Foster Care Training

Like many systems of oppression, sexism pervades every facet of our lives and every corner of the United States, irrespective of our individual genders. We all conform to gender roles imposed by societal perceptions. What does this mean for our personal experiences and those of others? How does the damage caused by sexism affect us, our clients, and our efforts within the child welfare system? Statistics on domestic violence, gun violence, abuse, and social isolation reveal the profound impact of societal norms surrounding gender and the way masculinity and femininity are ingrained, leading to suffering and fractured communities. Sexism affects us all. How can we envision a world beyond this entrenched concept to enable ourselves to flourish as our most authentic and brilliant selves? In this full-day workshop, participants will delve into their own socialization within a system of oppression based on gender roles. Together, we will create a supportive environment to examine our learned behaviors and how sexism has influenced us. Through lectures, group discussions, experiential activities, and personal reflection, attendees will gain insight into the language, historical origins, and function of sexism, while considering its role within broader systems of oppression. Participants will have the opportunity to scrutinize their early teachings and identify where they may have unwittingly perpetuated or acquiesced to systems of masculinity or femininity, with the aim of envisioning diverse possibilities for sex, gender, and community beyond the constraints of sexism.