North Carolina's

Black Women's Roundtable

Facilitator's Guide

Cover art by Jay Squid By Tamika Lewis

 This Guide Belongs To A Kindred Sister
Named

_________________________
For all the Black women who had
magic before it was a hash tag.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION TO NORTH CAROLINA'S BLACK
WOMEN'S ROUNDTABLE
WHO WE ARE
WHERE WE'VE BEEN
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
OUR VALUES

HOSTING SOCIAL &

COMMUNITY EVENTS
IIT'S A SISTERHOOD! A BLACK
SISTERHOOD, POEM BY MARY WHITE
WE LOVE BEING BLACK
TAKING CARE OF MEEE "WE LOVE THE COLOR OF OUR SKIN , ITS THE SKIN THAT WE'RE IN
WE LOVE THE TEXTURE OF OUR HAIR, AND WE ROCK IT
SELF CARE TIPS EVERYWHERE" - BYP 100

MANTRAS FOR MEDITATION

& DAILY REMINDERS

COMMUNITY & SOCIAL

EVENTS
POSSIBLE TYPES OF EVENTS
GENERAL AGENDA
WHERE I'M FROM ACTIVITY BY
SPIRITUOUS
SMEETING ACTIVITY

POLITIAL EVENTS & TOOLS

DIRECT ACTION 101

POWER TREE ACTIVITY
S.M.A.R.T. DEMANDS
POWER MAPPING
SPECTRUM MAPPING
HOW TO DRAFT AN OP-ED
About Black Women's Round table

Dipped in Chocolate,
Bronzed in elegance,
Enameled with Grace,
Toasted with Beauty
My Lord, Shes a Black Woman"

-Dr. Yosef Ben-Jochannan

Who WE Are
The North Carolina's Black Womens Roundtable
is a network of Black, progressive women who are
committed to collectively building power for
women in our communities. We focus on
developing alternative economic systems, building
the political power, the healing of Black women,
so we can protect ourselves, our families and our
communities.

We envision a world where all Black women feel

safe and welcome to bring all of the components
that make us who we are, to whatever
environment or situation that we are in. As such,
we are intentional about creating space for all of
our Kindred Sisters: mamas, professionals, LGB,
Queer, and Trans women, sex workers, students,
formerly incarcerated women, and all others.

In order to create this world, we prioritize the

sharing of our stories, voices, identities, and
experiences as Black women.
Where We've been
September 2014- In Raleigh more than 60 women
attend the Black Women's Summit and decide to start a
BWR North Carolina Chapter.

December 2014 - In Greenville, at the first official

BWR meeting, attendees select education, affordable
housing, health & healing, food, economic justice and
utility justice as key issues.

April 2015: The Rountable creates a collective vision

and decides to create healing hubs, address the lack of
healthcare, establish a sisterhood for all sisters, grow our
own food, and build a Black womens economy in
Greensboro.

Oct. 2015: In Durham, The Rountable establishes three

areas of re-focus: health & healing, political power, and
economic justice.

July 2016: More than 50 women participate in the

Roundtable's Black Womens Lobby Day at the North
Carolina's General Assembly.

April 2016: The Roundtable establishes its first

Leadership Council with 15 from women across the state.

December 2016: The Roundtable launches and recruits

City Delegates in eight cities across North Carolina.
 As the North Carolina Black Women's
Roundtable we:
Guiding Principles & Values
Recognize that we have everything we need

Prioritize organizing and building political power for Black women

Encourage and support radical Black women elected officials

Push for policies that have an impact in our lives

Educate ourselves and join boards and commissions

Unapologetically center and amplify the voices and experiences of Black women.

Value our culture, our histories, our interconnectedness and intergenerational

leadership.

Seek to create healing spaces that are directed by our own individual and collective
needs.

Seek to create spaces wherein our healing is from us, by us and for us.

Spaces that are judgment-free, supportive, affirming and abundant in love and
connection.

