Anti-Racism Resource from UUSociety, Burlington

The Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, VT has an active task force operating focused on educating ourselves about the white privilege we carry with us by virtue of our skin color, those of us who identify or are identified as "white".  The task force has been meeting regularly and published the following action oriented ideas for members of the congregation and beyond.

How to Fight Racism Right Now 

The Racial Justice Task Force of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, Vermont, has created this draft of a document for the many in our community who are asking, “What can I do to fight against the evil of racism?” Though much of our congregation is white, our shared commitment to social justice leads us to stand up against the violence and injustice that continue to disproportionately harm people of color. We are honored to follow in the footsteps of those who have fought to bend the long arc of the moral universe towards justice, and saddened and angry that this is a battle that we have not yet won. We hope to make it easier for others to know how to join in, and welcome your participation. 

Do 

Join, participate in, and help ​publicize efforts of Vermont’s first official NAACP Chapter: the Champlain Area NAACP (contact Mary Brown-Guillory at m​guillor@uvm.edu​for more information) 

Join, participate in, and help publicize efforts of Vermont's BlackLivesMatter chapter.  See their facebook page.

Show up​ when local organizations serving people of color ask for the community to be present for demonstrations, public meetings, and press events. 

Contact and offer assistance​to community organizations working with black Vermonters, including the Islamic Center of Vermont, Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA) racial justice actions, Association for Africans Living in Vermont (AALV), and others. 

C h e c k o u t ​ the Peace and Justice Center's Events page on their website to learn about upcoming workshops and learning events.
Join​ the V​ermont Racism - Real Talk Facebook group​ to join an open conversation. Share your process, what you learn, and resources found there back on the FUUSB page (honoring confidentiality and privacy). 

Check out ​the​ Showing Up for Racial Justice Facebook page​to find ways to get involved.

Remember​that just as white people are too often privileged and valued over people of color in the dominant culture, white voices can dominate gatherings that include people of color. Be ready to be quiet and listen, to tend to your own discomfort and pain, and let people of color have the space to lead. 

Say 

Challenge racism​ when you hear it around you. Though it can be hard to confront peers, friends, colleagues, and family, when we are silent around racism, we allow it to seem normal. Some people might find it helpful

to simply say, “I’m not sure what you mean by that,” when others around them use racist language in order to call it out without confrontation. 

 

Resist the temptation to marginalize​ people of color by referring to Vermont as “such a white state.” While Vermont may have fewer people of color than other states, racism and its effects are real, and a painful reality for too many who live here. 

Read and Learn

Books:
● The New Jim Crow​by Michelle Alexander
● Between the World and Me​by Ta Nehisi-Coates 

Websites:

• ●  Black Lives Matter
  
• ●  Common Dreams ● TruthOut
  ● TruthDig 
•  
  Also see reading lists at:
  ● Social Justice Training Institute
  ● Angry Black Woman​Required Reading​(blog)  
• ● Goodreads’ Undoing Racism Reading List
   
• Give 
   
  These community groups and projects serve people of color (and, in the case of the Peace and Justice Center, address economic justice and environmental issues as well). They accept donations and rely on them to do their good work.
  
  ● Vermont Partnership for Fairness and Diversity
  ● Vermont African American Heritage Trail
  ● Vermont Vision for a Multicultural Future
  ● Make Vermont an Inclusive and Equitable Place to Live ● Peace & Justice Center
  ● Champlain Valley NAACP
  ● Association of Africans Living in Vermont