The JOC Torah Academy is a place of learning for JOCs by JOCs, exploring topics, Jewish and otherwise, to enliven and empower each other. Whether you joined us for the first JOC Torah Academy session, led by Rabbi Mira Rivera, or are just joining the community now, we’re excited to invite you to next week’s learning, JOC Growth & Power: Encountering and Navigating White Fragility, Monday, Feb 18th at 6:30pm. This session will focus on white fragility — learn more about it below, and RSVP to the Eventbrite(for in-person and zoom attendance).

Jews of Color Torah Academy
Location: The Bronfman Center (7 E 10th St, New York), 5th Floor
Who is this for? This event is open to anyone who identifies as a Jewish Person of Color.
Accessibility: The room will be accessible by elevator, and we will offer virtual access by way of Zoom. Please reach out if you have other questions about accessibility!
RSVP to the Eventbrite

JOC GROWTH & POWER: ENCOUNTERING AND NAVIGATING WHITE FRAGILITY

We are in a moment when the collective power of Jews of Color is growing and radiating! As we continue to build power and take up space in the United States, we can expect to encounter some confusing and hurtful non-sense from our white friends, our partners, our allies, even our moms.

So…what is white fragility? How does it show up in our organizing work (facilitation, strategy, 1:1s, direct action, etc.)? What strategies do we have to recognize it and navigate it?

Starting and ending with what *we* need, what *we* have to offer, and what *we* dream of creating as JOCs, we’ll spend some time in the middle learning and strategizing about how to deal with the predicable white nonsense the comes up when we do work in coalition. During this session, Megan will share stories from her work, some of what she’s learned along the way, and together we’ll share our collective wisdom.

This week’s presenter, Megan Pamela Ruth Madison, is currently pursuing her PhD at Brandeis University’s Heller School for Social Policy. Her research examines the impact of “colorblind” policymaking on racial inequities in the early care and education workforce. When she’s not working on her dissertation, she works as a trainer for Border Crossers, the New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute, and JOIN for Justice facilitating anti-oppression workshops. Megan is very proud to have been recently elected to the governing board of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (or NAEYC). Megan lives in Harlem with her partner and fellow educator, Ruben Brosbe. Together, they love reading, eating, and organizing with the Jewish Multiracial Network, Bend the Arc, and Jews For Racial & Economic Justice (JFREJ), where she sits on the Board of Directors. Megan holds an MS in early childhood education from Dominican University and an AB in studies in religion from the University of Michigan.