+ Are OAR and REI the same thing?

No. OAR (Organizing Against Racism) Alliance is a network of anti-racism groups based in or around the Triangle, North Carolina. Each county has a team who contracts with the Racial Equity Institute (REI) based in Greensboro, NC to provide racial equity training to members of our community.

REI creates and teaches their racial equity curriculum.

OAR Alliance organizes the administrative components of the training locally, including registration, facilities, catering, etc. so that community members can receive REI’s curriculum.

OAR Alliance supports the existence of alumni networks stemming from the REI trainings, through local community groups and racial affinity caucus groups.

+ I attended REI’s Phase I in another county/city/state. Can I get involved locally in the Triangle, NC?

Yes! Please email the county team where you want to get involved and we can add you to our list servs.

+ What does it cost to attend racial equity training?

• Individual - $295
• Group (3 or more registered together) - $275 each
• Student - $175

In addition to the in-depth, comprehensive training curriculum presented by REI, all participants receive four meals and 2 snacks over two days of training, because we know it's hard to learn if your stomach is empty. You’ll also receive an electronic workbook after the training.

If you can’t afford training, we offer a sliding scale scholarship. At registration, you’ll be asked to indicate how much you can contribute towards the training.

+ Is food provided at training?

All participants receive four meals and two snacks over two days of training, because we know it's hard to learn if your stomach is empty. Each county coordinates with local caterer(s); priority is given to catering companies owned by People of Color, such as:

• Sweetie’s Catering
• Urbana Catering Concepts
• So Good Pupusas
• PIRI

+ What payment methods can I use?

On the registration form, you can choose to pay with a credit card or via check.

For paying by check: When you register, please note who checks should be made out to, which differs depending on which county you are training in. In memo line, include workshop date and name of registrant(s) if different from the name on the check.

+ What if I can't afford training?

Making the training accessible to everyone is one of our values. If you can’t afford the training, we offer a sliding scale scholarship. At registration, you’ll be asked to indicate how much you can contribute towards the training.

If you have questions about scholarships, please contact the email for the county coordinators as listed on registration page for the training you want to attend.

+ How long is the training? Will I get breaks?

The trainings run 8:30 am until 5:15 pm over two consecutive days, with breakfast and registration from 8:30 am to 9:00 am each day. Each day has one 10-15 minute break in the morning and afternoon. Lunch each day is usually 45 minutes to 1 hour in length, and the time varies based on the trainers and the caterers’ schedule.

+ Can I attend training more than once?

Yes! Alumni are invited to return to attend Phase I as they are able, for a minimal cost (food only - around $35). If alumni prefer to bring their own meals rather than pay for food, please indicate so on your registration and there will be no fee.

All alumni are encouraged to register in advance to ensure we have sufficient seating and food; on-site registration may be available.

As alumni, you will be asked to sit outside of the main circle and listen only, unless prompted to participate by the trainers.

+ What if I sign up for training and then can’t attend?

You can transfer your registration to another person or to another training. Email the contact for the training you are currently registered for in order to discuss your options.

+ What is covered in the training?

Refer to REI website for Phase I and Phase II content info.

+ What is the difference between the Groundwater training and Phase I?

Refer to REI website for content info about these two opportunities.

+ What happens at a debrief meeting and why should I attend?

OAR offers occasional debrief meetings where recent participants in Phase I training can review what they learned, share what they have learned, and ask questions to the facilitators. Debriefs are facilitated by county leadership, not the Racial Equity Institute trainers.

+ What happens at caucus meetings?

Caucuses are times when people of color and white people meet separately in order to do our different work. They are coordinated by county. Read more about caucusing here.

+ How can I get involved?

Each county is led by a volunteer team; contact information is available here. If you would like to volunteer your time and talents or find ways to partner, please email that county team about how you’d like to help.

+ I’ve attended another anti-racism training. Can I participate in caucusing or attend training as an alumni?

We’re glad that you have attended anti-racism training and are interested in getting involved with OAR. If you have attended a two-day training like Dismantling Racism Works or People's Institute for Survival and Beyond - Undoing Racism, we still encourage you to attend the Racial Equity Institute’s Phase I training before attending the training organized in the Triangle by OAR as an alumni or participating in OAR caucusing.

While other trainings may share a similar analysis, the content and format vary between them. OAR is a network of alumni who have attended a REI training and desire to remain connected to the anti-racism work it inspires and to one another. For this work to be effective and productive, we feel it is important that we are all operating from a shared foundation, lens, and vocabulary around race, racism, and white supremacy.