Sidekick Manifesto in Practice by Project READY

Sidekick Slaps and Spotlight Sharing

2019-10-29 19:57:16 UTC

The two points that resonated the most with me were that of, "Welcome my sidekick slaps" and, "I will step out of the spotlight". Personally, I am very outspoken and enjoy stimulating conversation, but I can sometimes combine these traits into stealing conversations away from others. It's a problem that I am working to improve upon, as my viewpoints are no more important than anyone else's. I am a straight white man, so this can be especially harmful. It will benefit everyone if others are able to use their voices as well. As for Sidekick Slaps, I want the BIPOC in my life to know that I need to know when I say/do something that is harmful, because that is how we learn. If people know that I will not become defensive or aggressive when called out, they will be more likely to give me a much-needed Sidekick Slap and I will be less likely to repeat the offense in the future.

2019-11-17 19:43:24 UTC

As a teacher, I think I could do better at sitting back and letting my students, who actually face challenges from racism or LGBTQ stereotypes, speak up and share their experiences. I'm used to being the one who knows everything; in this case I don't, and I need to let those who do take the lead.

I focused on the quote, "It's not about you" when you thinking about allies. Take a step back and understand the weight one carries every day. I think too often that when I face oppression or racial biased, I may not take that step back and focus on the idea that it is not something I can fix, but it is something I can address and educate. I also appreciate the Reflect and Loop back piece. I am hopeful that in the future I can make a honest effort to really reflect upon the events and those involved. Then loop back with a clearer lens to address the issue, whether it is my issue or one that I am observing.

kimberly_royle — 2020-04-27 18:23:00 UTC

2020-07-20 14:25:41 UTC

As a Youth Services librarian, I need to make an effort to make sure that books featuring BIPOC youth are displayed front and center. I need to make sure that these titles are included on our recommended reading lists. The further I go through the modules the more I realize that our
BIPOC children are not seeing themselves in their library.

Building respectful relationships

2020-07-27 18:11:54 UTC

I keep coming back to "I will ignore sirens singing songs of scale." Building respectful relationships is what teaching is all about. Making sure every child is known. Stepping aside and letting them tell their story. Being patient and humble so that student feel they can be their most authentic selves in the classroom.

kellymarie1848 — 2020-07-28 17:07:01 UTC

The commitment of "questioning the utility of my utility belt" really resonated with me. As a librarian, I am always eager to develop and share new services, programs, and resources. But it is an important reminder that they are not always helpful and that they do not address the root causes of racism and oppression. So I want to commit to being really thoughtful in developing services or sharing resources, be open to feedback and criticism, especially from BIPOC, and be willing to scrap/reform/change projects -- even if I put lots of work into them or felt really good about them. Additionally, as a member of a school community, I want to push myself to identify where and how I can support changes that address the root causes.

I will explore my dark side

kcady4 — 2020-08-03 15:09:10 UTC

I really believe that in order to enact commitment to anti-racism, I need to ask myself the tough questions. I believe that people are inherently good and everyone wants to invoke positive change. We see people speaking out all of the time and getting on board with social justice dialogue. So I think the major problem comes with the blind spots - what we don't think about and are complicit to. By asking dark, tough questions about ways in which we are currently perpetuating racism and what that space would look like if we stopped, I think we can enact more of a commitment among society, further than simply allyship. We need to get uncomfortable.

I Will Ride in the Sidecar

leahdelia2 — 2020-08-18 23:40:02 UTC

I have a take charge personality and tend to lead groups and start initiatives. As a white Latina, I don't need to do that in equity work. I can wait to be invited to speak, participate and support organizations already doing racial equity work and just generally learn how to play a supporting role.

Not About Me

2020-08-19 15:40:26 UTC

I tend to want to demonstrate solidarity, empathy, and/or affirmation by sharing a story or feeling about ME that I think is like the story or feeling or need or reality told by the the person to whom I'm trying to demonstrate allyship. I need to stop that and listen better.

