Digital ZOOM | The Default Setting: How Domination Quietly Wins in Justice Work | October, 10th, 2026

Why do so many well-intentioned efforts for inclusion and belonging fall short? The answer isn't a lack of commitment. It's a lack of vision — specifically, the inability to see what's operating beneath the surface. Systems of domination are so deeply woven into American life that they don't announce themselves. They shape what we think, what we value, and what we believe is possible. They make exclusion feel normal. Discrimination feels natural. Hierarchy feel inevitable. And here's what makes this so hard: we've all been shaped by these systems. Not because we're bad people — but because we were never taught to question them. That's why most inclusion efforts stay on the surface. Without understanding how domination systems operate, they end up accommodating the system rather than challenging it. Real transformation requires learning to see what we've been trained not to notice — and then doing something about it. This work isn't comfortable. But our capacity to build truly just institutions depends entirely on our willingness to recognize and interrupt the domination default.

Participants in Crossroads’ Domination Default workshop will deepen their capacity to:

• Identify patterns of domination thinking in institutions, culture, and personal beliefs
• Understand and explain how interconnected belief systems sustain domination
• Recognize how they've internalized messages that normalize inequality and hierarchy
• Apply analytical tools to spot the domination default as it unfolds
• Develop actionable strategies to interrupt and dismantle domination in their work and communities

This is a deepening workshop designed to examine how institutional systems perpetuate inequality and provide focused exploration of specific justice topics—from analyzing dynamics of oppression to charting pathways toward reparation. While there's no prerequisite, foundational workshop participants gain more from the material, as they bring shared analytical frameworks. Although no prior experience with Crossroads is required, participants who have attended one or more of the following workshops will gain deeper insights from this session.

THE 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 LOGISTICS

AHEAD OF THE WORKSHOP

• Create your free Zoom account: https://zoom.us/freesignup/
• Review policies – Please read the complete workshop and cancellation policies at the bottom of the registration form and in your confirmation email
• Add to your calendar – Mark the date and time now

THE DAY OF THE WORKSHOP

• Location: ZOOM
• Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the workshop begins. We'll spend the first 20 to 30 minutes establishing Community Agreements as a group — after which we won't be able to admit late arrivals to protect everyone's confidentiality.
• Stay fully present and engage – 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.
• 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 at 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.