CHANGING OURSELVES TO CHANGE THE WORLD

Welcome to the Anti-racism space on Amnesty Leadership where you can find resources to support you on your journey to racial equity diversity inclusion!

Introduction

The movement has committed to anti-racism in the global strategic framework 2022-2030, it is up to us to change ourselves as we change the world! This work is driven by the core values in the strategic framework: Equality and Inclusion.

Anti-racism encompasses a range of ideas and actions which are meant to counter racial prejudice, systemic racism, and the oppression of racialised groups. Anti-racism is usually structured around conscious efforts and deliberate actions which are intended to provide equal opportunities for all people on both an individual and a systemic level. Anti-racism is rooted in action. It is about taking steps to eliminate racism at the individual, institutional, and structural levels.

International Board Statement, 6 May 2021

The International Board is committed to strengthening anti-racism work and we must use opportunities to learn from each other. We must recognize the pain and disappointment that our colleagues have felt and are feeling at the IS and in some national entities. Racism has harmed people in our movement, and we have a responsibility to remedy that harm.

Secretary General Statement, Agnes Callamard

“Human rights must be our identity, not only our demand. Amnesty International must always live the values we advocate for others. And we must do this more authentically and visibly, as a resolutely anti-racist and anti-sexist organization. Racism and sexism present a clear and present threat to our human rights mandate: to our staff, to our members and to our ability to carry out our work. Whilst there are no easy fixes, we must create and sustain appreciative, and empowering working environments across our movement, in which everyone is able to thrive and feels valued and respected. We must be rights, to do rights better”.

WHY DO WE NEED A NATIONAL ENTITY PLAN?

The regions have acknowledged the need to move from Anti-racism rhetoric to visible action. Further, the 2021 the Global Assembly commitment to implement practical plans that will result in effective change towards becoming an Anti-racist organization. The national entity plans will assist the leaders and staff to focus attention on priorities, enable shared ownership and ensure accountability for Anti-racism. Simple, impactful, and implementable priorities consistently applied will make the greatest aggregate impact in our movement.

Please refer to the National Entity template on the right hand side in the resources section.

WHAT PRINCIPLES SHOULD GUIDE IMPLEMENTATION OF ANTI-RACISM?

WHERE SHOULD YOU START?

Here you are ready to start or complete your anti-racism action plan:

  1. Start by incorporating the Anti-racism framework:

    • It is recommended that you begin here by understanding the 3 pillars: Symbolic changes, Attitudinal changes, Structural changes.

    • The Anti-racism framework guideline: this includes details on the Framework descriptions and possible measures for planning purposes.

  2. Continue by drafting/adjusting your plan

    • Anti-racism national entity implementation guide: this guideline is a detailed explanation of how to co-create and implement the national entity plan

    • Anti-racism national entity plan template: this template can be used by the national entity to identify, prioritise and plan for anti-racism

  3. Train and train:

    • The Anti-racism toolkit: it is advisable to direct leaders and staff to this material for education and empowerment

    • More will come regularly – newsletters, webinars and training will be accessible from this page.

BEST PRACTICE MATERIAL FROM SECTIONS: SECTIONS HAVE MADE PROGRESS IN ANTI-RACISM. YOU WILL FIND EXAMPLES OF WORK THEY HAVE IMPLEMENTED ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE TAB.

WHAT DOES THE ANTI-RACISM FRAMEWORK LOOK LIKE?

Please refer to the resource guide for the Anti-racism framework guideline on the right-hand side column

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A FRAMEWORK

  • Addresses the 3 arms of Anti-racism which results in a holistic approach

  • Robust Framework that can be adapted to different AI environments

  • Timeless in relevance and can be applied in the present and future

  • Responds to operational changes

  • Applicable to national entities

  • Applicable to the whole movement

  • Requires Boards, Staff and Members to engage

WHICH TOOLS ARE AVAILABLE FOR EDUCATION AND EMPOWERMENT OF LEADERS AND STAFF?

Amnesty Leaders Anti-racism toolkit material: this toolkit can be used as part of your national entity planning training. Important: Please find the material in the resources section on the right-hand side of this page. Used with permission by Stanford University, University Human Resources.

Please find more detail on this toolkit in the tab on the right.

 

For further information, templates or a tailored approach, contact Rendani Tshililo-

Baumgartner- Senior adviser, Movement Racial Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at movementbuilding@amnesty.org.