Breaking Down the Silos An assessment model for Justice-Rooted congregations A joint partnership between MidAmerica Region & MUUSJA

Intersectionality “The complex, cumulative manner in which the effects of different forms of discrimination combine, overlap, or intersect.” (Merriam Webster)

Intersectionality Term coined in 1989 by Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw, professor of critical race theory and constitutional law at UCLA & Columbia

Intersectionality

An intersectional lens to congregational justice work None of our justice commitments exist in a vacuum: environmental justice is racial justice is economic justice is social justice is reproductive justice is…. Work may move slower because we have to consider multiple lenses (e.g., bringing a disability justice lens to our work on affordable housing; making sure we’re asking how white supremacy is playing out in the decision to build a coal plant in our community, etc.) Rather than thinking about which issue is ”more urgent,” we must move toward understanding ourselves as all working on different facets of complex, multi-issue problems. Any justice work that prioritizes one issue while leaving a group (or groups) of people behind cannot dismantle systems of oppression.

Intersectionality in UU History Susan B. Anthony Frances E. W. Harper Frederick Douglass

Intersectionality in UU History “…WHEREAS, use of the word “Standing” as default justice language places a high value on the justice work and commitments of able-bodied people, while it makes invisible and excludes the justice work of people with a wide range of disabilities and autistic people… THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the 2017 General Assembly calls upon the leaders of the UUA’s ’Standing on the Side of Love’ campaign to create a new imagining that better includes and reflects the needs and contributions of disabled people.” --Responsive Resolution, UUA General Assembly 2017

Social Justice The state in a society in which all people and communities have access to the resources and freedoms necessary to survive and flourish, regardless of identity or background.

Forms of Social Justice Work Protests, rallies, marches Education (classes, discussion groups, public forums) Legislative campaigns Community organizing Grassroots fundraising Media campaigns Grantmaking Lobbying policy makers Door knocking Public art & performance 1-to-1 meetings Coalition building Creating new forms of relationship, governance, resource sharing that challenge systems of domination Popular education Letter writing campaigns Community forums Direct action Petition drives

Public Witness & Prophetic Voice The congregation regularly, boldly, and accountably uses its institutional capital to publicly proclaim its yearning for justice and equity as a natural outgrowth of its religious values

Service & Solidarity The congregation offers material, human, and infrastructural support and service to resource movements for social justice, allowing frontline communities to strategically channel their energy and resources into leadership 

Interfaith & Inter-organizational Partnership The congregation cultivates cultural and spiritual humility, and develops deep and mutually-fulfilling partnerships with other faith communities, organizations, and coalitions

Financial Partnership & Fundraising The congregation is self-aware about its financial resources and networks, and is willing to leverage this power to channel money into movement building beyond the congregation

Theological Reflection The congregation sees social justice work as a natural expression of their tradition’s values and beliefs, and are able to evaluate issues and actions through the lens of their faith

Spiritual Care & Formation for Activists The congregation prioritizes nurturing the spiritual and emotional health of its justice leaders, and equipping them with the competencies to be faithful and effective leaders

Study & Political Education The congregation offers regular opportunities for members to learn about justice issues, gain concrete skills, and develop political analysis

Institutional Transformation The congregation engages in critical self-assessment and seeks outside consultation to ensure that power structures and practices align with stated justice values and make space for diverse leadership and participation

Worship, Ritual, & Celebration The congregation regularly expresses its commitment to building a just and loving world through communal worship, embodied ritual, and practices of joy and gratitude

Questions?

Homework Email: muusja.organizer@gmail.com Go through the Social Justice-Rooted Congregations rubric for your congregation. If possible, work with others in your congregation. Email Rev. Ashley & Pastor Danny your responses to the following questions: What general observations do you have about your congregation’s social justice work after doing the audit? What are the biggest barriers to embodying “best practices” for social justice in your congregation? Email: muusja.organizer@gmail.com

Breaking Down the Silos, Part 2 Tuesday, February 13, 2018 7:45pm EST/ 6:45pm CST/ 5:45pm MST A joint partnership between MidAmerica Region & MUUSJA