Tips for Countering Oppression

Don't make and/or Challenge your assumptions. Eric Law talks about how (YouTube)

Ask Questions  - Demonstrate “Holy Curiosity”

Be mindful of your (white, male, economic, relational, educated, accredited, clergy, professional, hetero, cis, "been around for forever", etc.) privilege in any given interaction and/or space and think about how to best equalize the power dynamic.

Consider that everyone has more identities (and history) than you're aware of. No one is just a race + gender expression + orientation. Our identities are infinite.

Welcome discomfort. There's so much more opportunity there.Be mindful of how much space you claim, and what that might mean for others.

Don't touch people (or things) without explicit consent. Not everyone responds to touch the same way, not all "friendly" touch is appropriate.

Be mindful of your language - and that it may be exclusionary/hurtful.

Try to Listen more than you speak.

When you speak, speak (only) for yourself (unless requested to speak for a group).

Don't make a member of a marginalized group responsible for your education about issues of oppression. Seek out allied people and groups dedicated to helping with that.

Be aware that your intent will not always = the impact of your words & actions.

Try not to take things personally.

Be open to learning.

Exercise humility.

Remember that not everyone has the same information! Share openly, when appropriate.