Not long ago I was mourning the loss of decades of work and connections within my old community in NM. However, my past position as the UU congregation’s Justice Coordinator and all the investment and commitment to building relationships and trust in both the church and the wider community are paying off as I work on final projects for seminary. I find myself with strong connections with vital programs, organizations, and within the city’s Office of Equity and Inclusion. The fact that I am now “outside” the community provides me a sense of clearer perspective (than being in the thick of the work) while still being known as someone invested in the community’s well-being and growth. I find that my pursuit of a life in ministry comes with more people’s willingness to assume positive intentions.
Some of the most important work in Community Mapping involves asking questions. Using the resources from classes and the UUA, here are some of the questions I am exploring for my project:
Identity:
What are we known for?
What are our “signature ministries,” those commitments that identify who we are as a faith community?
What are the verbs, the action words that describe us as a community of faith, and how do these verbs connect with the lives of those we want to reach?
Mission:
If this is our vision, where does this lead us in mission?
What “must” we do?
In what ways does our vision lead us in service toward others in the broader community?
Covenant:
What are the qualities we want in our life and work together?
What are ways to ease congregational anxiety?
What are other congregations doing to be more inclusive?
What is the theological frame for change that results in becoming a multiracial, multicultural congregation?
How will leaders manage displays of resistance?
How has the congregation dealt with previous significant changes?
What are the compelling reasons to work for these changes?
How might leaders need to change?
Journey toward multiracial identity (From 10 Essential Strategies):
What do we need to pack for this journey? Not only what will equip us for this journey, but what baggage (assumptions, perceptions, fear, and expectation might need to be left behind)?
What is the “climate” for this journey? Are we expecting the environment to accommodate us or can we exhibit flexibility towards the environment?
What is the itinerary? What stops will we make? Who are the people we need to speak to?
What community organizations do we want to learn about?
Do we have the needed documentation or passport- that is, do we have credibility? Have we indicated in our public materials (worship bulletin, newsletter, website, signage) that we are explicitly inclusive?
Have we learned the local language, and can we listen carefully and learn? Can we “speak” inclusion? Do our nonverbals match these communications- are we observing Juneteenth? Black History Month? Día de los Muertos? Quinceaneras?
Have we engaged in the history, values, hopes, and aspirations we share with our community?
What are cultural norms for communication? What behaviors communicate respect?
Can visitors find information and visuals to which they relate and see themselves represented? Are we providing materials in spanish? Braille? Large print? Are pronouns representing inclusion? Accessibility ramps? Chairs with arms? Spaces for walkers and wheelchair? Handicap parking?
Are sermons, guest speakers, special programs, and activities reflecting
Complete the following: “For our church, I dream that someday…”
Make a list of values you see lived in this church; explain how they are expressed in behaviors.
Who else should I talk to?
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