Caucusing Activities

White Caucus Guidelines


Each time we gather to caucus we will re-establish our ground rules for caucusing.  Our group responsibility is to stay focused on the manifestations of internalized racist oppression. 

  • Speak from your heart and your experience.  Use “I” statements.

  • Don’t interrupt people who are speaking.

  • Be conscious of how your use of language may perpetuate racism, sexism, homophobia or ageism.

  • Be conscious of how much space you take up or how much you speak in a group.

  • Practice “move up, move up” so we can each contribute to equal participation. (If you tend to talk a lot in groups, “move up” your listening to allow others space. If you rarely speak in groups, “move up” your speaking so you share your thoughts with the group.)

  • Be conscious of how often you are actively listening to what other people are saying as opposed to just waiting your turn and/or thinking about what you'll say next. Become a good listener.

  • Respect different views and opinions.

  • Balance gender, age and resident/faculty/____ participation.

  • People who haven’t yet spoken get priority.

  • None of us are experts.

  • It is the group’s responsibility to challenge oppressive remarks.  Respect the person, challenge the behavior.

  • Respect caucus confidentiality.  By this we mean we will not disclose the statements of individuals.  BUT as a way to be accountable to our peers of color, it IS ok to discuss what we talked about as a group.