See ourselves as Kindred Sisters" or individuals who are bound to one another, on
more than one level.

Want all Black women to bring all of who we are and all of what makes us Black
women.

Work to expand our understanding of traditional gender roles and build beyond the
binary in our work.
 As Kindred Sisters We:
Show integrity

Create conditions and experiences for other women to be able to step into their
own leadership and/or facilitator role

Continue to develop and support the network of NC women through personal

and political empowerment

Values
Work to expand your understanding of traditional gender roles -- and push
against this in our work.

Build beyond cultural gender binaries

Lift up what it means to be a Black woman with no shame

Operate with the understanding that we are cultural workers

Promote and hold an intersectionality framework

Work to help Black women reclaim our power in all spaces at all times

Promote and support all Black women turn-ups and celebrations!

Educate people to be more mindful and centered in the midst of everyday life

Embrace all women by creating spaces where all are continuously uplifted,
supported, and welcomed, safely.
 Healing & Self Care

"Caring for myself is not self-indulgence ,

it's self-preservation, and that is an act of
political warfare.
- Audre Lorde
 Its a sisterhood! A Black Sisterhood
By: Mary White
Mysister,Igreetyou
Inloveandintruth
Isaluteyouinspirit
Thatmakesmyheartmove.
Imeetyouwithopenness
Igreetyouinmaternityoryouth,
Iseeshininginsideyou
YourvisionofTruth
Youarenature&nurtureourpast&our
future
AndhereswhyIloveyouallthedaylong
Because...
ItsaSisterhood
ABlackSisterhood
Anditsmakingusstrong!
Wearemovedbyyourpassion
Youarereachingoutforthegood
Youarepartofthewholeness
Thatwereallsearchingfor.
Yourepresentusinachievements
Youstandup,straightandtall
Youaretheprideofourevolution
Youaredoingitall!
Because
Itsasisterhood
ABlackSisterhood
Anditsmakingusstrong!
Withyouworkingforus
Withyoureachingout
Weareraisedalongwithyou
Andyouremakingusproud
Keepheadup&shoulderhigh
Stayfocusedasyourepassingby
Leavingatrailofinspiration
Raisingothersnewaspiration
Givingareasonforchange&hope
Continueadvancing
Withasonginyourthroat
Because
Itsasisterhood
ABlackSisterhood
Anditsmakingusstrong!
Makesmewanttomovewithyou
Asyoumarchthroughtheages
Makesmeglowdeepinside
Aswereeverreachingnewstages
Keepworkingandthriving
Keepbringingothersbesideyou.
Keepusingyournewfoundskills
Tomoveusallupeveryhill
Reachback,bringuswithyou
Asyouregoingon
Keepusasyourincentive
Andyoullalwaysfeelyoureathome!
Because
ItsaSisterhood
ABlackSisterhood
Anditsmakingusstrong!
Yes,wewantto
Alwaysloveyou
Holdyougently&hugyou
Foryouareprecious
Aswebond
Whenyourheartis
Ourcollectivehome
Stayfaithful,staystrong
Keepfightingday&nightlong
Tilwenextmeetagain
Wellalwaysremainfriends
TAKING CARE
OF MEEE
Taking care of me is a self-healing/ meditation practices that was
brought up/ developed during one of the BWR sessions. As Black
women, we take care of finances, our families, communities, we
advocate for change and social justice, but one thing we
sometimes forget is to take care of is ourselves. Taking Care of
Meeee is a practice Black women can incorporate into our
everyday lives to ensure that we are taking some meeee time.

MEDITATE
M
Taking time to be still, to be with yourself,
to ask questions and to listen for answers.
Start with scheudling 5 minutes of you
time a day.

EAT NUTRITIOUS
E
Eat all of the colors, 4 colors in every
SELFCARE: QUESTIONS TO
meal (green, red, yellow and purple), ASK
and drink
of body weight in water daily.

