Social Class and Social Justice in Unitarian-Universalism
A 3-part discussion series to explore social class and consider action strategies within the UU community
Dates/time: Tuesdays: Feb. 11, Feb. 25, March 11; 6:30-8:00 PM (in-person and zoom)
Discussion goals:
Engage with the history and realities of how ideas of social class are manifested in our denomination, congregation and personal lives
Advance awareness of how the ideas and assumptions of social classes are integral to supporting the systemic nature of economic inequality.
Develop understanding of the impact of class identity on decision making in one’s own life, our congregation, and our local and national communities
Explore possibilities, drawing from UU principles and values to bridge or dismantle class divides and create a more just and equitable world
Workshop topics:
1. Defining social class. How have ideas of class identity shaped your life and experience with UU?
2. How have class issues shaped Unitarian-Universalism? What is at stake for UU and our congregation? How is social class a factor in how outsiders perceive us - who do they think we are? Why would they think that?
3. What might be done? How do we live into our desire to be truly welcoming and inclusive?
Core text: Elite: Uncovering Classism in Unitarian Universalist History by Mark Harris, Skinner House Books, 2011. (10 copies available from First UU office ($9) or through Skinner House books ($10) or Kindle ($8) *Reading the book is not required for participation in the series.