Dear subscriber,
This is Tamreen from the You Need This Box team. Over the past five years, I’ve helped create the boxes you’ve held in your hands, the activities you’ve done and the questions you’ve reflected on.
First, let me begin by saying a deep and sincere thanks on behalf of our team. Thank you for trusting us to guide you through this work.
As we wrap up this final box, the Action box, we wanted to leave you with a few last words, thoughts and some gentle reminders - think of this as our last piece of advice as you continue the next chapter of your journey.
Our hope is that you’ve come to realize through this learning process, how there is no one solution to racism. There is no silver bullet or magical perfect intervention that will stop and undo the harm caused by generations of racism, historical inequities and colonization. What we see around us in the world today is a legacy that will take a long time to undo and heal.
And this is why, the work of being anti-racist is both deeply gratifying while also being challenging. It requires ongoing commitment and dedicated focus. It also requires hope and optimism and a sincere belief that through our words, our actions and our choices, we can create a better future.
So while this moment is a little bit bittersweet for us as our journey with you draws to a close, this is not the end. Your work continues, this last reflection from us is an invitation for you to think about how you’ll continue this process in months and years to come.
How will you show up for this ongoing commitment going forward?
That’s a big question, so obviously we won’t leave you right there.
Let’s start with how we all need some kind of “box”. And imagine as I say the word “box”, a few quotes around it. Because when we’re talking about a box, it doesn’t have to be a physical object, it doesn’t have to be something that you necessarily keep in front of your desk at all times. It’s really about this idea, of tools, aids, devices — of physical tangible ways to anchor yourself and your focus. It helps inspire and propel you forward in your journey.
FEEL. REFLECT. ACT.
This anti-racism work is founded on three core principles: FEEL. REFLECT ACT.
How will you keep these principles alive in your anti-racist journey going forward?
How might you describe the box experience to others in your life?
How would you encourage them to take part in this journey?
How might you be able to support them in that work as well?
FIND WAYS TO STAY ACCOUNTABLE
Self-directed learning requires personal accountability.
What mechanisms will you use to maintain focus in this work going forward?
Will you share your commitments with friends, family, colleagues?
What words or quotes might continue to inspire you?
IDENTIFY YOUR LEARNING NEEDS
Think back to what’s served you well on this box journey.
Which aspect of the box approach to learning about anti-racism helped you? How might you apply them in your learning?
Which aspect of the box approach to learning about anti-racism did not help you? What would you do differently, knowing what you know now?
How will you maintain hope and optimism in doing this work?
How will you deal with setbacks?
CONTINUE SHOWING UP TO FIGHT AGAINST RACISM
Next, think about what you’d like to do in the future. These might be things you want to do more often, or differently. Take some time to consider how you’d like to create positive changes around you. Remember, that writing down your goals can help you track your commitments. Identify the tangible actions. Consider how will you
support racial equity in your community and workplace?
act in solidarity with BIPOC communities?
continue learning how to respond to incidents of racial discrimination?
make sure to hold time and mental energy for this work?
continue to embody the concepts you’ve been learning through each box?
As always, you know yourself best in terms of what you need to learn and grow. Our last piece of advice to you is to KEEP DOING THE WORK.
