Upcoming training for Tauiwi Pākehā (March/May)
Published on January 25, 2024 by Ann Cloet
Movements are strengthening in Aotearoa, working to further tino rangatiratanga, decolonisation, constitutional transformation and Te Tiriti justice. At the same time, the present political climate is emboldening racists and reactionaries. Challenging this backlash and anti-Māori racism is part of the ecosystem of change creating a Te Tiriti-based future, and all tāngata Tiriti (people of the treaty) have a responsibility and role to play.
Tauiwi Tautoko trains tauiwi (non-Māori) to tautoko (support) Te Tiriti transformation by challenging anti-Māori racism from within tauiwi communities. Over 8 weeks, volunteers learn and practise a set of proven strategies from the anti-racist toolkit to ‘call in’ racist comments and gently challenge and change racist views.
‘Calling in’ – inviting others to share, reflect, and potentially shift views – is only one form of anti-racist action, and it’s not always the right one; ‘calling out’ or shutting down racism is also crucial. Tauiwi Tautoko offers resources that can be part of the broader toolkit for when we want to engage in authentic conversations with those expressing racist views to create an opening to shift those views.
This is one form of action tauiwi can take as tāngata Tiriti, building on prior knowledge of both Te Tiriti o Waitangi and racism in Aotearoa. For those who may wish for this prior training, we recommend Courageous Conversations Aotearoa, Tangata Tiriti-Treaty People, Groundwork, Te Pumaomao, Tātou Tātou, and many other remarkable educators, both on and offline.
What you need to know
Training dates:
- starts on Saturday 23 March with a half day online hui (9am to 1pm)
- finishes on Saturday 25 May with a 3-hour online hui (9am to 12 noon)
- 4 x weekly online learning sessions via Zoom every Wednesday from 7:00 to 8:30pm, starting on 27 March
- 2 week break for school holidays (13 - 28 April)
- 4 more weekly online learning sessions via Zoom every Wednesday from 7:00 to 8:30pm, starting on 1 May
To best support the learning and community over this 8 week period, please apply only if you are able to attend the opening hui and at least 5 of the 7 weekly online learning sessions.
What is covered?
- How to identify when to ‘call in’ persuadable people and apply this approach (and when not to and what to do instead)
- Practical training in several evidence-based approaches to having more effective anti-racism conversations, with an ongoing community of support about climate and environmental issues, both online and in person.
- Weekly opportunities to practise what we’re learning and ongoing support from our team and each other, so you feel more equipped and confident to address racist comments when you see them.
Time commitment:
Participants will have to be willing and able to contribute at least 4 hours’ work per week to this training for eight weeks, plus two half-day online hui. This includes:
- reviewing weekly resources (approx 1 hr/week)
- attending the weekly training sessions (1.5 hr/week plus two half day online hui), and
- actively practising this approach online (approx 1 hr/week)
Who is this for?
This training is for tauiwi pākehā who want to become more active in addressing racism when it occurs from our own tauiwi communities, through authentic conversations that can ‘call in’ to those expressing these views, seeding transformation.
The Tauiwi Tautoko approach is only one form of anti-racism, and is distinct from more ‘calling out’ approaches like fact-checking, broad campaigning or advocacy, or arguing. We lead with listening and curiosity - because we know this approach works, but also so that we are truly able to meet who we’re with.
We encourage you to think about whether this approach of ‘calling in’ is where you want to put your energy before signing up. This training is best suited to those who are already regularly engaged with social media (Facebook, Reddit, Threads, news comments, etc.), and willing to hang out in the ‘comments section’.
The course focuses on online anti-racism as a really useful training ground, but also because this is where there is so much racism that needs challenging. We provide this training with the aim to equip as many volunteers as possible to take action online and hope, above all, that those who train with us continue this regular practice after the course. While you’re committing to being online with us for the course, participants find this training useful in informing offline conversations as well.
We do offer a little extra tech support for anyone who needs it, but with the expectation that participants will use Facebook, Google Drive, and Zoom during the training.
The course is about both training and practice, rather than learning for its own sake. You will put new skills into action each week, and reflect on how you’re doing. You will need to commit to the full programme and be ready to actively practise what we are learning during the course. We have a supportive community of volunteers and facilitators to connect with during the course and beyond.
Course costs:
Our Tauiwi Tautoko course has limited spaces and is offered for free. We welcome donations but no one is turned away for lack of funds. Donations help us cover our facilitation and support costs, curriculum design and course development (to give a sense of costs, it is roughly $350pp to run the course). Any koha is really appreciated.
What happens next:
- To register your interest in our training (places are limited) please complete this Expression of Interest form. You may need 20 minutes to fully read through and answer all the questions here.
- After we’ve reviewed your responses, we'll be in touch either via phone or email to answer questions, discuss the course requirements and any support you might need, and next steps. You will receive a copy of your responses.
- If we agree together that this upcoming training is the best next step on your journey, you will receive an email confirmation with an invitation to register.
Extra supports:
- Technical and Te Tiriti o Waitangi booster sessions will be offered before the training starts, to support anyone who might need them.
- All course participants are asked to join a brief online onboarding session in advance of the first Sunday morning Zoom session, where you can meet some of our team, and get access to this cohort's Facebook group and links to all the course resources.
Please let us know if you have any questions. ([email protected])
We would love to have you join us and be part of an ever-growing community who are working together to support and advance tino rangatiratanga and decolonisation in Aotearoa.
Ngā mihi maioha.
Max Apes
Posted on February 5, 2024
Kā mihi nui ki a koutou, Tino nui tōku tautoko ki tēnei kaupapa .
Thanks very much for the invitation to join this valuable kaupapa. I am horrified at the regression this current government is taking our country and would really like to take advantage of your training however I am unable to attend the wānanga on 23 March. Are there alternative dates for this?
Thanks very much for the invitation to join this valuable kaupapa. I am horrified at the regression this current government is taking our country and would really like to take advantage of your training however I am unable to attend the wānanga on 23 March. Are there alternative dates for this?
Helen Willetts
Posted on February 6, 2024
Kia ora, I would be keen to join the next cohort if there is to be another one of these run this year as the weekend of the first trainings i am already booked for another noho based wananga.
I have signed up for the monthly newsletter so hoping this will be where i can stay up to date on when to express interest.
Kia pai tō ra,
Ngā mihi, Helen
I have signed up for the monthly newsletter so hoping this will be where i can stay up to date on when to express interest.
Kia pai tō ra,
Ngā mihi, Helen
Bonnie Mager
Posted on March 10, 2024
Kia ora all, I am also registering my interest for next time please.
Janice Thorne
Posted on February 5, 2024
Keep up the good work.
Blessings
Janice Thorne