Welcoming Unitarian Universalist Church in Eugene Adult Religious Education

Chalice Lighting “Glory” by John Legend and Common

Christine Santoro - Katy Siepert –

Introductions Name Thoughts from last time? If you could improve your cultural competency, what would be your next step?

Ground Rules We ask that you stay engaged We want to hear from you, but it is safe to pass if needed Expect to Experience Discomfort Speak your Truth Expect and Accept a Lack of Closure Take care of your self and your needs Begin and end on time. Class begins at 7:00 and goes until 9:00

Microaggression Microinsult:

Celebration of Diversity

Microaggression – A Dental Hygiene Approach to Racism The microaggression: disney-star-took-down-critics-of-her- dreads-in-the-best-way-possible disney-star-took-down-critics-of-her- dreads-in-the-best-way-possible The apology: real-life-youve-never-heard-a- celebrity-apology-like-this?c=ufb1 real-life-youve-never-heard-a- celebrity-apology-like-this?c=ufb1

“Microaggressions have a significant impact on people’s lives. While some of these experiences may seem brief and harmless, many studies have found that the more that people experience microaggressions, the more likely they are to report symptoms of depression, psychological distress, and even physical health issues.” -Kevin Nadal, Associate Professor of Psychology CUNY - John Jay College daily-basis#.wrAy4gxMe

BETWEEN me and the other world there is ever an unasked question: unasked by some through feelings of delicacy; by others through the difficulty of rightly framing it. All, nevertheless, flutter round it. They approach me in a half-hesitant sort of way, eye me curiously or compassionately, and then, instead of saying directly, How does it feel to be a problem? they say, I know an excellent colored man in my town; or, I fought at Mechanicsville; or, Do not these Southern outrages make your blood boil? At these I smile, or am interested, or reduce the boiling to a simmer, as the occasion may require. To the real question, How does it feel to be a problem? I answer seldom a word. -Dr. W.E.B. DuBois

Social Justice Awareness How do I contribute to injustice; change in self. Knowledge What do I need to understand about others? Skills What can I do differently to honor differences? Action/Advocacy What do we need to do to institutionalize change? Anti-“ism” work that leads to organizational change in practice/policy. Cultural Competence Co-Liberation Love Equity Freedom Humanity Dignity Equality Respect Cooperation Community Relationship

Cultural Racism: “…Aspects of society that overtly and covertly attribute value and normality to white people and whiteness, and devalue, stereotype, and label people of color as “other”, different, less than, or render them invisible.” -Teaching for Diversity and Social Justice, Adams, Bell & Griffin

The Color Line Line up in a straight line, all facing in one direction. Listen to the statements as they are read aloud. Take a step forward if the statement is true for you.

6 Steps for Standing Up Against Bias Be ready Be ready – Educate yourself about racism as much as possible before asking people of color for help. Identify the behavior Identify the behavior – If you make a mistake, ask people of color how you can fix it. If you see another person make a mistake, point it out in a kind and open way. Openly disagree with racist comments, jokes or actions of those around you. 15

6 Steps for Standing Up Against Bias Appeal to principles Appeal to principles – Avoid conflating other oppressions with racism unless it’s directly relevant to the conversation. Set limits Set limits – Challenge other white people in your life to think critically about racism – family, friends, coworkers, teachers and even public officials. Act as a role model for others by taking risks and questioning the White power structure.

6 Steps for Standing Up Against Bias Find an ally/be an ally Find an ally/be an ally – listen when people of color talk about everyday racism and white privilege. Honor the feelings of people of color in the discussion. It is not about your white guilt Be vigilant Be vigilant – Openly call out and reject any and all white privilege you witness or experience. Sources: Teaching Tolerance, identities.mic website, and Adapted from Katz, J.H. (1978) White awareness: Handbook for anti-racism trainingwww.tolerance.org

Have you witnessed or experienced microaggressions? Would you know it if you did? What do you do, or can you do, to interrupt microaggression? What motivates you? What stops you?

Dream Defenders v= &set=vb &type=2&theater because white men can’t police their imagination black men are dying -Claudia Rankine, Citizen

Arsenio Hall v= &set=vb &type=2&theater

1-1-1 Reflections

Develop an Equity Team to: Examine policies within the church to see if they meet the needs of diverse people. Establish discussion groups and other activities around race, ethnicity and culture e.g., book studies, films, journal articles, exercises, etc. Assess the physical environment to ensure that it reflects and honors the diversity of people we serve (e.g., events, décor, number of staff of color). Where do we go from here? As a Church:

Seek out and actively participate in continuing education aimed to enhance your own personal awareness, knowledge and skills in effectively working cross-culturally. Engage in conversations around race and social justice issues with people in your sphere of influence. Adapted from Katz, J.H. (1978) White awareness: Handbook for anti- racism training. Okalahoma Press. (Caprice D. Hollins) Where do we go from here? As Individuals:

Implicit Association (reminder) Implicit Association website: ectatest.html ectatest.html

“Where I’m From” George Ella Lyon: Hl_yW1dQ

Thank you for coming! Final session: March 17, 7-9:00