I Will Question the Utility of My Utility Belt

2020-09-04 19:29:33 UTC

I am new in my role at a large downtown library in a major metropolitan area. Coming in to a new role, it's easy to feel excited about coming up with new ideas or creating new programming. This commitment of "questioning utility" is a reminder to take a step back and know that building relationships can take time. Through those relationships, I will learn what might serve my community best, rather than creating programs that I *think* would be "good" for the community. It's not retreating, but it's having some patience and allowing myself to become more informed.

I will be the constant understudy.

2020-09-08 15:27:35 UTC

I think this one was a little difficult for me to grasp as someone who tries to master everything they do. I read and watch a lot of stuff from BIPOC about their experiences and it can be hard for me to rationalize that this isn't something I can ever master or be perfect at. I can only do my best and continue learning. Learning is a lifelong commitment this time.

fvestech — 2020-09-18 19:50:26 UTC

I identified with the "sidekick slaps". If I feel it was my intention to be anti-racist, but it is not perceived that way, I can have issues accepting that. I need to remember that I can never understand, and I need to accept others' perceptions of my actions as what matters.

Sidekick slaps

2020-09-21 22:03:49 UTC

The one that feels the hardest for me is accepting the sidekick slaps. I don't like to make mistakes or being told I did something wrong - I always take it too personally. So I will need to make a decision to learn from mistakes I make and keep trying.

2020-10-06 20:57:08 UTC

"It's not about you" when you thinking about allies. Take a step back and understand the weight one carries every day.

I WILL EXPLORE MY DARKSIDE

dmckamy1 — 2020-11-03 15:43:39 UTC

I will look at my own background and how it has led to my beliefs and ideas and how I can change some of my biases by trying to understand (but knowing I never will) what it is like to be in another"s "shoes."

2020-11-05 16:25:42 UTC

I am working hard on being better about getting called out, and learning to unlearn the defensiveness when I hear about things that myself or other white people have done, and how those affect people of color.

My Dark Side

2020-11-06 15:27:24 UTC

I want to make a conscious effort to explore the ways in which racism is part of my life. In what ways am I perpetuating racism? I need to check my intentions. Am I invested in assisting in dismantling racist systems? Or am I an all-talk no action "ally"?

Delusions of Grandeur & Vocational Awe

2020-12-09 16:38:06 UTC

It's really easy to slip into grandeurious thinking and vocational awe when learning about marginalized people. Going to lectures where you're told that you're a "change maker" makes you feel good! However, it's important to listen to your community and find their needs instead of imposing what you think they need.

Listen and Reflect.

2020-12-09 22:09:23 UTC

I like the quote that was in the article "Why I don't call myself an Ally," which says; "When you really listen to another person from their point of view, and reflect back to them that understanding, it's like giving their emotional oxygen." - Stephen Covey. This quote is so true in many ways. I've also valued a person who has a listening ear. One person who has shown that to me personally is the director of children's services in my department. Whenever, I have had a problem or have faced such issues as microaggressions, she is always willing to listen and offer support. She may not be able to fully understand exactly what I'm going through but she's always will to listen, learn and ask questions. That to me is an example of a sidekick. A person that is not look for a way to "save the day" so to speak but are instead looking for ways to fight along with you.

Is my toolbelt useful?

2020-12-16 21:12:03 UTC

Making sure I keep in mind that new ideas for programs and services aren't going to solve the systemic imbalances of power is very important. Adding more diversity in our programming schedule is not enough.

My Utility Belt

2020-12-21 22:37:42 UTC

I think the one I kept going back to is "Questioning the utility of my utility belt". I'm involved in library programming, and while I have all of these ideas about promoting diversity and they are coming from a well-intentioned place, they are coming from my perspective of what diversity should be. They are coming from my mind, which is one of privilege. We want our libraries to promote diversity, but I've come to realize that our ideas mean nothing unless they have input from teen and community voices. I need to step back and assess whether my creation of ideas is truly impactful coming from my viewpoint. I need to figure out how to provide helpful programming and resources that will actually mean something to my teens by incorporating their voice into planning.

