Where sewing circles meet contemplative dialogue

Through monthly community phone calls, we create an intimate space for White-identifying folks to explore Whiteness with the same care and attention we bring to our textile practice.

What is WHITEWORK?

WHITEWORK brings together contemplative dialogue and textile tradition to explore the impacts of Whiteness on our lives and the lives of our loved ones. Drawing inspiration from historical quilting circles as spaces of gathering and resistance, these facilitated community phone calls follow a structured contemplative protocol that creates space for deep listening and honest reflection.

Inspired by Ruth King's work Mindful of Race: Transforming Racism from the Inside Out, WHITEWORK provides an opportunity for participants to develop racial literacy and awareness through structured sharing in a judgement-free space.

What to expect

Each WHITEWORK call is carefully structured to create an environment of trust and meaningful engagement:

  • Audio-Only Format: Our two-hour calls are voice-only, allowing participants to focus fully on listening and sharing without visual distractions.

  • Opening Exercise: We begin with a grounding exercise to prepare for meaningful engagement.

  • Guided Exploration: A conversation prompt invites individual reflection and sharing.

  • Mindful Sharing: Participants share as they feel naturally moved, with moments of reflection between speakers.

  • Collective Processing: The format ensures space for all voices while maintaining depth of engagement.

  • Closing Reflection: We conclude with a centering exercise to integrate the experience.

Who is WHITEWORK for?

This meeting is for anyone who identifies as White in any capacity and is interested in exploring what Whiteness means in their own life and experience.

“It is not enough to think we can simply get a racially diverse group in one room and ‘hash it out’ — many of us have been there and done that to no avail. We show up with good intentions, but we are afraid, unclear, unskilled, angry, and cautious, all of which get in the way of us connecting and being real.”

Ruth King, author of Mindful of Race

Community Guidelines

WHITEWORK calls maintain a supportive environment where:

  • Curiosity and honest reflection are encouraged

  • We practice deep listening without judgment

  • Personal experiences serve as points of collective reflection

  • We honor the confidential nature of shared stories

  • Each voice contributes to our collective understanding

Can you join us?

These free community gatherings welcome anyone who identifies as White and wishes to explore what Whiteness means in their lived experience. Calls occur monthly, with flexible scheduling to accommodate different time zones.

After registering below, you'll receive:

  • A participant survey to identify convenient meeting times (January only)

  • Upcoming call schedule and access details

  • Preparation materials for your first session

  • Information about other textile arts programming

You can adjust email preferences anytime.

 FAQs

  • Each WHITEWORK call runs for two hours. We gather monthly, creating space for both regular attendance and natural ebb and flow of participation.

  • Just a phone and a quiet space where you feel comfortable speaking openly. The simplicity of this arrangement allows us to focus on the work at hand of deep listening and honest reflection.

  • Just as quilters often find deeper connection when focused on their handwork, removing visual distractions allows us to listen more deeply to ourselves and others. The audio-only format creates a unique space for presence and reflection.

  • Each session centers around a specific prompt exploring aspects of Whiteness in our lives. Topics might include family histories, current experiences, personal insights, and collective patterns.

  • No prior experience is needed - only openness to learning and willingness to engage honestly.

  • WHITEWORK is 100% free.

  • We center each call on a vetted and recommended discussion questions from Ruth King, the originator of this approach. Our structured format helps maintain supportive space for honest exploration while I commit to doing my best to guide the group through difficult moments.

  • Participants are asked to:

    • Listen deeply and speak honestly

    • Maintain confidentiality

    • Respect the sharing format

    • Engage from personal experience

    • Honor both silence and speech