JUUST CHANGE
ANTI-OPPRESSION CONSULTANCY PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK
What changes in direction or in your planning do you see as
a result of the consultancy?
“I see the identification of competency in anti-racism
and multiculturalism, through the required preparation and through
the interview process, coming much more clearly into focus. We are
much clearer on what we want to see and hear from candidates in
this regard, and are not willing to accept a lack of competency
in the fellowshipping process. We see our role as verifying for
congregations that the ministers who serve them will be competent
to assist them in their own work toward becoming anti-racist, anti-oppressive
congregations, in keeping with the stated goal of the UUA.”
Phyllis Daniels, Chair, Ministerial Fellowship Committee
What follow up or changes have resulted?
We've had a beginning-of-year and end-of-year meeting with church
leaders. We have a sketch of a plan for next year. We have selected
an interim minister who is bringing us both, diversity in her identity,
and skill and expertise in working on identity issues. (Changes
in direction or planning include) Working directly with "stakeholders"
- leaders in the various areas of the church. Bringing in the direct
involvement of the ministers.”
Linda Olson Peebles, Minister of Religious Education, UU Church
of Arlington (VA)
What follow up or changes have resulted?
“We had an excellent planning meeting with our ministers,
and are poised to have a half year of programs planned in time to
be included in our church program guide - which is a first. My morale
is improved, which means I'm back in the saddle doing the logistical
work that must be done.”
What changes in direction or in your planning do you see as
a result of the consultancy?
“Empowerment to work with ministers and board more directly.
Encouragement to keep going because we are not alone. Ability to
bring anti-racism/anti-oppression content to congregation that we
did not find a way to do before.”
Barbara Johnson, Lay Leader, UU Church of Arlington (VA)
What were your expectations for this first year?
“I've learned to try to stay open hearted and open minded
in this work and not have too many expectations. The hope is that
people will have life changing insights, be committed to the work
and join with others for cultural and congregational change. I don't
have expectations as to the form that will take.”
What did you find most useful?
The consultant took the time to listen carefully and understand
the congregation, then suggested positive actions we could take
to enhance our anti-oppression work. We adapted two of the ideas
almost immediately to create successful programs: a course based
on Soul Work and a Sunday service that was very powerful. A group
has emerged which is wanting to continue the consciousness raising
work.”
Arvid Straube, Minister Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship,
North Carolina
What did you find most useful?
“The opportunity for the transformation team to meet
with the consultant, grapple with our task, and explore ideas. Most
encouraging is that we have access to a consultant as a resource.
The consultation augmented the team formation and got us paying
attention to how we do things and how we are with each other. It
isn’t just up to the co-chairs, we have a process for the
whole team. ”
We need help visualizing how our church would look and feel and
act differently if it were an actively anti-racist / multiculturally
competent institution. One of our members suggested that it might
be a place that took away the hurt and disempowerment that people
of color feel in a racist society. What would that take?
Pauline Eichten, Lay Leader Unity Church, Unitarian, St. Paul,
MN
This consultation helped the UUA Nominating Committee jump-start
its conversation on diversity and its meaning in the widest sense
of the word. It provided a framework for future discussions as we
go about presenting a slate that reflects the diversity that we
wish for our Association.
Young Kim, Chair, UUA Nominating Committee
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