Activity 2: Our Next Actions

Activity time: 60 minutes

Materials for Activity

Preparation for Activity

  • Make copies of Workshop 23, Handout 1, Possible Next Actions.
  • Write on newsprint, and post:
    • What is your action?
    • What are the goals of your action? (or, Why do you want to do this?)
    • Are your goals realistic? Will achieving those goals bring about meaningful change?
    • What outcomes do you wish to realize from your action? (e.g., increase in participation, ease in talking about racial issues, more partnerships with racially or ethnically oppressed or marginalized communities, etc.)
    • What steps are necessary to fulfill your proposed action? In what order?
    • Who is responsible for what? When should items be completed?
    • What resources (human and financial) are necessary to complete the action? How will they be accessed, allocated and/or collected?
    • How will you enlist the support of congregational leaders and other members of the congregation?
    • How will you sustain connection and commitment (email, phone lists, reunions)?

Description of Activity

Invite participants to think about ways the learnings from this program can begin to be integrated into the life of the congregation. Ask: how can we invite the congregation to join us in developing multicultural competencies and building an antiracist/multicultural faith community?

Distribute Workshop 23, Handout 1, Possible Next Actions (which they have already seen) and spend time discussing the action or actions to which the workshop participants agree to commit themselves. Explain that their options are not limited to what is on the list; they can agree to a different plan of action. Allow 20-30 minutes for this part of the activity.

Once participants have decided on an action or actions, post the newsprint on which you have written the questions to help develop an action plan. Work together on a plan for each item they have chosen, addressing each question in turn. Record the plans on new sheets of newsprint, and post. Recruit a volunteer to transcribe the plans and distribute them to participants after the workshop.