In my vision of a beloved community, I see a dazzling, light-filled, breathtakingly beautiful mosaic, a gigantic, all-encompassing mosaic, where each of us can see, can really see, and deeply appreciate each piece. We know that each piece is of immeasurable value. We know that each piece is part of a larger whole, a larger whole that would not be whole, indeed would not BE, without each piece shining through, and being seen and appreciated as its unique self. — Marla Scharf, First Unitarian Church of San Jose, California.

This workshop continues the simulation or case study activity begun in Workshop 20, providing further opportunities to acquire and deepen multicultural competence. Participants stay in their simulation roles or case study groups for much of the time. Leave enough time for the entire group to evaluate and discuss the experience at the end of the workshop.

Before leading this workshop, review the accessibility guidelines in the program Introduction under Integrating All Participants.

Goals

This workshop will:

• Engage participants in applying knowledge, skills, and critical thinking about multicultural issues to congregational scenarios.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Develop, practice, and strengthen multicultural competencies by (a) participating in a simulation about a pivotal moment in the life of a particular congregation or (b) creating a case study based on an actual congregational situation and role-playing responses
• Test actions and responses in a role-play situation, then discern the degree to which the actions advance or thwart antiracist/multicultural principles and practices
• Discuss and evaluate a simulation or case study and articulate what they have learned about creating an antiracist, multicultural faith community.