Right now, Unitarian Universalism is having a big, important conversation about institutional racism and white supremacy inside and outside our faith. It’s a big, important conversation, and it’s different for different people with different experiences and identities, different scars and different strengths. But we know it’s going to take every Unitarian Universalist, each one of us at all levels and in all communities, to engage with this conversation if we have a hope for making the changes we so desperately need.

If you're ready to learn more about combating white supremacy, here are some "on ramps" for deeper engagement and reflection.

National Level

General Assembly - If you’re at General Assembly in New Orleans, there are many amazing opportunities to learn, discuss, and imagine. From pre-GA trainings like the Activate! Youth Justice Training to the People’s Institute Anti-Racism training to the Get Ready self-prep guide, people have prepared themselves for this week. Check out the Social Justice at GA page at uua.org/ga/justice.

UU World - For background on the conversations and transitions happening among UUA staff and board leadership which kickstarted this conversation, including President Peter Morales’ resignation, see the UUWorld’s coverage at uuworld.org/transition.

Commission on Institutional Change - And stay tuned for the new Commission on Institutional Change! The commission members will be announced at GA, and will begin work soon on their charge to “analyze past practices, structures and patterns that foster racism, oppression and white supremacy” within our faith community. For thoughts or questions, email commission@uua.org

Congregational and Individual Level

White Supremacy Teach In - In April and May 2017, more than 700 congregations participated in the grassroots White Supremacy Teach In at their congregations. Black Lives of UU (BLUU) has a curated collection of teach in resources. If you missed the Teach In, it’s not too late to use these resources at blacklivesuu.com/teachin.

Worship Web - Make challenging the supremacy of whiteness a part of your weekly worship. The Black Lives Matter collection from Worship Web is a free and easy way to find inspiring words for any context.

Social Media – Much of the conversation has been happening on Facebook and Twitter. Post about what your congregation is doing, interact with UU leaders at the local and national level. See the regular blog roundup for thoughtful takes from UU’s across the country. #UUA

In the words of UUA Interim Co-President Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt, “when the invitation comes to join the conversation, say yes! We believe in you.”

What are you doing to find your on ramp to the Unitarian Universalist conversation about white supremacy? Tell us in the comments!