Adding to the bayanihan
“My fullest concentration of energy is available to me only when I integrate all the parts of who I am, openly, allowing power from particular sources of my living to flow back and forth freely through all my different selves, without the restrictions of externally imposed definition. Only then can I bring myself and my energies as a whole to the service of those struggles which I embrace as part of my living.”
(Lorde, 1984, pp. 120-121)
The purpose driving this action-oriented study is to create an environment where the above quote is a reality for all. Specifically, the study will focus upon associations, an appropriate organization type to focus upon because associations represent entire fields and industries, build stronger economies, enhance job skills, improve systems and structures, and strengthen the lives of those involved (The Power of A, 2018). Through queered phenomenology (Ahmed, 2006; Vagle, 2014) and critical participatory action research (CPAR) (Kemmis, McTaggart, & Nixon, 2014) methodology and methods, the study will critique professional associations and attempt to transform the ways in which people of color thrive in this borderland created by Whiteness. The two research questions guiding this study are “How do we build bayanihan, a communion of critical consciousness, by changing our sayings as they related to our language, our doings as they connect to our activity and work, and our relatings with regards to power and solidarity?” and “How does Whiteness create irrational, unsustainable, and unjust experiences for minoritized volunteer leaders in their professional association?”
If you have already learned more about the theoretical foundations of the bayanihan in DISCOVER, and you don't just want to provide your critical expertise and offer feedback through REFINE, we encourage you to contribute below.
Our informed consent document overviews our study. All individuals are invited to share their perspectives by responding to the full survey or its individual four components, specifically defining Whiteness, as well as identifying the manifestation of norms in the ways things are said, done, and related to; however, for those who self-identify as a person of color and have held at least two different volunteer roles within your professional association, with at least one of the opportunities being a board or committee level leadership role, we invite you to indicate your interest in applying to be a co-researcher. The surveys will take at most fifteen minutes, and the application to be a co-researcher will take approximately five minutes to complete.
Any questions, please CONTACT the researcher.
Apply to be a co-researcher
Interviews will be done virtually or in-person, as schedules allow. Access the informed consent document to learn more about the specific qualifications of the study or visit the intake form to start the process.
Respond to the Full Survey
Don't have time to be a co-researcher? Your perspective is still needed! Answer any of the sections of our survey, including defining Whiteness or reflecting on how sayings, doings, and relatings maintain the norm of Whiteness. The weblink below directs you to the full survey.
