Racial Justice Ministry

Mission

The Mission of the Racial Justice Ministry of the Unitarian Congregation of West Chester is to explicitly and publicly affirm the UCWC commitment to racial justice and the alleviation of racial inequities.

We work to:

  • Grow in our awareness and understanding of racism and white advantage through workshops, conversations and Sunday services,
  • Love all in our community by examining practices, policies and procedures within UCWC with the goal of eliminating the impact of implicit bias,
  • Show love to all in our community though mindfulness of the intersection of oppressions based on race, class, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, age, culture, religion and language, and
  • Serve the wider community through work with other organizations and faith communities who share these goals.

Board Statement on Racial Justice & Equity

Goals for Accountability 2022-2023

  • August 2022 service, “Living Our Commitment to Racial Justice”
  • Presented “Building a Culture of Inclusion” congregational workshop, led by Paula Cole Jones, and follow up survey of attendees
  • Established monthly social justice moments during services
  • Promoted legislation for equitable funding for public education in PA
  • Conducted postcard writing support for the federal George Floyd Justice in Policing Act
  • Promoted Jubilee anti-racist training. Created promotional video featuring previous UCWC attendees
  • Participated in 8th Principle Learning Community monthly sessions, and UUCDC’s Allyship & Anti-Racism bimonthly discussions
  • Attended PowerMetro training (multi-faith, organizing force in PA for racial and economic justice on a livable planet)
  • Participated with St. Paul’s Baptist church for MLK Day of Service (book and food drive)

Goals for Accountability for 2023-2024

  • Offer “Difficult Conversations” congregational workshop
  • Promote Jubilee participation
  • Investigate UUA resources and consider Beloved Conversations curriculum
  • Create Racial Justice webpage
  • Continue to participate in social justice moments during services
  • Continue participation in MLK Day of Service
  • Explore possibilities to participate in Juneteenth local community events
  • Contribute to monthly Fellowtarian

Who We Work With

Community Resources and Opportunities:

UUA Resources

Meetings

  • Racial Justice Ministry meets the first and third Wednesdays of the Month at 5 pm via Zoom. UCWC members and friends are welcome to join in. Zoom Meeting
  • Email  racial-justice @ucwc.org to request the Zoom link.

Books, Podcasts, and Videos for Exploring Anti-Racism

Books

    • Caste by Isabel Wilkerson
    • Do the Work by W. Kamau Bell &Kate Schatz
    • How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
    • The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee
    • Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity and Power In Ministry Mitra Rahnema, Editor

Videos and Podcasts