Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression, Multicultural (ARAOMC) Resources
Many Paths, One Journey
"But it is still the case that the most frequently asked question I receive as I travel the country is how we can become more racially and culturally diverse. My response, always, is that the objective of finding a few more dark faces to make our white members feel better about themselves is not spiritually grounded. Nor will it be successful. Racial and cultural diversity will, I pray, come to Unitarian Universalism. But it will come as we become known as a faith community that strives to live our open hearted theology, and a faith community that is willing to be an ally in the struggle for justice."
—William G. Sinkford, President, Unitarian Universalist Association, General Assembly Fort Worth, TX (June 2005)
Our Unitarian Universalist Principles call us to affirm:
- The inherent worth and dignity of each person.
- Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations.
- The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.
The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) encourages our leaders to learn, grow, and educate on behalf of our anti-racist, anti-oppression, multicultural (
ARAOMC) mission so that we may champion the Association's commitment to meeting
congregations where they are and assisting them as they grow into anti-racist,
anti-oppressive and culturally competent religious communities. In keeping with
Unitarian Universalist Principles we are called to take another step in this
challenging work, to become an active, spiritually alive institution and to meet
our ARAOMC goals. The UUA continues to provide up-to-date resources to Unitarian Universalists as we work to build beloved, inclusive communities. Both Beacon Press and Skinner House Books offer esteemed resources on issues of race and class. Workshops and other ARAO events are ongoing and often open to the public or to Unitarian Universalists who are not members of the host congregation.
Recently,
120 people from throughout the United
States met in San
Jose, CA to attend the
national conference Leading Congregations into a Multiracial,
Multicultural Future—now is the time! Held February 22-24, 2008, the
conference provided an exceptional opportunity for UU congregations to start or continue the
significant justice work on issues of racism, classism, and
multiculturalism. This was a chance
for individuals and congregational teams to reinvigorate commitment, to listen,
learn and share information and resources with their congregation, while meeting
other UUs involved in this work.
Feedback from the conference has been positive and heartening. As one attendee attested, “out of a
possible 10, I rate this conference with a 12!”
ORDER—Wilderness Journey: The Struggle for Black Empowerment and Racial Justice within the UUA (1967-1970)
This is an "oral history" of the first-hand participants in the Black Empowerment Controversy within the UUA of the 1960s and 1970s, thus preserving this important witness for future generations. This DVD, produced by Ron Cordes, is now available from Congregational Services of the UUA for $5 for one copy, or $20 for 5 copies. It’s a good addition to any congregational collection as an educational, historical, and, antiracism resource. Send a check made out to the UUA to Diane Martin, Congregational Services Program Manager, UUA, 25 Beacon Street, Boston MA 02108—please indicate that it’s for the Wilderness Journey DVD.
More Resources
- Truth, Repair, and Reconciliation
- Make CONNECTIONS along your UU ARAOMC path
- Leading Congregations into a Multiracial, Multicultural Future—annual conference!
- Points of Entry to UUA ARAOMC Ministries (PDF, 2 pages)
- Book list to help you on your journey (PDF, 2 pages)
- Lending library for ARAOMC videos and DVDs (PDF, 2 pages)
- Meeting Reflection & Process (PDF, 2 pages) through an AR-AO Lens
- Volunteer & Staff Assessment Sample: Anti-Oppression Responsibilities (PDF, 1 page)
- Reconciliation as a Spiritual Practice (PDF, 7 pages)
- U & U Racial Diversity Timeline, 1784-2001
- Additional Information for Congregational Presidents and AR Teams
- Safety and Working to End Oppression (PDF, 7 pages)
- Responsive Resolution at General Assembly 2006 regarding oppression and classism
- Jubilee Anti-Racism Workshop—One
- Jubilee Anti-Racism Workshop—Two
- JUUST Change Anti-Oppression Consultancy
- Journey Toward Wholeness Path to Anti-Racism
For more information contact congservices @ uua.org.
Last updated on Thursday, April 17, 2008.
