April 2009

Upcoming Online Courses

Transforming Our Whiteness

It is hard for those of use who are white, and who live in societies where whiteness is the norm, to see our own white power and privilege. In this workshop we will identify what whiteness is, clarify the ways it operates on our lives, and explore ways of transforming whiteness into a force for justice.

We will explore how whiteness took shape in colonial times and how it has changed over time. We will be particularly interested in the racialization of European immigrants into whiteness.

The challenge here is to develop a positive white identity that will empower us to work for change. We will discuss being a good ally to people of color, working to end racism in white controlled institutions, and nurturing a positive white racial identity in our children.

This course will be taught by the Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and the Rev. Bill Gardiner. They serve as co-chairs of the Unitarian Universalist Allies for Racial Equity Education Committee and lead transforming whiteness workshops for congregations and community organizations. The class runs May 4 through June 5. Go to CLF Learn to register.