set affordable rates for individuals. Choose the fee that works best for your situation. If you have the financial means, we encourage you to pay the full price to help keep our programs accessible to others.

• Minimum Fee: $35 — For individuals with modest resources
• Half-Price: $90 — For individuals with moderate resources
• Full-Price: $180 — For individuals able to cover all their costs

Is your Organization Covering your Registration? - If your employer or organization is covering your registration, select the rate based on your organization's annual budget.

• Equity Rate: $120 per person — Budget under $400K
• Sustainer Rate: $180 per person — Budget $400K to $2 million
• Supporter Rate: $240 per person — Budget $2 million to $16.5 million
• Builder Rate: $300 per person — Budget over $16.5 million

THE DAY OF THE WORKSHOP

• Location: Third Space Community Center, 716 W. Addison St., Chicago, IL 60613
• Please arrive no later than 10 minutes before the workshop begins. We'll spend the first 45 minutes establishing Community Agreements as a group — after which we won't be able to admit late arrivals, in order to protect everyone's confidentiality.
• Stay for the full day – This workshop is designed as a complete experience, so we ask that you remain from beginning to end. Stepping in and out disrupts the flow for everyone.
• Taking Care of Yourself - We want you to feel supported throughout the day. All workshops include regular stretch and self-care breaks. For workshops 6 hours or longer, we also build in a 60-minute lunch break so you can rest and recharge.
• Life happens—just let us know. We ask that you communicate with us if something comes up that might prevent or limit your participation. Whether it's a personal moment, an unexpected need to step out, or something else arising during the day, a quiet word with your facilitator is all it takes. We'd rather work with you than have to make a difficult call about your continued participation. You don't need to share details—just let us know what you need.
• Need Support? - Have questions about participating or need accommodations? We'd love to hear from you—reach out at registration@crossroadsantiracism.org, and we'll do our best to help.

THE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is registration required? To protect everyone's privacy, registration is required for all participants. Prior attendance to a Crossroads or Chicago ROAR workshop does not carry over; each workshop requires its own registration.

Do you have a cancellation & refund policy? Refunds are available for cancellations made 7 or more days before the event and cover the ticket price only—Eventbrite's ticketing fees are non-refundable. Cancellations made 6 days or fewer before the event are not eligible for a refund.