8th Principle Process - Q3 by Canadian Unitarian Council https://padlet.com/canadian_unitarian/7fl6hjvtjpdjfz69 Made with hope en-us 2021-06-09 21:40:21 UTC 2025-10-24 12:23:41 UTC hello@padlet.com How do you envision your congregation/community when it is successfully engaged in dismantling oppressions? canadian_unitarian https://padlet.com/canadian_unitarian/7fl6hjvtjpdjfz69/wish/1596922682 2021-06-09 21:40:59 UTC https://padlet.com/canadian_unitarian/7fl6hjvtjpdjfz69/wish/1596922682 PARTICIPANT COVENANT: I agree that by participating in this platform, I will speak only from my perspective, use language that is respectful, and not disparage others' opinions or comments. I understand that if I do not keep to this, my comment/s may be deleted. canadian_unitarian https://padlet.com/canadian_unitarian/7fl6hjvtjpdjfz69/wish/1596932534 2021-06-09 21:49:05 UTC https://padlet.com/canadian_unitarian/7fl6hjvtjpdjfz69/wish/1596932534 From Eric Nidd – UU Congregation of Durham: I believe that if there is any successful engagement in dismantling oppressions, it will be because we implemented some of the “other” recommendations from the May 8th report and it will not in any way be related to adding an 8th principle. https://padlet.com/canadian_unitarian/7fl6hjvtjpdjfz69/wish/1691855303 2021-08-23 19:06:22 UTC https://padlet.com/canadian_unitarian/7fl6hjvtjpdjfz69/wish/1691855303 https://padlet.com/canadian_unitarian/7fl6hjvtjpdjfz69/wish/1744212115 from emmy (former YA and youth leader, member of First UU Toronto)
- redistribution of resources to support BIPOC-led programming and initiatives within and outside of UU organizational structures
- affirmative action hiring programs across UU institutions, both for paid staff and for high-level volunteer positions
- regular, ongoing trainings for congregational leaders and members around dismantling privilege, in a style similar to OWL programming, development of a UU-specific curriculum
- accountability for white UUs who demonstrate oppressive attitudes and approaches, using restorative justice approaches
- congregational engagement with anti-racist demonstrations, protests, fundraisers, etc., and support of local BIPOC organizers within the broader community working to change oppressive public policies
- congregational commitments to advocate for defunding police and abolition in our communities
- conscious effort to avoid cultural appropriation within our faith and our religious sources and documentation, which necessarily would involve some consultation and editing of resources currently in circulation]]> 2021-09-15 23:58:37 UTC https://padlet.com/canadian_unitarian/7fl6hjvtjpdjfz69/wish/1744212115 From Kiersten Moore - Vancouver Unitarians. I envision a place where any person can walk in off the street on a Sunday morning, be welcomed and feel welcomed, be uplifted and feel a sense of connection, deep prescence, and inspiration. I envision this person able to join conversation after a worship service and engage with their whole self--regardless of economic situation, type of work, educational background, race or ethnicity, cultural context, gender, family structure, or ability. With no need to hide things about themselves for fear of alienation, discomfort, or shame. I envision a congregation questioning its power structures (formal and informal), uplifting and funding IBPOC and youth initiatives and passions, seeking out and building relationships with diverse people doing principled work in the community. A place where a person of colour can come and say "yes, you folks get it" and join us because our covenantal, liberatory faith calls to them. https://padlet.com/canadian_unitarian/7fl6hjvtjpdjfz69/wish/1758432274 2021-09-21 21:30:12 UTC https://padlet.com/canadian_unitarian/7fl6hjvtjpdjfz69/wish/1758432274 annamvallentin https://padlet.com/canadian_unitarian/7fl6hjvtjpdjfz69/wish/1788714824 When we are successfully engaged in dismantling oppressions, I envision that we are consistently recognized by oppressed persons as being sincere and effective allies.  We may not be perfect, but we are recognized as consistently learning and self-correcting to improve our behaviors to uphold and exemplify our existing excellent 7 principles.  An important sign of being engaged would be to state and embrace a very clear and prominent *call to action* at our national, district, and congregational levels to do this work, with recommendations for how to measure progress, and that we revisit on a regular basis.]]> 2021-10-04 06:40:02 UTC https://padlet.com/canadian_unitarian/7fl6hjvtjpdjfz69/wish/1788714824 From Gordon Gram UCV https://padlet.com/canadian_unitarian/7fl6hjvtjpdjfz69/wish/1794205511 UCV allocates a portion of its open collection to the opportunity outreach fund.  Each year a committee selects several organizations to receive these funds. 
In addition to this program I think in 2022 it would be a good idea to search for an organization whose work relates to the idea of the 8th principle that we could fund and become involved with over the long term (say a five year open ended commitment). If such an organization were found we could seek membership approval for engagement and funding at the June 2022 EGM.]]> 2021-10-05 19:20:02 UTC https://padlet.com/canadian_unitarian/7fl6hjvtjpdjfz69/wish/1794205511 Penny Blake, UCNiagara https://padlet.com/canadian_unitarian/7fl6hjvtjpdjfz69/wish/1821434948 Within the confines of P4 "A free and responsible search.." and P5"The right of conscience..." we should learn to be sensitive to the outlook and needs of all marginalized peoples. We can be more focused now on groups that have not had enough attention in the past, such as our Indigenous and growing Black and POC populations, because of P1 and P6. We should not forget about all other marginalized groups, from LGBTQ++ to those that fear because of their religious or cultural difference. I do think though, that specific political actions need to be addressed case by case, so it may not mean that every cause is embraced by every Unitarian, even causes that may be dear to certain political perspectives and groups. Our congregation does support various social initiatives, some even political, but our congregation is consulted extensively first. Otherwise it would become the pet project and political bias, and social bias of the leadership or squeakiest wheel. Some new ideas, such as those contained in CRT are worthy of consideration, and some I'm very critical of - and I value the freedom within Unitarianism to consider but also criticize them.]]> 2021-10-16 21:18:48 UTC https://padlet.com/canadian_unitarian/7fl6hjvtjpdjfz69/wish/1821434948 https://padlet.com/canadian_unitarian/7fl6hjvtjpdjfz69/wish/1825538158 From a member of Vancouver Unitarians:
 
I envision my congregation/community being engaged in building integrity in our relations with one another and the wider world.]]> 2021-10-18 23:59:37 UTC https://padlet.com/canadian_unitarian/7fl6hjvtjpdjfz69/wish/1825538158