Weaving the Fabric of Diversity
An Anti-bias Program for AdultsBy Jacqui James and Judith A. Frediani
- Theme and Description
- Helps people overcome bias and celebrate diversity through telling their stories and listening to others. Engages participants in a variety of activities to examine and challenge ableism, racism, heterosexism, ageism, and classism in the safe, caring, and respectful environment of religious community. Ends with an invitation to action.
- Goals for Participants
- To create a safe environment for dialogue and exploration;
To understand and appreciate diversity and its implications;
To understand oppression and privilege and their role in them;
To develop anti-oppression skills;
To affirm and celebrate diversity;
To feel compelled to act for justice and to develop action plans for diversity in the congregation.
- Age Range
- Adult
- Size of Group
- 8-20 ideal
- Space Requirements
- A large, open space with room to divide into small groups
- Number and Length of Sessions
- 8 sessions
Length: 2-1/2 hours - Leader Training
- Experienced, skilled co-leadership is recommended. Leaders should represent some of the diversities addressed, and must be able to act responsibly with emotional and sensitive material.
- Leader Preparation
- 2 to 4 hours per session
- Strengths
- Addresses the common aspects of all oppressions, including those not often addressed, such as ageism.
Not just a discussion format; includes a wide variety of activities.
Presents detailed, well-scripted sessions with good openings and closings.
Gives excellent leader background and resources.
Is based on participants' own experiences and stories.
Includes a process for taking action at individual and congregational levels. - Limitations
- May require above-average group skills and commitment from leaders.
- Adaptability
- Can be used with older youth or with groups of youth and adults together.
The number and order of sessions are somewhat flexible.
Sessions can be used as workshops for camps, conferences, and other special programs. - Unitarian Universalist Values
- Based on and expressive of all the Principles of the UUA.
Reviewed on June 30, 1996
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Curricula