Dark Side

2021-01-04 15:58:33 UTC

I liked the part for "I will explore my dark side". I feel like that is what Project Ready is helping us do. Exploring our dark side so we can really work on ourselves to be ready for the sidekick role. Once we explroe our dark side and see our true goals, we can be ready to be everyone's sidekick who needs one.

Leader to Sidecar

2021-01-12 22:42:52 UTC

I've been a leader as long as I can remember, running in student government, sitting on boards, and heading committees. As I reviewed the sidekick pledge, the point that sticks out most to me is "I will ride in the sidecar." It's not something that will be easy for me, because I'm use to leading the charge, but it's definitely something I will work my hardest to achieve. Because others are also use to me in the leadership position, I'm hopeful that taking a step back will empower others who have the experiences and the knowledge to really drive the cause and I can assist as needed along the way.

Stepping out of the Spotlight

2021-01-16 15:17:05 UTC

I feel it can be difficult to step out of the spotlight when there are no BIPOC folks in my department. I'm imagining having to intentionally shine the spotlight on other voices, voices that might not be physically present, but that exist in the larger world. But keeping up that metaphor, being ready to step out of the spotlight as the opportunity arises.

Letting the Patron Lead

2021-01-16 15:22:44 UTC

As a librarian I can use the reference interview to let the patron lead the way -- what stories are they looking for that will help support them. And when dealing with non-BIPOC patrons, I can use my librarian power to amplify BIPOC stories even when they aren't specifically requested.

As a fair-skinned BIPOC, I have helped other BIPOC conduct research projects without intervening with my own ideas or needing acknowledgement for my work. I will continue to use my skill sets as a librarian to provide resources to BIPOC and advocate for additional resources to purchased to support said research.

2021-01-26 17:45:19 UTC

"I will exercise narrative humility" is important. It's hard to do, because if you know a relevant story it's tempting to share it. But the way you share it may not reflect the way it was actually told to you, and then you are changing the story to fit your own needs. It's important to have consent before sharing someone else's story.

2021-01-26 18:59:02 UTC

"I will welcome my sidekick slaps."

2021-02-04 22:45:59 UTC

I will strive to encourage an environment where people feel comfortable calling out my mistakes. I will accept them without demands or anger and work towards acting differently in the future.

I Will Welcome My Sidekick Slaps

2021-03-09 17:51:42 UTC

Admitting you're wrong or that some of your past behaviors/work have not been helpful isn't easy. In order to move forward, I must acknowledge my mistakes, take responsibility for them, and do the work to be better.

I will step out of the spotlight.

isber001 — 2021-03-10 15:11:46 UTC

As a teacher, this can play out for me in the way of centering my students voices.

Constant Understudy

audrey_wood1 — 2021-03-16 14:02:43 UTC

Maybe this is easiest and simultaneously hardest thing to swallow. Like many educators, I am used to being the one who knows, but here I am not the authority in any way. A perfectionist society suggests that if only one works hard enough, one can find the solution. But this is not an equation and will not be resolved quickly or easily. My role is to always be involved and always learn, always seek to increase my impact (without acclaim) and accept I'll never be done.

I will leverage my privilege to uplift marginalized voices that are more important than my own. I will use my platform as an educator and librarian to provide resources and demonstrate accessible and age-appropriate ways to talk about race and racism with children, based on what I have learned and will always continue to learn from BIPOC.

2021-04-30 21:08:39 UTC

I will explore my dark side

2021-05-03 14:18:08 UTC

By examining my interactions, double thinking and examining my bias and privileges. I will face situations where I act inappropriately and I will react poorly. I will have to take time to look at these situations from outside my privilege by listening and exploring what others have been through, how they feel and learn how to navigate so that I am better.

Supporting ideas, not coming up with them

2021-05-03 16:17:07 UTC

My default is to try to come up with ideas and solutions. Recently my library had a request to partner with some BIPOC-led businesses in town for a celebration. Their idea was much better than anything I could come up with and it's something they want to do, and something they feel passionate about. We can do better ally work by amplifying their voices and helping make this event happen, than coming up with our own ideas for "how to serve BIPOC folks in our community" or "how to be a good ally."

