UUCDC’s Anti-Racism Coalition (ARC) strives to understand the roots of racism and promotes justice and equity in our congregation, our community, and our country.
This begins on a personal level by helping people recognize that biases are ingrained in our thoughts, words, and deeds. ARC has held anti-racism workshops and trainings. We’ve provided screenings of films and suggested readings of relevant books, which were then discussed within the congregation. We participated in civil actions, including rallies and protests, working to bring about legislative change.
Meeting on a semi-regular basis, the core members of the ARC have moved to an ad-hoc model, where, as needed, different members have different responsibilities that fall under one of areas:
- Anti-racist Sunday services
- Education about racism and its effects on individuals and institutions
- “Widening the Circle of Concern,” how we can engage in, enact, and embody anti-racist practices both within the congregation and community.
- NAACP Scholarship Fund, which awards $2,000 per year for up to four years to students selected by the NAACP Chester chapter.
New members committed to regular engagement in one of these areas are welcome, and, as needed, ARC will appeal to the larger congregation for assistance in anti-racism actions. These activities include taking part in planning or participating in a Sunday service or Social Justice Sunday activity, attending a FUSE (Fellowship of Urban Suburban Engagement) or Making a Change Group (MACG) event, or participating in a monthly Allyship and Anti-Racism Discussion Group Zoom meeting, where a variety of topics are covered. ARC updates and calls to action will be posted in Connections and in the slide show before services.
If you would like to become involved in ARC or for more information, email us.
