Radical Reading Group

By

Resilient Activists

The Radical Reading Group is a space for people to learn and think more about the linked systems of capitalism, colonialism/white supremacy and cis-hetero-patriarchy, how they impact on us today, and what action we can take to change things.

The group operates in a way which centres the marginalised -- people who are Black, Indigenous or people of colour (BIPOC), disabled, poor, working class, neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, women, etc. 

Who the group is for

The group is for people who:

- are committed to social justice

- want to grapple with ideas and thinkers from marginalised perspectives

- want to bring their whole self to learning

- are willing to apply their learning, to reflect and take action

- find engaging with a group a helpful way to learn

How the group works

Every month, members will decide together on a book to read, prioritising works by people with marginalised identities and experiences, especially BIPOC and colonised peoples.

Members will meet online via Zoom to bring together our learning, thoughts, questions and insights from the reading, and to think and feel together about how it relates to our own, different experiences.

Anuradha and Elinor will hold the space and facilitate conversation, as well as sharing our knowledge, and skills in critical thinking.

Throughout the month, we'll gather on a dedicated Mighty Network forum to share our thoughts and questions as we go.

The live video calls will be recorded and available to view whenever you choose. Closed captions for videos will be provided automatically via Youtube. Basic transcriptions of conversations will be available within 24 hours of each call via Otter.ai

About the facilitators

The group is facilitated by Anuradha Kowtha and Elinor Predota.

About Anuradha:

I live in Greater London, in a culturally diverse borough that originally gained a lot of its wealth through colonisation. It was also once marshland possibly used as a ritual offering place by the Saxons. I identify as South Indian diaspora, and was raised in the south-west United States. I hold a masters degree in looking at how colonisation operated in South India, and have taught in formal education. 

The work I do is around reclaiming identity from indoctrination by oppressive systems of capitalism and colonialism. What I most want to bring to this reading group is a deep understanding of critical thinking, a focus on real life action at both the micro and the macro level, and skill in supporting others to find their own clarity.

About Elinor:

I live in the hills of southern Scotland, near the remains of an Iron Age settlement and a Roman Fort, in an area that houses two ancient stone circles, and an active Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. The identities I lead with are queer, spoonie, and Witch, and my privileges include being white, middle class, and educated to postgraduate level. 

Taking action for social and environmental justice has been part of my life since my mum and step-dad took me to my first demonstration (to Save the Whales) at the age of 7. What I hope to bring to this reading group is deep curiosity and openness to difference, a focus on recognising complexity and finding one's place within that, and a commitment to both sovereignty and mutuality.

We are both committed to leading and facilitating in a way that:

- centres the marginalised

- makes space for feeling and embodiment as well as intellect

- strengthens critical thinking

- expands understanding of theory without getting dry or confusing

- opens up new ways of approaching our practical actions in the world

Membership of the Radical Reading Group is on a sliding scale basis

You can set your monthly payment amount before hitting the payment button.

£7 per month will allow us to cover our basic costs and administration time.

£30 per month will cover our basic costs, administration time, and will pay us for our labour in facilitating live discussions.

£37 or more per month will help to cover our costs in relation to members paying at £6 per month or less.

The minimum payment is £2 per month.

We ask you to make an initial commitment to 3 months of membership.