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Journey Toward Wholeness is the name for the UUA's entire anti-oppression, anti-racism multicultural initiative. There are several paths on this journey - the path to dismantle racism, to eradicate heterosexism, to abolish ableism, and to combat economic injustice. Journey Toward Wholeness reflects a common, overarching process grounding our transformation and includes all of the programs, resources, strategies, committees, resolutions and alliances that make up Unitarian Universalism's anti-oppression efforts. Journey Toward Wholeness resources are available for leading us into an anti-oppressive way of life. The paths developed by the Faith In Action department (FIA) of the UUA include accessibility programs, anti-heterosexism/ homophobic programs, and anti-racism programs. Here is a brief outline of the anti-racism path.

If your congregation has not yet connected or if you are "on the path" you may want to become familiar with the wide array of resources available. The Journey Toward Wholeness Path to Anti-racism is an organizing strategy made up of numerous component resources to help a congregation develop an anti-racist identity. The strategy has three main parts: educating, organizing and institutionalizing.

The educating resources are appropriate for congregations, districts and clusters that are beginning a conversation on race, power, privilege, and racial justice. The resources include:

Getting Started: A detailed guide to action steps and resources for congregations. (FIA)

Weaving the Fabric of Diversity: An introductory curriculum that looks at different oppressions. This series is a good way to begin discussion. (UUA Bookstore)

Racial and Cultural Diversity Task Force Action -Reflection Process: a four session "mini-curriculum" to continue discussion of racial justice issues. (UUA Bookstore)

Journey Toward Wholeness Sunday: A comprehensive education and fund-raising project. (FIA)

Creating a Jubilee World Workshop: A weekend workshop that explores race and helps congregations create an anti-racism action plan. (FIA)

The Jubilee Working Group Video Series: Information and study guides that complement videos are used to continue dialog on racial justice issues. (FIA) Susan Gershwin at (617)742-2100 x642 or sgershwin@uua.org is the one to call.

After educating about racism, the organizing resources support a process in which, if the members so choose, a transformation team is developed to lead an organizing process to bring about systemic change within a congregation, cluster or district.

Jubilee II Next Steps Workshop: A weekend workshop that helps leaders deepen their analysis of racism and how it manifests institutionally. (FIA) Call Christine Murphy at ext. 451 or cmurphy@uua.org.

Planning and Design Consultation: A series of meetings over time in which funding and commitment for the transformation process are planned and authorized. (FIA)

Analysis and Team Building Training: A three and a half day intensive training for institutions that have completed the planning and design process. Designed to equip transformation teams. (FIA)

Training for Educating and Organizing: A four and a half day intensive training designed to equip transformation teams with the skills to lead their congregations in further anti-racism work. (FIA)

Once an institution has developed a long-term plan for dismantling racism and has then equipped its leadership with the skills to meet this charge, it begins the process of institutionalizing its anti-racism work. (FIA) Contact Bill Gardiner at (617)742-2100x450 or bgardiner@uua.org for more information.

Anti-Racism Network: A network of interfaith transformation teams sponsored by Crossroads ministry offering conferences, electronic communications and a quarterly newsletter.

Consultation: Available from UUA to congregations with developed transformation teams.

Adapted from materials published by the UUA Faith In Action Department. You can find more about the mission of the Faith in Action Department on their website.