We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. —Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This workshop looks outward to examine the impact of our personal financial choices in the global economic community. A story connects the availability of inexpensive consumer goods in our country with the lives of the workers around the world. The group looks at economic justice and moral questions in a story about an undocumented immigrant family in the United States. Participants will deepen discussion about ways our Unitarian Universalist values resonate with a sense of responsibility to the economic greater good.

For Activity 1, you will need to:

• Gather small items of clothing and fresh fruits and vegetables, with labels showing country of origin, to place on the centering table.
• Locate a link to the song “Are My Hands Clean” by Bernice Johnson Reagon, recorded by Sweet Honey in the Rock. If possible, jot down the song lyrics to share with the group.

Before facilitating this workshop, review Accessibility Guidelines for Adult Workshop Presenters.

Goals

This workshop will:

• Demonstrate connections between participants’ financial choices and economic welfare in the global community
• Highlight the presence of economic justice issues in our everyday lives
• Draw links between the Unitarian Universalist Principles and economic justice concerns.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand how the interdependence of our global community ensures that our financial choices affect others
• Explore the economic and humanitarian issues surrounding undocumented immigration
• Use the Unitarian Universalist Principles and values as a lens for exploring the impact of our individual and collective financial decisions across the planet.