Is your church just beginning to explore the work of decentering whiteness? If so, Level One is the perfect place to start. This level is all about building a shared vocabulary and understanding in a compassionate and supportive environment. We believe that a strong foundation is the key to all subsequent work.
Our Goals for Level One are to:
Establish a shared understanding of terms like "decentering whiteness," "white supremacy culture," and "racial justice".
Begin to recognize how whiteness shows up in church traditions, worship, and decision-making.
Create a safe space where congregants can ask questions and engage in dialogue without fear of judgment.
Suggested Activities to get you started:
Sixteen months in, Desert Garden UCC’s Cycles of Kindness bike donation program is thriving. To date, nearly 270 bicycles have been received, each carefully inspected and given basic repairs by a member of the Sun City West Bicycle Club. Once ready, the bikes are donated to individuals and families in need of affordable transportation.
These bicycles have opened doors to new opportunities, helping people commute to work and job interviews, shop for groceries, attend school, participate in sports and extracurricular activities, and so much more.
If you live in the northwest valley of the Phoenix area and have a bicycle you would like to donate, please contact Desert Garden office@desertgardenchurch.org or 623-584-1795.