Five actions you can take against racism and discrimination (2024)

1. Listenandeducate yourself

Pay attention to the voices of people who experience racism every day– listen to friends, classmates,neighbours, and communityleaders.

Thereare also alot of articles,books,documentaries, films and podcastson issues of racism,discriminationand privilege.Listen to what thepeople in themhave to say. Understand and confront your own privilege. Be prepared to feeluncomfortableat times.Many of us absorb biases and prejudices at an early age,so they arenot easy to unlearn.

2. Raise awareness

Share the resources that you have founduseful with your community to help themlearn how they can play a role in ending racism and discrimination.If you have younger siblings or family members,set a good example for them. Try tolook for games or books that can help them learnthat we all have a right to dignity and safety- there are lots online.

3. Challenge everydaydiscriminationand racism

Racism and discriminationhappenaround us all the time. Often it is in the form of jokes, stereotypesor insensitive comments and questionsfrom our friends, family members or colleagues.If you witness a friend or family member saying racist or discriminatory things, you shouldtalk tothem,ifyou feel safe to do so. Approach them privately first – in person or via direct message.

They are more likely to be receptive if they don’t feel publicly embarrassed.Point out to them thatwhat they are saying is racist or discriminatory and remind them that everyone has the right todignityandthatin many countries it is against the law to discriminate against a person because of the color of their skin, their ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation.Encourage them to learn more aboutthe historical context of racial prejudice and discrimination, and share resources that you have found helpful.

If you see someone being bullied or harassed, intervene if it is safe to do so.

4.Report racist or discriminatory content online

Many social media platformswant their platforms to be safe and empowering for people of all backgrounds. If you see content that you think violates their guidelines, report it to the platform.

If you seecontentin anewspaperorother traditional media that reflects prejudice, leave a comment or send a letter to the editor to let others know that intolerant remarks are unkind and uncalled for.

5.Isyour school or universityagainst racism and discrimination?

Schools and universities should be safe places for children and young people of all races and ethnicities. Find out whether your school or university has a policy on non-discrimination and racism,safeways to report incidents, support services,andprogrammesorinitiativesto promotetolerance, diversity and inclusion. If not, work with other students and school/universitymanagement to start a discussionand identify ways in whichyour place of learning can become a safer andmoreempowering environment for all students.

If you have other suggestions, share them in the comments below or submit a blog or spark.

Extra actionsforyoungstorytellers

? Share your story

It is important thatthe stories and experiences of people who face racism and discrimination are told. At the same time, we understand this can be verydifficultand painful.If it feels safe and empowering, tell your story and share your experiences.

? Amplify the voices of people who experience discrimination and racism

Rather than speaking for people, use your platforms to amplify the voices of people who experience discrimination and racism directly.

✍️ Telling someone else’s story

If you are telling the story of someone who comes from a very different background to you based on their race or ethnicityavoid using words or phrases that are stereotypical or insensitive. Think about how you are portraying the person – are you presenting them as a full human being with a range of interests and experiences? Make sure you do your research beforehand and think about the images you use – do they treat someone with dignity and respect, or do they perpetuate stereotypes? Would you like to be portrayed in this way?

This also applies to telling the stories of people who have different experiences form you based on their gender identity, religion, socioeconomic group, migration status or disability.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Five things you and your family can do now to help create a more just society

Learning about racism and discrimination