Resources for Your Group

In April 2018, UUCA voted to affirm the proposd 8th Principle as a guiding principle for our anti-racism, anti-oppression work.  The 8th principle states:  “We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”

UUCA has made a commitment to being an anti-racist, anti-oppressive and multicultural institution.  That doesn’t just happen overnight.  It takes all of us, one conversation, one meeting, one week, month and year a time.  But – you can take comfort in the fact, that you don’t have to do this work alone.

If you are the leader of a small group, class or committee at UUCA, we ask that you take some time to reflect with your group on our 8th Principle and how it affects the way your group works/thinks/acts together.  The following questions are to serve as a guide and/or a prompt.  If you’d like more resources, contact either Rev. John Crestwell or Rev. Kathleen Rolenz.  We’re glad to help.

Questions you should review with your group:

1.  Have you considered the needs of current and future members of your group regarding physical mobility or other physical challenges; and/or those who may be struggling with mental illnesses? Is your group prepared to be present for and/or ask for help with making the group accessible?

2.  Is your group accessible to persons with a  limited income?

3.  Does your meeting time allow for parents and guardians of young children to attend?  Have you discussed or considered how you might be more welcoming of a person with young children?

4. How equipped is the group to be present for and attentive to the needs of BGLTQA+ individuals?  How aware are members of your group of the need to address persons with the pronoun of his/her/their choice?

5.  If your group is predominantly composed of persons who identify as white, how equipped is the group to be present for and attentive to the needs of people of color?  Are you aware of the reality of microaggressions that people of color routinely face and have thought about how to address them should they arise?

6.  Does your group primarily draw on resources of authors, musicians, spiritual leaders, etc who identify as white/euro-American?  If so, can you make a commitment to broaden your resource list this year to include the voices, perspectives and contributions of people of color?

If, as a leader, you feel inadequate to address these concerns, please, let us help!  We’re learning together AND we want to create a space that is truly welcoming to all.