EXCERCISE WHAT DOES YOUR SELF-

E 1 CARE LOOK LIKE?
Walking or exercising 30 minutes a What are some things you enjoy doing for
day is healing and reduces you? (this could be anything from putting
depression. on makeup to dancing at an event).

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU ARE

EXPRESS GRATITUDE
E 2
Wake up every morning with the idea
that every decision you make is to
cause as little harm as possible. It's a
pretty fantastic way to live.
NOT TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF?
What does it feel like when you are not feeling 100%
healthy or well? What are some things you enjoy
doing that make you feel good, but you havent done
in a while? (understanding helps identify unhealthy
patterns).

EXPECT GREAT THINGS WHAT IS THE ONE PHYSICAL

E 3
Take time to define what health means to ACTIVITY YOU ENJOY DOING?
you and what you are willing to do or
And how can you fit in time to do it more
willing to give up doing to bring better often?
health into your life, said Lao Tsu.
SELF CARE TIPS
 MANTRAS FOR MEDITATION
& DAILY REMINDERS
I am dripping
melanin and honey . You are beautiful
I am Black without
apology
Iamdifferent.Iaman
original.Andlike
everyoneelse,Iam
heretotakeupspace
intheuniverse.Idoso
withpride.
I alone am enough.
I have nothing to
prove to anybody.
the only one you know
you are kind
you are smart
you are lovely
you are gorgeous
you are amazing
you are phenomenal
you are worth it
you are perfect
you are strong
They gone get this
Black girl magic
today.
Whether they want
it or not.
Breathe. Let go.
Remind yourself that
this very moment is
you have for sure.
 Community & Social Events

I aspire to be an empowered woman with vision & grace. Soft-hearted

but strong, self-aware & sure.
Respected for my mind, admired for my heart
And above all, always honest,
open & raw.
- Theblackline
Here are different types of social events

POSSIBLE TYPES
you can host with the women in your
community to build a stronger network
of Black women. These events are less

OF SOCIAL
formal and can be facilitated with little
effort.

SOCIAL
EVENTS
FOR BLACK WOMEN & GIRLS
Womens circles
Wine & Design
Sisters community dinner
30 thoughts at 30 rotating events.
Black Girl Family Reunion
Listening Parties
FORMAL
Empowerment events/ summits.
Networking events
College summits
Mentoring sessions
ARTS & CULTURE
LGBTQ and GNC generational groups
Black women empowerment circles
Quilt circle
Art making events
African dance
Storytelling circles
Movie night and discussions

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Yoga party
Zumba workouts
Walking & Talking fitness groups
Vision boards making for health goals
Healing circles
Dance class
Coloring meditation
EDUCATIONAL
Book Club meetings
Savings Clubs
Financial literacy training
Skill share events
POLITICAL
Lobby Day
Letter Writing Socials
Peoples Power Assembly / Teach-In
Rallies/ Marches/ Protests
 GENERAL
AGENDA

Opening: Welcome guests and thank them for attending at the event. Introduce
yourself (name, location, funny fact, etc.) and give a brief overview of NC Black
Womens Round Table [include purpose, vision, goals, values].

Grounding the space: When meeting we ground the space to help bring collectiveness
and commonality among individuals in attendance. This can be accomplished in a
number of ways:
Sharing a story that relates to the topic or the reason you're gathering
Sharing a poem and a reflection
Sharing a piece of art
Creating an altar space for people to provide offerings to the space.

Storytelling: When hosting an event, depending on the reason or type, we use storytelling
exercises to help individuals get to know each other and to develop relationships, share
thoughts and experiences.

