Are you someone who has done significant anti-racism work? Do you ever wonder – “How could I get better at recognizing racism when I see it?” “How could I get better at knowing what to do about it?” Then this Community of Practice may be for you. As a group of both lay and clergy UCC members we meet monthly on Zoom from September through May on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 5:30 PM Arizona time.

Here is what onee member of the group has to say about the experience:

WHY I LOVE MY ANTI-RACISM COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE

What I keep telling people is that CoP's encourage people to be active in between the sessions and not just during the monthly gatherings. How many groups focus mostly on an agenda at a particular meeting? I know I have led groups like that. The focus was on what we were going to accomplish at that meeting. And I felt a lot of pressure to get the most done in a short amount of time.

But growth isn't just what we do once a month for an hour; just like worshiping God isn't something we do just once a week. It's a daily walk. The purpose of CoP's is to help us integrate into our everyday lives what each of us feels "called" to practice on an ongoing basis. So at the end of each session, we state a goal that we want to accomplish during the next month. And at the beginning of each session, we share what it was like that past month. And it's not just about whether we accomplished our goal or not, although it is a motivating feeling when we have made progress. It's mostly about having an opportunity to share our true selves in regards to racism and not be judged good or bad. CoP's are an opportunity to celebrate who we are on our journey. And while on this journey CoP's remind us that we are not alone. We have companions who are gifts from God.

Want to be a companion with us this next year? You need to have already had some training in anti-racism so you have something to practice. Of course, we learn new things as we go along, too. With justice and joy, Rev. Rich Doerrer-Peacock

Each September we welcome new members who would like to be part of the work. You can apply to join this community of practice here. NOTE: Existing members must re-apply.

If you have questions you may contact one of the participant facilitators, Rev. Donna Cavedon donnacavedon@yahoo.com; or Rev. Randi Walker randi-walker-3891@att.net