Examining Our Past to Center Racial Justice and Decolonization in Our Present

Welcome to the first CWI Blog post for 2017-2018. It still feels like the beginning of the year for me at a campus on a quarter schedule. This time has always struck me as one of infinite possibility. I am turning that feeling of hope to the work ahead for CWI as we embody and execute ACPA’s Strategic Imperative on Racial Justice and Decolonization. This means starting by examining uncomfortable truths of the past and present to reconcile the past with the future.

It became clear to the CWI Directorate Board at the announcement of our spring 2017 election results, that the Directorate Board needed to pay attention to our core beliefs, practices, and structures; we needed to examine how we arrived in that place and how we would move forward. I was catapulted into paying attention to something I hadn’t thought about—through the election process a fourth white, cis-gender woman was elected to serve as chair. I didn’t think about this until past Directorate Board members raised concerns about the ways of being that brought us to that moment. I didn’t think about this because my privileges mean I never need to think about a world where white, cis-gender women are valued over women and femmes of color and trans and gender diverse people. The ridiculous belief of human hierarchy present in America since this land was colonized by white, European settlers effects everyone consciously and unconsciously. By calling this into specific focus as connected to our election outcome, we began to acknowledge the past and present pain and harm. Through dialogue, members of the Directorate Board heard each other about changes needed to our practices and structures.

Our mission speaks to our history of focusing on “the plethora of –isms and –phobias that affect the spectrum of women- and/or female-identified people, and is intentionally inclusive of all intersecting social identities.” The Directorate Board reckoned with the reality that our history also included perpetuating -isms and -phobias. Our mission goes on “CWI serves to examine the subtle manifestations of power, privilege, and oppression…” The Directorate Board, likely in the good company of our members and the Association, is engaged in examining our work. This year the Coalition will continue the work of aligning our actions with our mission and values. Since 2015, we’ve taken a close and critical look at our practices so they align with our change in name from the Standing Committee for Women to the Coalition for Women’s Identities. We revised our mission in 2016. Of course, a name and a mission change are easy when compared with changing practices and structures to deliver on a new name and mission. Moving forward we’re trying to walk our talk and it’s going to be messy at times.

One thing hasn’t changed—CWI needs the involvement of all our members to thrive. We need bloggers, webinar hosts, convention volunteers, and your feedback. The Directorate Board would love to know what you need or want from your membership in CWI. Members can expect educational programs, professional development opportunities, recognition of outstanding work, and continued advocacy. ACPA through the Coalitions and Networks, and Commissions provides members an opportunity to engage in the Strategic Imperative on Racial Justice and Decolonization. What can CWI offer that would help you engage in the Strategic Imperative? Please reach out to CWI at cwi@acpa.nche.edu.