Planned Activities: Have participants engage in the activities planned for the evening
(some activities or types of meetings are on the following page)

Debrief: Ask the women to go around or offer up a point of reflection for them like:
One thing they learned or will take away
Pluses or what they think worked well
Deltas or what they think can be improved
Ideas on the type of event they will be interested in

Closing: Thank the women for coming, let them know of any upcoming events,
allow them to promote any events or services they know of, etc. Make sure to share
your contact information and collect the information of the women who are
interested in staying connected to BWR.
 CALLING ALL WOMEN

STORYTELLING
by SpiritHouse
Where I'm From
About Storytelling:
Storytelling exercises are used to help individuals get to know each other and develop real relationships. These

exercises allow us to understand and learn about the experiences of others, digging deep into who they are,

where they're from, and the different perspective. Storytelling is a big part of Black and African culture, so by

storytelling we are honoring our ancestors and ourselves.

Instructions
Who are Your Folks? Where did you grow up> 1. Give each participant a sheet of paper, instruct them to
I am from the fold it into 4.
I am from Evelyn and concrete jungle that
Barbara Ann. From a never sleeps, tall 2. Have participants draw an image or something that
full house with 4 buildings, and subways. represents who they are in the middle of the sheet.
brothers, 2 sisters. I am from "The home
From "because I said of the Hustles also
sos" and "you 3. Instruct each person to respond to the following prompts,
known as Harlem. Im
better watch from New York.
starting each answer with "I am from".
your mouth!".
1st box: Who are your folks, parents, friends,
grandparents, siblings, etc.
What era did you What are you now?
grow up in?
I am from revolution 2nd box: Where did you group up? Describe it ( think
Im from Walk-mans and Black Lives about the sounds, smells etc.)
floppy disk, and the Matter, & Say Her
creation of jump drives. Name. From across I85
3rd box: What era did you grow up in? What music did
Im TLC, Family where there is Paved
you listen to, what influences do you remember?
Matters, and the and dirt roads. From
"PJ's". From No Scrubs the City of North
and Pigeons. Im a 80's Carolinas 4th box: What current place or time do you live in?
baby. I am from CharLit! describe it.

4. When complete, ask some of the participants to volunteer

Example and share the stories ( small groups or pairs will work if its a
large group).

5. Have an open discussion, have participants share the

similarities they heard and connections they made.
 MEETING
ACTIVITIES

"Smeeting"
A "smeeting" (or speed meeting) is an activity like speed dating; this activity can be
used as a storytelling exercise, energizer, or an introduction to topic of the event or worship.

Instructions
1. Instruct participants to find a parter or to get into pairs ( it should be with someone they
don't know or have spent the least amount of time with).

2. When (you) the facilitator says go each pair will have 4-6 mintues to answer and discuss the
prompt between themselves. Starting with their name and preferred gender pronouns.

Note: At the halfway mark the facilitator has to prompt the speaking partners to
switch if they have not already done so.

3.Signal to the participants when the time is up, then prompt them to find themselves a new
partner. (if this is done as an energizer give them 10-30 seconds to do so).

4. Start a new round using steps 1-3. (this can last as many rounds as you like).

Note for the Facilitator

1. Preferred gender pronouns are easily described as how someone would reference a person if
they left the room, examples:
she/her [she left, that's her's]
he/him [he left, that's his]
they/them/theirs [they left, thats theirs]

2. Its helpful to go through all of the instructions before starting.

3. Prompts you can use:

If you could have dinner with anyone , dead or alive, who would it be and why?
What are some of the identities your bring into the space and how do they\
influence or impact you in your daily or work life?
When was at time when you felt proud to be a Black woman?
How would you describe the power of a Black Woman? Or what words would you
use to describe Black Women?
 Political Events & Tools

It is our duty to fight for our freedom.

it is our duty to win.
we must love and protect one another,
we have nothing to lose but our chains.
-Assata Shakur
 Direct Action 101
WHATISDIRECTACTION?

