Ripples of Inclusion

As a society, we're scared to talk about racism. It's time to ask the questions that make you feel uncomfortable so you can take real action.
If you weren’t careful, and you didn’t have your lived experience to show you otherwise (and if you avoided distressing news stories), you might be inclined to think that we were moving further away from racism as a society.

But while it’s true that certain abhorrent policies and systems are now a thing of the past, we’re far from a world in which equality prevails.

You need only look to the news to see examples of racism in the police force… but the George Floyd case is just the tip of the iceberg. His heartbreaking story represents an issue that runs far deeper than one unfortunate event.

Systemic racism is a solid presence in the world we live in, and for people of color, equal access to things some take for granted is not guaranteed.

Healthcare, fair treatment from the authorities, access to education and job opportunities… These issues are prevalent, and for those who want to stand against them, understanding is crucial.

That starts with listening to the lived experiences of those who face every day knowing that they’ll be exposed to microaggressions, to having to fight for the right to be heard and constantly asked for proof that what they’re experiencing is racism.

For allies and those on the frontline alike, this listening and understanding is crucial.

Enter Carrie M. Sawyer, whose passion for equity and fair representation saw her move away from her job as a design researcher, ready to use her skills and training to explore solutions for the biggest societal problems we face.

In this unique look at inclusion and how to be an active ally, she delves deep into the questions you’re too afraid to ask and shows you what you can do to make a difference. Inside, you’ll discover:

What the Inclusion 1st Project is… and how it differs from other approaches
Why no question you have is stupid, and how you need to ask it to grow and instigate real change
12 solid themes to guide you on a path of proactive anti-racist action
A deeper understanding of what racism is – and why it’s so much more than name-calling or outright aggression
Why action needs to be seen and not happen solely behind closed doors… and how to avoid falling into the trap of virtue signaling
The pitfall many people face when they think they’re being a good ally – and how you can avoid it
How to recognize your privilege without your personal negative experiences getting in the way of true understanding
An in-depth guide to the intricacies of talking about racism
A deep dive into the BIPOC experience – shedding light on the microaggressions that infuse every day
Why your personal journey is essential to taking effective anti-racist action – plus the key questions often asked
How to create “ripples of inclusion” (and why this has more effect than you might imagine)
And much more.

No matter what your experience has been, this book is for