janice jo lee

Anti-Oppression

Introduction to Anti-Oppression and Personal Privilege - 2 Hours

This is an introductory session that brings people from different walks of life onto the same page. We will define terms used within diversity, equity, inclusion, justice and anti-oppression movements. Each person will have time to examine the privileges they carry, the barriers they face, and to share their personal connection to global colonialism. We will ask ourselves, what is our responsibility within the anti-oppression movement? How can I be an agent of social change within my communities? In what areas am I ready to challenge myself, learn and grow?

Responding to Microaggressions - 2 Hours

Are you a boy or a girl? Where are you from? Why can’t you take a joke?
In these moments, sometimes we freeze in shock and don’t know how to respond. Afterwards you might get angry at yourself for not having said something. These microaggressions may seem small and casual, but they are acts of oppression. These small acts accumulate and function as part of an ideological system of power that maintains systemic oppression. 

In this practical scenario-based workshop you will practice how to respond to microaggressions. Scenarios will vary from when you are in a position of power, when you are a bystander, and when you are in a vulnerable position. Participants are expected to enter the workshop with a general understanding of systemic oppression in a global context. Bring one or two examples of microaggressions you face in your life. You will have the option to work in small groups or a larger group facilitated by Janice.

You will leave with concrete take-aways and a renewed courage to defend your dignity and of those around you.

Meaningful Allyship - 4 Hours

Allyship is a relationship building process which considers political identity and power. Through constant active listening, learning, and changing of our behaviour we can build trust, and solidarity that results in meaningful action. We will reflect on how oppression is experienced as harm and grief. We will apply how allyship is an exercise in humility, feeling, education, bridge-building and distributing power. 

The workshop is part presentation, and part interaction. Participants will engage in small group discussions and apply concepts to our lives. Participants are invited to bring their personal lived experience into the discussion. This workshop is appropriate for learners who are ready to feel uncomfortable, and are invested in personal development, relationship building, and social change.

Internalized Racism - 2 Hours

This workshop is for racialized people who are grieving the racism in the world while investigating our own internalized racism. We will detail our personal relationship to global colonialism, anti-Blackness and Indigenous colonization. We will question how mainstream Western culture assimilates us, socializes us into anti-immigrant sentiment, self-hate and losing connection to our heritages. We will close by sharing ways we can work through our anger, pain and grief, and how we can be accountable to taking care of ourselves while fighting for our dignity and rights in the world.

East Asian Solidarity Healing Space 

Racism against East Asian and South East Asian people is often unheard, unseen and unaddressed. You are invited to share your experiences, grief, anger and pain in a listening and supportive environment. We will talk about how white supremacy oppresses us through the model minority myth. We will discuss setting personal boundaries to care for ourselves and those around us. We will do writing activities and create a space of listening and support. 

Arts

Artist/Mission Statement  

What is the purpose of your art/activism? What are you doing and is it working? How are you serving your community/audience with your work?  

In this workshop we will examine and define our practice within the context of our personal relationship to colonialism, our times and community. You will leave with a first draft of your own personal arts/mission statement and a renewed clarity and inspiration about your purpose.  

Returning to Writing  
Exercises to free ourselves from self-judgement when creating. I will lead the group through creation activities that reconnect us to the joy, catharsis, and discipline of writing and creating. For writers of all levels. You will leave with some pieces-in-progress.  

On the Mic, Off the Cuff: A Banter and Hosting Workshop

Every moment on stage is a comedy opportunity. Learn how to glue the show together, be more relaxed, and facilitate a great show for your audience! We'll go over tips like how to put the fun in thanking the funders, how to fill time without being awkward, audience interaction, smooth transitions, and how to improvise banter in your own style. We will play simple games and learn some theater and clowning techniques, so dress comfortably! People of all physical abilities are welcome and will be accommodated.

Intro to Physical Theatre, Clown and Improv

In this workshop, we start in our bodies. Our bodies as instrument, archive, amplifier. This workshop brings us back to our primary instincts to play. How do we loosen up the stories in our bodies, the words in our brain, and joy in our heart?  We will shed self-judgement, stop thinking so much, be weird, listen to each other, make eye contact, and move as one.