Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: Resistance and Transformation: An Adult Program on Unitarian Universalist Social Justice History

Introduction

I do not pretend to understand the moral universe; the arc is a long one... And from what I see I am sure it bends towards justice. — Theodore Parker, 19th-century Unitarian minister and abolitionist

This workshop invites leaders and participants to get to know one another, introduces the themes that run through the curriculum, and highlights the ideals that lead us, as Unitarian Universalists, to work toward the transformation of our society.

To ensure you can help adults of all ages, stages, and learning styles participate fully in this workshop, review these sections of the program Introduction: "Accessibility Guidelines for Workshop Presenters" in the Integrating All Participants section, and "Strategies for Effective Group Facilitation" and "Strategies for Brainstorming" in the Leader Guidelines section.

Goals

This workshop will:

  • Establish an opening and closing ritual for all workshops
  • Introduce themes of social justice
  • Explore the ideals that lead Unitarian Universalists to work toward the transformation of society.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

  • Meet the other participants
  • Experience several different models for group discussion
  • Develop a working definition of "social justice" in the context of a Unitarian Universalist religious community
  • Connect their personal ideals about social justice with Unitarian Universalist tradition and values
  • Lift up the social justice work already underway in the home congregation, by individuals and collectively
  • Reflect on their own barriers to acting on behalf of social justice
  • Begin writing in a journal as a way to reflect on their own social justice work.