Workshop 4: Social Justice Philosophy and Practice

Beautiful orange sunset over a deep blue ocean. — Tapestry is Sunsetting

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Part of The New UU

In This Section

Introduction
From The New UU

You must answer this question: What will you do with your gifts? Choose to bless the world. — Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker, from the poem “Benediction” The workshop provides an introduction to social justice work in a Unitarian Universalist context. Because the focus of Unitarian Universalists is on…
Workshop-at-a-Glance
From The New UU

Activity Minutes Welcoming and Entering 0 Opening 2 Activity 1: Introductions through Social Justice History 15 Activity 2: Theodore Parker and the Crafts 25 Activity 3: Action-Reflection Model 15 Activity 4: Social Justice Panel 30 Closing 3 Alternate Activity 1: Privilege and Oppression 30…
Spiritual Preparation
From The New UU

Consider the work you have done to make the world a better place. Do you consider yourself an activist? Why or why not? How do you live out your Unitarian Universalist values in the world? How do your efforts receive support? How is it challenging? Discuss with your co-facilitator(s).
Welcoming and Entering
From The New UU

Materials for Activity Name tags, durable or single use Bold markers Paper and pen/pencil for sign-up sheet Small table Optional: Refreshments Preparation for Activity If you have not done so already, create a sign-up sheet with columns for name, address, phone, and email information and place it…
Opening
From The New UU

Activity time: 2 minutes Materials for Activity Copies of Singing the Living Tradition, the Unitarian Universalist hymnbook, for all participants Chalice, candle, and lighter, or an LED battery-operated candle Appropriate stand or small table for the chalice Cloth or decorative covering for chali…
Activity 1: Introductions through Social Justice History
From The New UU

Activity time: 15 minutes Description of Activity Invite participants to introduce themselves and present a brief description of their own work with social justice using words such as: In this workshop, we are talking about social justice….
Activity 2: Theodore Parker and the Crafts
From The New UU

Activity time: 25 minutes Materials for Activity Story, “Theodore Parker and the Crafts” Newsprint, markers, and tape. Preparation for Activity Copy the story “Theodore Parker and the Crafts” for all participants. Write questions for the small groups on newsprint, leaving them covered until the…
Activity 3: Action-Reflection Model
From The New UU

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Handout 1, Action-Reflection Model Pens or pencils Preparation for Activity Copy Handout 1, Action-Reflection Model for participants….
Activity 4: Social Justice Panel
From The New UU

Activity time: 30 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 1, Letter to Panelists Preparation for Activity Recruit a panel of people from your congregation who have been involved with social justice. The Social Justice Committee chairperson and minister may be helpful in selecting the panel.
Closing
From The New UU

Activity time: 3 minutes Materials for Activity Copies of Singing the Living Tradition for all participants Optional: Keyboard or other musical accompaniment Preparation for Activity Determine whether you will sing the song or do the reading….
Leader Reflection and Planning
From The New UU

What did you learn about your own social justice work and that of your congregation? Review with your co-facilitator(s) how each activity went. What worked well? What might you do differently another time? Review the Parking Lot questions….
Alternate Activity 1: Privilege and Oppression
From The New UU

Activity time: 30 minutes Materials for Activity Handout 2, Privilege and Oppression Preparation for Activity Copy Handout 2, Privilege and Oppression, for all participants. Optional: Invite someone from your congregation who is active with anti-racism initiatives to join you for this activity.
Alternate Activity 2: Standing on the Side of Love
From The New UU

Activity time: 30 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 2, Standing on the Side of Love Optional: Standing on the Side of Love pins, tee-shirt, or banner Preparation for Activity Invite someone from your congregation who has been involved with Standing on the Side of Love to join you for…
Theodore Parker and the Crafts

Polly Peterson

From The New UU

This is the story of Theodore Parker, a Unitarian minister who was determined to do whatever he could to end slavery in the United States. His powerful sermons were legendary. This is also the story of Millard Fillmore, whose actions earned him the contempt of Theodore Parker and abolitionists…
Handout 1: Action-Reflection Model
From The New UU

Under the word “ACTION”, write a word or phrase that represents something you have done to make the world a better place. Then, consider what you learned from that action. Write a word or phrase about what you learned above the word “REFLECTION.” Then consider whether that reflection led to a…
Handout 2: Privilege and Oppression
From The New UU

From Safe Congregation Handbook, Patricia Hoertdoerfer and Frederic Muir, eds. (Boston: Unitarian Universalist Association, 2005). Privilege operates on personal, cultural, and institutional levels to give advantages, favors, and benefits to those who have the greatest access to resources in our…
Leader Resource 1: Letter to Panelists
From The New UU

Personalize and adapt this letter to fit your context. To determine the length of time each participant will have to speak, assume that twenty minutes of the panel’s time will be presentation. For example, if you have 5 panelists, each will have 4 minutes. Dear Panelist, Thank you for agreeing to…
Leader Resource 2: Standing on the Side of Love
From The New UU

Imagine being in church on a Sunday morning when a group of children are about to present a musical. They have learned songs and lines and rehearsed and are ready to go. Excitement fills the air. Suddenly, all the celebratory spirit comes to a crashing halt as a stranger opens fire in the sanctuary.
Find Out More
From The New UU

Visit the Social Justice Pages on the UUA website. Read the brochure, “Enga… with the World: A Personal Perspective of Faith in Action,” by William Schulz. The text of the brochure is available online. Learn about the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee at their website.Standing on the Side…