Contact: Ann Manning at anncmanningmn (at) gmail.com or Barb Iverson at barbiverson100@icloud.com
What’s Going On
Community Organizing and Social Movements Training
The Racial Justice Initiative at Plymouth Church will offer a series of free online training sessions on Community Organizing and Social Movements Thursdays, December 9 and 16, 7:00–8:15 p.m. via Zoom.
Many of us at Plymouth want to take action as a result of our educational efforts in working toward a more just and level playing field for all citizens of our cities.
Claudia Albano, who taught social movement theory at the University of California-Berkeley for 20 years and is a long-time community activist, will share her knowledge of and involvement in community activism and social movements.
This two-part training will offer frameworks for understanding the theory and practice of community organizing and social movement-building. It will consist of two introductory online classes of 75 minutes each. The purpose of these introductory sessions is to prepare and kindle the interest of Plymouth members for attendance at an in-person training in 2022. There will be no charge for participating in these sessions but registration will be required.
Ann Manning, RJI co-chair, said of this training: “Claudia introduced me to the theory and practice of social movements more than 10 years ago when I was working with a Lutheran group to bring about full inclusion of LGBTQ in the ELCA. The models Claudia will offer can help us see the long game and recognize that we all have a role to play. It’s so important to see and understand those who are different from you. I encourage everyone who is interested to attend these first 2 sessions. You will not regret it. Claudia will make it fun, engaging and well worth your time.”
A Conversation with AG Keith Ellison
This I Believe | Racial Justice Is Personal
This I Believe | Racial Justice Is Personalis being launched by Plymouth’s Racial Justice Initiative. Our goal with these personal stories is to inspire reflection and action, and we offer them with humility and vulnerability. We hope these stories will inspire deeper thought about your own relationship to systemic racism.
We have recently begun publishing these video stories in weekly emails.
To receive the emails including these videos please contact dougf (at) plymouth.org.
For questions or to include your story in
This I Believe | Racial Justice is Personal
please email Jean Kennedy jekennedy21 (at) comcast.net.
Learn more about our stance for racial justice here:
UCC Racial Justice
Racial Justice Bibliography
Sermon: Antiracism as a Spiritual Practice I
Sermon: Antiracism as a Spiritual Practice II
Sermon: Antiracism as a Spiritual Practice III
Volunteer
The RJI is always looking for volunteers to assist with programming activities. Topics and sub-committees include the following: building working and personal relationships with organizations and fighting systemic racism; partnering with Isaiah and other local organizations on voter enfranchisement efforts; reforming police and improving public safety; communicating to the congregation about how people can get involved; fostering the congregation’s curiosity about U.S. history and dismantling the narrative about white supremacy, American exceptionalism and the history of race relations; promoting congregational dialogue through Racial Justice Circles and other ways; inviting speakers on racial justice topics; providing support and racial justice resources; cultivating a relationship between the RJI and the Immigration Welcome Working Group; enhancing resource offerings with books, articles, podcasts, movies and encourage internal reflection; leading book reviews; and encouraging members to share their personal experiences and to understand their own white privilege. Please contact RJI co-chairs Ann Manning at anncmanningmn (at) gmail.com or Barb Iverson at barbiverson100@icloud.com