Activity 2: Why Is This Important?
Activity time: 10 minutes
Materials for Activity
- Newsprint, markers, and tape
Preparation for Activity
- Write on newsprint, and post: Why is it important for a congregation to be welcoming of different racial and ethnic groups?
- Review the list of possible responses to the question so you will be ready to add any significant ideas participants do not offer.
Description of Activity
Invite participants to generate a list of why they think it is important to talk about antiracism/multiculturalism in their congregation. Write each response on newsprint.
Read the responses aloud and invite participants to help identify themes and patterns. Add significant ideas that the group has not named, such as:
- To create relationships of connectedness and accountability with all people
- To facilitate positive (though sometimes discomforting) conversations about race/racism
- To explore myths and mistruths about people/groups who are different from "us"
- To reconcile our own racial experiences in order to ensure positive relationships with others
- To increase the presence of under-represented groups in the congregation
- To create a congregational culture that is welcoming to people who belong to any racial/ethnic groups
- To talk about a subject that is often taboo.
Including All Participants
To accommodate different learning styles (for example, aural versus visual learners) and to be inclusive of people who are visually impaired, read written responses aloud.