What You’ll Learn
- How to differentiate between forms of social oppression
- How privilege operates in United States society
- How to apply an intersectional lens to exploring the identities we all hold
Why This is Important
Working in Democratic politics is all about making positive changes in society and you are here because you believe in building a democracy that works for everyone. While we all strive to live our values, sometimes the negative-isms in our society show up in our workplaces. This course will help you begin to understand the nature of social oppression in American society and be a more positive actor in preventing and dealing with oppression through self-advocacy and support of others. This will make you a better colleague and a better communicator on behalf of your candidate and campaign.
Key Resources
- Something is Wrong: Exploring the Roots of Youth Violence, a resource edited by Mariame Kaba, J. Cyriac Mathew, and Nathan Haines
Related Trainings
- Creating a Positive Team Culture — Learn how to set inclusive and supportive norms on your team, and support each other in developing your resilience practices
- Creating a Culture of Inclusivity & Accountability, P. 2 — Continue learning how to be inclusive throughout your campaign so you can advocate for yourself and others
Jan Gaetjens
Trainer
Jan Gaetjens is a Chicago-based educator whose career spans K-12, higher ed, and adult learning. A first generation American of Haitian and Guyanese descent, Jan has an unwavering belief in the potential of the American experiment and views education as central to the sustenance of participatory Democracy.
Since 2012, Jan has developed career exploration and social-emotional learning curricula for Chicago Public Schools, several charter school networks, DePaul University, and Rush University, supporting countless students through college and into fulfilling careers. In 2017, he was recognized as the Illinois Counseling Association’s Graduate Student of the Year for his work on Chicago’s West side.
Jan holds a BA in Sociology from Georgetown University and an MA in School Counseling from DePaul University, where he is currently pursuing a PhD in Curriculum Studies. His research and writing focuses on the intersections of democracy, education, and racial justice.