Justice and Inclusion: Ministering Effectively in Our Multicultural World

Mosaic Makers National Conference 2017: Registration Open Now!

Attendees of Mosaic Makers conference raise hands into air during worship

It is with great delight and anticipation that we announce the opening of registration for Mosaic Makers: Leading Vital Multicultural Congregations National Conference 2017.
Mosaic Makers is a dynamic gathering and learning community for teams from congregations deeply engaged in the work of building intentional multicultural community. We gather together in spiritual community for two and a half days of workshop, experiential learning, and community building around the theme of strengthening the fabric of Unitarian Universalist multicultural ministries.
This year, we are opening the conference to all congregational leaders who are seeking a path to justice, as this moment in our denomination and society requires us to not only address injustice in the larger world but also in our denomination. We’re inviting everyone who wishes to embrace this avenue for disrupting, and eventually dismantling, white supremacy in our culture and in our denomination. Learn to do it—or do it more effectively. 
Among our attendees will be UU congregations from around the country who are leaders in multicultural welcome and inclusion, and whose congregations are providing some of the most exciting and dynamic transformation in our movement. Many of these congregations are engaged in combating white supremacy culture. We know that we can learn from each other. We’re delighted to help foster real peer-to-peer learning between congregational leaders – professional and lay.
This year’s conference has a host of programs and speakers who will develop, enlarge, and amplify our capacity to do this important ministry.

Mosaic Makers: Leading Vital Multicultural Congregations 
National Conference 2017

Date

Friday, October 27 through Sunday, October 29; optional Professional Day for UU religious professionals: Monday, October 30

  • Friday, October 27: Conference Registration opens at 3:00 pm. The conference starts officially at 5:00 pm.
  • Sunday, October 29: The conference ends officially at 3:00 pm.
    • All conference participants are invited to the Ordination of Tania Marquez. It starts at 4:30 pm and will end by 6:30 pm.
  • Monday, October 30: The Professional Day begins at 9:00 am. It will end by 4:00 pm.

Location

First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego, 4190 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92103

Program Highlights

In addition to the list below of our speakers and thought partners, conference attendees with have an opportunity to tour the US/Mexico border with First UU Church of San Diego partner groups, visit the South Bay Campus, celebrate a culturally authentic Día de Muertos, and more.

  • Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, our new UUA president, offers her vision for the UUA, joins in the work we're doing, and engages us in deep listening to learn what is happening in congregations.
  • Dr. Takiyah Nur Amin, Black Lives of UU (BLUU), is an alumna of the UUA's Multicultural Leadership School for Youth and Young Adults of Color (currently called THRIVE) and is a former Religious Education Assistant. She is a Visiting Assistant Professor with the Africana Studies Department at Davidson College in Davidson, NC.
  • Enrique Morones, the founder of Border Angels, has dedicated his life to the prevention of thousands of migrant deaths that happen on the US-Mexican border. Inspired by his faith, he has given a human face to countless migrants, offering them compassion in the form of food, water, clothing, education, and advocacy.
  • Chris Crass is a longtime organizer, educator, and author working to build powerful working class-based, feminist, multiracial movements for collective liberation. He is a one of the leading voices in the country calling for and supporting white people to work for racial justice.
  • Dr. Mark Hicks is Angus MacLean Professor of Religious Education at Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago as well as Director of the Fahs Collaborative. Drawing on his experience as a teacher, musician, and university administrator and his advocacy for social change, Mark consults nationally on building inclusive, democratic, multiracial, multicultural learning communities.
  • Rev. Mitra Rahnema is a biracial Iranian American lifelong Unitarian Universalist. She is currently offering her ministry at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach, California. She is currently a member of the UUMA Committee on Antiracism, Anti-Oppression, and Multiculturalism. She has dedicated her life toward building vibrant and engaged anti-oppressive communities. She is the editor of a new Skinner House release, Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity, and Power in Ministry.
  • Some of the authors and respondents of this critical volume will be present and we will hear from them.
  • Rev. Dr. Susan Moore is Associate Minister of Congregational Life and Pastoral Care at All Souls Church Unitarian in Washington, D.C. Her ministry has focused on the challenges facing urban American, and Ebony Magazine listed her as one of the Top Black Women Preachers in America. Her work and ministry has included HIV/AIDS and teen pregnancy prevention, advocacy for the LGBT community, a variety of advisory positions with local and state elected officials.
  • First UU Church of San Diego Congregational Staff, Leaders, and Local Partners, led by minister Rev. Kathleen Owens, will share learnings from their journey in embracing and authentically living multicultural ministry.
  • Tania Marquez currently serves as Ministerial Staff at First UU Church of San Diego. She is the soon to be "Reverend Marquez, Assistant Minister of the First UU Congregation of San Diego!" Conference participants are warmly welcome to attend her Ordination, scheduled for Sunday afternoon, October 29. Tania graduated from Meadville Lombard Theological School.
  • Mar Cárdenas Loutzenhiser is a tireless organizer, activist, educator, and translator. She introduces herself as, "I am a climate change believer and a proud migrant rights & LGBT+-embracing progressive, and I VOTE!!" Mar was instrumental in conceptualizing, developing, and creating the South Bay Campus.

Registration

We request that participants come as part of a congregational team who are prepared and empowered to deeply engage in this important ministry. We recommend teams of 3 to 5 persons, but all individuals are welcome.
Registration Cost: $300 
Registration includes three meals, daily transportation between the Town and Country Resort and First UU San Diego, and our US/Mexico Border Trip.

  • Registration Deadline: Friday, October 13
  • Housing Deadline at the Town and Country Resort: Friday, October 13
  • Cancellation Fee $50 until October 13; after October 13, refunds cannot be issued

Register online.

Housing Accommodations

  • Town and Country Resort
    Surrounded by tropical palms, this refined resort and conference hotel is located less than one mile from the First UU Church of San Diego.
    • $159 single/double occupancy
    • $169 triple/quad occupancy
    Make Town and County reservations online or call the Reservations Department at 1-800-772-8527 and ask for the Unitarian Universalist Association group rate.
  • First UU Church of San Diego Bed and Breakfast Program 
    Members of First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego offer reasonably priced lodging and a continental breakfast in their homes for short-term stays with all proceeds benefiting the church. Private room (Adults & Teenagers): $75 single/$90 double/$110 private entrance or casita per night, plus a $10 non-refundable processing fee. Make B&B reservations online.

We look forward to welcoming you to San Diego!

2017 Featured Presenters

Headshot of Dr Takiyah Amin

Dr. Takiyah Amin

Chris Crass

Chris Crass

Dr Mark A Hicks

Dr. Mark Hicks

Mosaic Makers attendees sit in church pew
Mosaic Makers participants dance in aisles during worship
Mosaic Maker attendees listen to a presentation

Photos from 2013 conference

Mosaic Maker attendees listen to a musical performance
Mosaic Maker attendees laugh during a discussion

Photos from 2012 conference