I will be the constant understudy: I have a leadership role which extends out into the community. I need to be the understudy first, then the mouthpiece/influencer/educator/responsive person second.

2021-05-03 22:00:40 UTC

I cannot know the problem (s) until I become a better listener and engage in quality conversations with our patrons. I cannot "help" until I understand how I can help. Also, I have to stop trying to SOLVE everything and get comfortable with being uncomfortable!

2021-05-06 19:24:53 UTC

I can work to find voices different than my own to share stories with my students. I've seen colleagues bring in different perspectives in units and how excited students have been to see themselves reflected. The narrative humility feels important in storytimes too, and I wonder how I can share stories in a more respectful way.

Knowing your role

daniellegregori1 — 2021-05-27 16:10:37 UTC

I think it's sometimes hard to navigate which situations I should be using my privilege to speak up and when I should step aside--I think being vulnerable and open to learning and growing will help to solidify the muscle memory of being an ally without being a hero.

Constant Understudy

2021-06-13 15:50:07 UTC

This project is bringing to light many injustices I have overlooked my entire life, and teaching me to put into words other oppressions that I have always known have existed. I totally believe what we are learning is the right path forward for both privileged and oppressed. I am committed! "I will always listen, learn, and seek a deeper understanding of my role in the story of racism's end."

I will step out of the spotlight.

2021-08-11 23:12:31 UTC

It is so important to remember as a librarian and ally and equity advocate that NONE of this is about me. I ONLY exist to lift up the voices of the marginalized. In my position, I develop training and resources for Youth Services library workers in my state. Stepping out of the spotlight means that I don't choose the training that's needed, I ask what is needed. I seek out the opinions of historically marginalized folks and ask them what they need to do their jobs and serve the historically marginalized communities they serve. An eternal mantra I always have is "this isn't about me", and if I find myself doing something because I like it and care about it and am interested in it, I have to stop myself. Because I don't know the people I serve the best, they do.

The Utility of My Utility Belt

2021-08-24 20:35:10 UTC

The items I have in my tool box will not be enough the change the world, but I can keep plugging along and making my work more diverse.

I will question the utility of my utility belt: Understanding that under served and unrepresented communities should have a say in the programs and services for them. This means going into the community and asking what they need, why they may not be coming into the library, what the library can offer them. This also means understanding my ideas are not always going to be welcomed or effective in reaching these communities and not taking it personally (welcoming sidecar slaps & being a constant understudy).

2021-09-02 13:48:12 UTC

2021-09-21 02:47:17 UTC

Between the modules and what I've read here on this board, I really resonate with the folks who have said that they are used to coming up with ideas themselves based on their ideas of what inclusion/diversity/etc means. In the future, I aspire to listen to and find out what my local BIPOC community actually *wants* and needs, especially in terms of programming, and not what I think would be helpful or good. Similarly, using what the community asks for as a way to bring white youth into their own education of their identities and place of privilege.

2021-09-21 19:42:02 UTC

I will ignore sirens singing songs of scale.
Building respectful relationships is a mutual process of learning about and from one another.
This takes patience, humility, and authenticity. These things cannot be rushed or easily scaled.
This one is hardest for me. I want to lean in and do the work of racial justice, equity, and dismantling systems of oppression, but I'm always doing it surrounded by other white women. I want to hear the voices and ideas from BIPOC, but am not in relationship with people from whom I can learn and it's not their responsibility to teach me, so I go round and round.

Questioning My Utility Belt:

adurham2 — 2022-01-02 20:39:14 UTC

I recognize that all of my efforts to encourage the readership and inclusion of diverse literature/primary sources will not erase racism. I will do my best to reflect on information that I provide to teachers and students to move forward towards greater understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion.

