Young anti-racist voices of Scotland: Anti-racist clubs
Anti-racist clubs can take a variety of forms and serve different purposes. Some may offer a safe and supportive space for people from ethnic minority backgrounds to connect. Others may be open to all learners and focus on driving positive change through learning and collaborative projects.
An adult educator is needed to facilitate the group and children and young people are often empowered to lead and shape the change they want to see.
What anti-racist clubs do
Anti-racist clubs provide safe spaces for members to connect, learn and create. This can include:
- planning celebrations and cultural events
- creating campaigns with artwork and media
- planning activities for younger learners to learn about equalities
- sharing experiences or feelings about racism that members have experienced or witnessed
- co-designing teaching and learning experiences that address their experiences of racism and/or cultural identities
- Working with educators to improve the reporting and responses to racist incidents
How to set up an anti-racist club
Getting started with an anti-racist club involves:
- building your own understanding of anti-racism
- gaining the support of senior leadership
- speaking with learners to to gauge interest and identify the purpose of the group
- setting up a safe and welcoming space
- organising the club with clear ground rules and goals
- supporting children and young people to plan actions and activities
As the club develops, raising its profile in the school and connecting with others doing similar work can help sustain momentum and impact.
I want to start an anti-racist club provides step-by-step guidance developed by Glasgow Equalities Education Service in collaboration with teachers involved in anti-racist clubs.
Further advice and support is available from our Anti-Racist Clubs Network. Complete the Anti-Racist Clubs Network sign-up form to join the network.
Case studies
A young person shares their experience of being elected president of their anti-racist club.
