Race Affinity FAQ

What is the purpose of the Presidents’ Forum race affinity sessions?

To continue both building and deepening a racial equity learning community among foundation leaders, with the ultimate goal of a longer-term transformation across philanthropy in the United States.

What is a Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) affinity group?

A space where Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPoC) foundation presidents and CEOs can come together to gain mutual support, build new relationships and trust, explore different ways to work with others, and engage in conversations about their racial identities.

What is a White affinity group?

A space where White foundation presidents and CEOs can come together to work explicitly and intentionally focus on their role as White people in achieving racial equity without devaluing others with lived experience and centering whiteness.

What else is important to understand about race affinity conversations?

Gathering around shared identity is a powerful part of many traditions, from women gathering in spaces apart from men, to youth groups exploring their identities apart from adults, and in affinity groups according to your racial and ethnic identity. The purpose of gathering in racial affinity groups is to create a safe and brave space where people can express their fears, pain and hopes without bystanders, so when they re-enter mixed identity spaces it will be with greater self-awareness, less self-judgment, and stronger confidence.

What are potential outcomes of participating in a White race affinity group?

●       Offer space for individuals who identify as White to discuss emotions, questions, and learning edges without causing harm to people of color

●       Develop a shared understanding of participants’ own whiteness through overcoming shame, guilt, defensiveness, and strengthening resilience

●       Investigate how to build a healthy, anti-racist identity through a focus on white priviledge

●       Share ideas for implementing structures and policies for racial equity to execute an effective and impactful foundation wide racial equity initiative

What are potential outcomes of participating in a BIPOC race affinity group?

●       Create a brave space to talk about and address experiences of racism.

●       Offer a retreat from continuous scrutiny and an antidote to White-dominated spaces

●       Create an alternative powerbase/ “counterspace” for BIPOC within White spaces

●       Build relationships and support through courageous and difficult conversations