Listen and learn

2022-02-25 20:36:05 UTC

I need to listen to the voices in person and on media. If I don't know anything about the issues at hand, I will listen to the facts from the community. If I know a bit, I will still sit and listen, because they experience it firsthand, and I do not. Listening is my first priority in allying myself to the causes of BIPOC

I agree to unlearn and relearn what I have been taught throughout my life.

2022-06-24 18:43:56 UTC

It takes time and energy to unlearn what I thought I knew about race and privilege. I agree to take the time and energy it takes to unlearn and relearn everything I thought I knew. I agree to be humbled in this process.

When I finish this training, I will not treat it as another box that I checked off on my path to "woke-ness". I will recognize that this is just one step, the first of many. I will remember that this is a lifelong journey with no finish line, and that even at the end of my journey I will never be an expert.

2022-07-13 21:16:08 UTC

I Will Ride in the Sidecar

2022-09-06 20:54:44 UTC

I will continue to join conversations in which I am welcome, donate to local leaders who are already doing the work, and use my privilege to educate other white people around me. I will not try to be a one-person hero, because that is not sustainable or possible.

I will Stay Out of the Spotlight - this resonates with me as an academic working in Native Studies in addition to being a librarian. So often I see the researcher getting all the credit when obviously they had research partners in the community. One thing I did is to add how to cite Indigenous Elders, by Lorisia MacLeod, to my citation instruction materials. I understand sometimes research partners want to remain anonymous. And that this might change. It can be difficult to keep the conversation open over time and distance.

2022-10-18 17:00:00 UTC

Exploring my dark side

2022-12-02 19:34:34 UTC

When you come from a position of privilege, it's difficult to see your own bias. By completing the Project Ready readings and digging deeply into my own identity and privilege, I aim to be able to step out of my own shoes and listen carefully to other people's stories. At the same time, like the author stated in "Anatomy of an Ally", it's critical to not expect them to me about their identity. I think that's a tough balance to strike and will lead to some uncomfortable conversations. How do we do both of those at the same time? I want to be the best ally I can be.

I will ride in the side car.

2022-12-07 16:03:40 UTC

I am committed to listening to and supporting BIPOC while letting them take the lead and determine our direction for addressing and dismantling racism.

I will question the utility of my utility belt.

2022-12-16 15:51:01 UTC

It's very easy, as a librarian, to think that you can solve issues through programs and initiatives. People are hungry? Have a free & fresh fridge! People are technology illiterate? Give a class about using the computer! But Project READY has shown me that racism is so embedded in our society, and so multi-faceted, that it CANNOT be solved with just a program or an initiative. We can certainly make some strides with individuals helping to even the scales a little, but we need to accept how omnipresent racism is and realize our limitations of addressing it in the library.

I will explore my dark side.

2023-01-12 18:12:25 UTC

How do my actions, purchases, activities, words perpetuate racism? If I say I want racism to end, am I showing it in my actions, however small? Am I taking what I've learned here and using it to finally verbalize issues with admins? Am I being brave rather than safe?

Listen

2023-02-13 00:11:01 UTC

I will listen more and speak less, I don't always know what to say, therefore I WILL listen to have something to say!

I like the idea of letting BIPOC have a stronger voice because they haven't in the past.

2023-05-11 19:53:59 UTC

Step out of the spotlight

2023-05-23 20:25:43 UTC

BIPOC voices about their experiences are far more authentic than my own or what I think their experiences might be. I need to get out of their way...hold the spotlight for them instead of stand in it.

I am a learner

2023-09-10 13:52:33 UTC

I will continue to learn more about the history that I wasn't taught and use that new knowledge to inform my purchases in the library. I will increase the BIPOC characters in the books that I purchase and use all the resources at my disposal to be sure that they are written by BIPOC authors and illustrators.
I will encourage the white educators in my district to continue to learn about their position of power in our society and to learn more about our students of color.

Listening Ear

2023-11-28 01:12:46 UTC

In conversations with others, I will provide a listening ear. I will double check my biases and I will to strive to be more empathetic and reflective.