Find your Voice

Instead of forcing yourself to fit into a box, what if you could just be yourself? A space for people to reconnect with their identity.
About this Event

Have you ever felt like you had to hide a part of who you are in order to be accepted in society? Maybe you were told to straighten your hair, watch out for your accent, or mute the bright, colorful clothes you wear. Immigrants and BIPOC often silence their own inner voice to assimilate into society. How often do we stop to wonder what that costs us?

In this workshop, we will learn the hidden costs of hiding a part of ourselves and how we can start to reconnect with our complex identities and our voice. We will also deconstruct the often unfair standards of success that are expected from our communities, and strategize how to move away from these oppressive models, and instead live according to the values that we hold dear.

Participants will come away from the session with knowledge about racial and intergenerational trauma, worksheets to begin their identity exploration, and strategies on how to use their voice to advocate for themselves and their communities.

In this two-hour workshop, part of Welcoming Week, we will talk about:

• The history of segregation in Austin, the effects of the 1928 plan, and how it continues to affect communities today
• The hidden cost of hiding a part of ourselves
• Deconstructing myths of success, reconnecting with our identities and living in accordance with ourvalues
• How to use our voice in community for change

This workshop isn't just us talking at you. There will be time for self-reflection and group discussion so come prepared to interact with your peers!
This event was made possible by a grant from the City of Austin's We All Belong – Austin Against Hate initiative.