On Saturday, December 8, 2007, a sexism workshop was held by the Multicultural Committee of Chicago (Chicago MCC). This workshop addressed questions such as: What is sexism? How does sexism affect your life? What are the unconscious sexist behaviors that are used? How do we encourage sexism in our lives?

Chicago MCC includes both Chicago MKP and Women in Circle representatives to the Multicultural Council of MKP International. This introductory workshop was for both men and women, and was presented by Katherine Klein, an experienced trainer in Chicago for many years. Katherine's trainings focus on social justice issues and how they involve power and privilege as it is experienced both individually and systemically. Katherine gave the participants an outline of how privilege is endemic in our culture, and she challenged the participants through experiential work, small group work and discussion.

For me, the workshop brought up a whole series of very dark flashes and emotions, as I was asked to feel what sexism has cost me in my life. I have not had a place to do work on internalized oppression in this community, and for me and women on the MCC, the follow up to this workshop will require a safe container, and facilitators who are willing to lead women through this work. The Chicago MCC is planning to do some follow up workshops on sexism for men alone, and on internalized oppression for women alone.

Chicago MCC is committed to working on all aspects of multicultural and diversity issues in our communities. We are planning to sponsor an “Ism and Issues” workshop in Chicago this spring, and would like to sponsor other workshops and circles this year. We are planning to hold a circle with the intention of addressing racism and diversity issues each month, in various areas of the Chicago metropolitan area, similar to the circles being held in other parts of the country.

The Chicago MCC is planning the workshops and events that we will do this year, and we would like to have your input, ideas and energy. Please contact the co-chairs of the Chicago MCC, Steve Flowers at 773.955.2129 or at bhr2@sbcglobal.net, or Leslie Recht at 312.405.5215, or at LRecht@defrees.com, concerning this workshop or any ideas that you have for the Chicago MCC's activities.