Activity time: 45 minutes

Materials for Activity

• A copy of the story "Community Capacity Building in Arkos, Transylvania"
• Community Capacity Building videos and a computer with Internet access and large monitor

Preparation for Activity

• Read the story "Community Capacity Building in Arkos, Transylvania" and prepare to present it.
• View the UUPCC video. Arrange for a computer with Internet access and a monitor to share the video with participants.
• Optional: Visit the Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Council (UUPCC) website to learn more about the organization, its projects, and how North American congregations participate.
• Optional: If your congregation participates in the Unitarian Universalist Partner Church program, talk with those who can tell you more about the way in which your congregation is in partnership with another.

Description of Activity

Invite participants to consider how the Unitarian Universalist partner church program embodies the work of building authentic relationship. Show the video, then lead a conversation using these questions:

• What is the ethical basis for as program like Community Capacity Building?
• What is meant by "capacity, not charity"?
• What is the difference in the partnership relationship when the focus is on capacity building rather than direct assistance?
• How does the stance that the less financially wealthy partner ought to be the one who decides what kind of support it needs challenge the way in which our culture typically views social justice and issues related to providing assistance?
• In what ways is the North American partner church practicing "justice, equity, and compassion" through this program? How does the partnership help the North American partner grow its capacity?
• In what ways is the idea behind the Community Capacity Building program similar to the ethical philosophy of Jane Addams?