Madhuma Thompson is planning the sessions to run from February 20 to June 5 and penned the below to share with readers.

This is a sincere and deliberate beginning to see and feel what it is to be 'white' with all it's unconscious advantages as well as its baggage. The purpose of the series is to create a non-judgemental support group to do our inner work of uncovering how we participate in racism and colonialism, even when we would never consider ourselves to be 'racists'.

Throughout the series emphasis will be placed on resourcing ourselves, finding wellness and cultivating compassion for our selves and each other.

These times are calling us to be more honest about racism.

Transforming white culture to a more robust, equitable, just and compassionate one is a choice that we make with one body, one mind, one heart and one act at a time.

To apply contact Madhuma Thompson at madhumadance@gmail.com. The cost is a sliding scale to be determined, with a scholarship position available.

Dates: Sundays, Feb 20, Mar 6/20, April 3/24, May 8/29, June 5. Spaces limited.

What can a group of white people do to stop racism? What is a white affinity group? How can I join?

Aboriginal, First Nations, Torres Strait Islander and people of colour (POC) have lived with colonialism and racism their whole lives. They are experts at it.

Many white people are just beginning to look at racism in a sincere way.

In wanting to explore racism in an honest, caring and constructive way, it is often kinder to initially separate white people from POC. These groups are called white 'affinity groups'. (There are as many 'affinity' groups as there are group identities).

By gathering in groups of only white people, for the purpose of exploring and reflecting on our 'whiteness', we are freed from any desire to 'get it right' for POC. It allows us to see that we are not alone in our confusion and embarrassment about race.

In a white affinity group, we begin to come to terms with how we we're trained to see and value 'whiteness' versus 'colour'. How we participate in racism unconsciously. How asserting ourselves as 'good white people' can be a defensive strategy.

Exploring this is a necessary step, because genuinely believing in the equality of all people, or wishing things were different, does not remove the harrowing effects of centuries of a white-biased culture.

It is not the job of POC to teach us about racism. And now is a good time for white people to turn our focus back to ourselves - with more than just an intellectual curiosity. With compassion.

Within a supportive group we can begin to see the commonality of our cultural conditioning - and paradoxically, by owning our conditioning we're able to take responsibility for our situation now - without getting blinded or stuck in guilt or shame.

We can begin the move forward.

Our resilience and goodwill are being called upon in these extraordinary times, and we're all being asked to step up in new ways. And have you noticed, how good it feels when you do?

For me it means sharing this work that is both humbling and absolutely enlivening. I'm offering a five month immersive white affinity group 'Transforming White Culture from the Inside Out' Feb 20 - June 5th 2022 online.

For inquiries and to apply contact Madhuma at madhumadance@gmail.com.