The Liberation Learning Group is a facilitated anti-oppression learning and strategy group for our members which will convene from September 2023 to March 2024.
These virtual groups offer a space for cultural sector nonprofit workers to develop a shared analysis of power, racism, and community-driven work in Illinois, and through it build relationships of solidarity and mutual empowerment for anti-oppression work across our sector.
Program Structure
The cohort will meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from August to February, with additional small group convenings happening throughout the program duration. An additional date to note is the September 13 full day training with Crossroads Anti-Racism (date is tentative based on cohort availability).
Kickoff dates:
September 6: Introductory group convening
September 13: Full day training with Crossroads Anti-Racism
September 20: Group convening
October 4: Group convening
Note: Dates have been adjusted since initial announcement.
Stipends and Fees
This program is free to all members who are individual practicitioners or who work at an organization with an operational budget of less than $1 million. Organizations with a budget of over one million will be asked to contribute $2500, which is a portion of the calculated total value of this program per participant.
We are offering a limited number of first-come-first-serve $500 stipends for BIPOC workers who will not be compensated by their organization for attending, and other individuals for whom lack of compensation presents a major barrier.
Eligibility
All levels of experience with anti-racism and anti-oppression work are welcome. We hope to have around 20 participants, with representation across different levels of employment, different organization sizes, regions, and race/gender. BIPOC workers and artists, employees of organizations outside of Cook County, and employees of organizations with an annual budget of less than $500,000 are especially encouraged to apply!
This program is intended for members of Arts Alliance, but anyone who fits the criteria is invited to apply! If you are not a member and are accepted to the program, our team will connect with you about becoming a member (it’s pay-what-you-can!).
We’ll select participants based on applicant availability and our goal of building a cohort representative of our nonprofit cultural sector.
If you are not selected to be part of this cohort, worry not! We will still share reading materials and lesson plans with you, and invite you to the concurrent public events that will also be part of this series. We also hope to continue this program next year.