A direct action is a type of tactic used in Examples

of Direct
response to to an injustice . It can also be
Actions
a proactive measure to advocate for a
change we want to see or help to amplify
a campaign message. They are by the
people, for the people. Some types are:
Reclamation
Sit-ins
Resistance/ Rebellion
Occupations
Rapid- Response
Reform
Reclamation
Education
Resistance
Marches
Rallies
Media Campaigns

Education
Teach Ins
People Power Assemblies
Rapid Response & Community Forums
Creating infographics
Planned Rallies op-eds
Rapid response direct actions are usually
a direct result of a community or policy
injustice; for example the marches of
Charlotte Uprising. Planned Actions are
typically used to help amplify the injustice Reform
or demand; for example Hundred Lobbying
Thousands on Jones Street ( HKonJ). Attending City Council
Meetings
All calls to action, whether resistance or Candidate Forums
reform, planned or rapid-response; are Petitions
all equally important.
 Problem Tree Community Activity

THE STEPS
Description 1. Leaves: What problems do you see facing the community?
This exercise is great for Leaves are the visible and tangible symptoms of the problem.
figuring out and digging deep
into the issue as a 2. Trunk: What structures, practices and policies create an
community. It is intended to environment that supports the problems whats holding them
help walk community up?
members and organizations
3. Roots: What are the underlying historical, social or economic
through a process of
root causes of these problems? Why do these structures or
understanding the most policies (listed under the trunk) exist? Some examples of root
important impact aspects of causes are racism, classicism, homophobia, sexism, ageism, and
a problem. discomfort with or fear of sexuality.
 Next Step...
After analyzing the problem and the
structures, its time to develop a solution. A
solution should aim to cut the problem off at
the trunk by addressing the policies, practices
or structures that are keeping the problem in
place.

One way to ensure you create strong demands

is to make them S.M.A.R.T. (Specific,
Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and
Timely).

S.M.A.R.T Demands
Specific: It is important that your demands are as specific as
possible so that you are in control of defining success.

Measurable: Setting measurable benchmarks will help you

stay on track and clearly articulate how you are moving
toward achieving your demands.

Attainable: Is your demand something someone can actually

agree to? Can it be achieved?

Realistic: A demand must be something you willing and able

to work toward.

Timely: Demands should be grounded within a specific time

frame.
 Power Mapping
The Power Map Exercise is a facilitated brainstorm in which the
participants suggest ways in which they can act to make it easy for a
decision maker to say yes to public policies. It is used in the beginning
steps of developing community initiatives and it helps to identify the
individuals or organizations that are allies and those who are not.

How to Power Map:

. Define the problem and generate a list of organizations, policies, and
individuals who are connected to the issue at hand.

2. Using the grid below, place those same names on the chart to map each
entity's influence on decision making and how much they support or oppose
your issue.

3. Those who are opposed, depending on their decision-making power, are more
likely your targets and thos whose highly support are likely to be partners.

Has The Most Decision Making Power

Strongly Opposed to Desired Change

Strongly Supports Desired Change

Least Amount of Decision Making Power

 Spectrum Mapping
SpectrumMappingisafacilitationtoolusedtocreateasharedunderstandingofwhere
individualsareasitrelatestoacertainidea.Itisusedtohelpdevelopandstrengthen
individual'sunderstandingandcollaborativeefforts.

How to Spectrum MAp

To Start:

1. You need to pick a specific topic of discussion (example: police in the black community)

Topic: _______________________________________________________________________________

2. You will need to generate some questions/ statements that relate to the topic of the event, 4 or 5 should do.
(example, I believe we need to work with the police in order to make Black communities safe, Black
communities need to divest from the police altogether).

Questions/Statements:
1. _______________________________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________________________
4. _______________________________________________________________________________
5. _______________________________________________________________________________

3. Identify the opposite points of the spectrum (make sure they are opposite) and designate a side of the room
for that point (remember to point them out, so folks can position themselves anywhere along the spectrum).

