Antiracism Literacy Partners: A Next Right Action

Shelley Butler, Beloved Community Communications Team

What does it take to be racially literate and engaged in antiracism in a day-to-day way? Where do we find resources and support in our ongoing learning about systemic racism and the work of dismantling it? The Antiracism Literacy Partners (ALP) program at Unity Church is for anyone looking to answer those questions by delving into a choice of books, podcasts, videos, and more. Participants choose a resource and are then matched up with partners or small groups to discuss that title over the next two months.

Peer-to-peer learning research tells us that we tend to learn more and are more likely to put that learning into practice when discussing, reflecting, and gaining new points of view with a partner or in a group. Also, while we are not able to worship together in the same space, this is another way to connect in a meaningful way.

The program was launched on Wellspring Wednesday, September 2, 2020, but grew out of ideas generated from the “Finding Our Next Right Action” event in June, following the killing of George Floyd. Using UUA Small Group Ministry principles, the ALP team prepared guidelines, a set of covenants, a suggested format for discussions, and a reading/discussion guide for each particular resource. Partners create their own schedules and are responsible to each other to follow through. Each participant promises to listen from the heart, honor diversity of thought, and respect the commitment to their learning partners, among other covenants. The first sets of partners have already expressed appreciation for the program and report that things are going well.

The next opportunity to sign up for Antiracism Learning Partners is on Wednesday, November 18, at 7:00 p.m. Come hear from participants in the first round, find out about the resources from which to choose, and sign up for a partner. Some new resources will be added to the choices and these from the first set of antiracism resources will be offered again:

• How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
• So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
• “The Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture” From Dismantling Racism: A Workbook for Social Change Groups, by Kenneth Jones and Tema Okun
• “Seeing White,” a podcast series from Scene on Radio
• “1619,” an audio series by the New York Times
• TED Talks on Race, a series of four short videos

Registration is required for Antiracism Learning Partners on Wednesday, November 18, at 7:00 p.m.
CLICK HERE to register!