Group Directions:
1. Have individuals stand up or move based on their ability to do so ( to modify for accessibility use paper signs).
2. Ask one question at a time and have the participants walk to the point of the spectrum that best matches their
viewpoint on the topic.
3. Give folks the opportunity to talk and discuss why they have chosen to stand where they are.
4. Facilitators Point: "No matter where they land on the spectrum, they never stand alone"

I agree I Disagree
YEs No
Reform Abolish
Strongly Believe I'm In the middle Strongly Disbelieve

Move to the left Stand in the Move to the right

side of the room middle side of the room
(lift up card) (lift up card) (Lift up Card)

WhatisanOp-Ed?
An Op-Ed is a news column
that represents the strong,
informed, and focused opinion
of the writer on an issue of
relevance to a targeted
audience.
Itistypically...
short, between 750 and
800 words, has a clearly
defined point and point
of view, and contains
the strong, unique voice
of the writer.
Thingstothinkabout
Do I have a clear point?
Who cares ( who is the target
audience ?)
Who are you trying to
convince?
Do I have the key information
needed to write an op-ed ?
Howtodraftan
Op-Ed
Step 1 : Findatopicandtheme
Topic:person,place,orissuethatisgoingto
betheprimaryfocus.Theme:anotherlevel
ofmeaningtothetopic.Whatsthebigidea?
Whatisyourpoint?Whyisyourpoint
important?
Step 2 : Researchthefacts
Tobesuccessfulthecolumnsmustbe
groundedinsolidresearch.Researchinvolves
gainingfacts,quotations,citations,ordata
fromsourcesandpersonalobservation.
Researchcanalsobedonebyaskingothers
totelltheirstoriesasitrelatestothetopic
focus.
Write,proofread,edit,
Step 3: thensubmit
Afteryouhavecompletedstep1&2it's
timetowritetheop-edandprepareit
forsubmittion.Makesureyouhave
someonelookitoverforgrammatical
errorsorfeedback.Thensubmititto
yourlocalnewsorissue-based-media
source.
 Thingstothink
Op-Ed Worksheet about!!!
Step 1 : Findatopicandtheme
Topic: __________________________________________________ Whoisyouraudience?
Theme:_________________________________________________ Howareyouconnected
_________________________________________________________ tothisissueortopic?

Whats the big idea? ____________________________________ Whatdoyouwantthe

_________________________________________________________ readerstotakeaway?
_________________________________________________________
Whowillyougetto
Whats your point? Why is it important? proofreadyourwork?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________ Wherewillyousubmit
_________________________________________________________ yourwork?

Step 2 : Research

GoodQuotes KeyFacts
Whatisyouropening
statement? ___________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________

Whatisyourclosing
statement?____________________________
______________________________________________
DataSources ________________________ ______________________________________________
______________________________________________

Goodlu
ckand
don'tfo
rgetTo
shareI
t!
 Additional Resources
Cultural Organizing- http://culturalorganizing.org

Midwest Academy Strategy Chart:

http://www.tcsg.org/sfelp/toolkit/MidwestAcademy_01.pdf]

Campaign Development: http://southernecho.org/s/wp-

content/uploads/2009/07/02-23-08-assembled-mott-convening-manual-v2.pdf

AAUW Power Mapping Guide-

http://www.aauw.org/files/2013/06/Powermapping-Description-and-How-Tos-
Handout.pdf

BlackOut Collective #FreedomNow Direct Action Toolkit-

https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/movementforblacklives/pages/138/attac
hments/original/1468872469/BlackOUTActionToolkit.pdf

Unequal Opportunity Race: https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=UU1v-P-

40Uj0LE2CgcVrEYUA&v=eBb5TgOXgNY

Movement for Black Lives policy platform: https://policy.m4bl.org/platform/

United We Dream: http://unitedwedream.org/toolbox/

Wilderness Survival Tips:

http://www.wildernesscollege.com/basic-survival-skills.html

Organizing for Power, Organizing for Change:

https://organizingforpower.wordpress.com/movement-history/

Shared Toolkit: http://bit.ly/2jnkq7F

Cover Artist- Jamin "Jay Squid" Guinyard - jamguin@gmail.com