Weaving The Fabric of Diversity

			Weaving the Fabric of Diversity

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An Anti-bias Program for Adults

Authors: Jacqui James and Judith A. Frediani

Publisher: Unitarian Universalist Association

Pub. Date: 1996

Available From: UUA Bookstore

Theme and Description Helps people overcome bias and celebrate diversity through telling their stories and listening to others. Engages participants in a variety of activities to examine and challenge ableism, racism, heterosexism, ageism, and classism in the safe, caring, and respectful environment of religious community. Ends with an invitation to action.

Goals for Participants

To create a safe environment for dialogue and exploration
To understand and appreciate diversity and its implications
To understand oppression and privilege and their role in them
To develop anti-oppression skills
To affirm and celebrate diversity
To feel compelled to act for iustice and to develop action plans for diversity in the congregation.

Age RangeAdult

Size of Group 8 to 20 ideal

Space Requirements A large, open space with room to divide into small groups

Number of Sessions 8

Length of Sessions 2 1/2 hours

Leader Training Experienced, skilled co-leadership is recommended. Leaders should represent some of the diversities addressed, and must be able to act responsibly with emotional and sensitive material.

Leader Preparation 2 to 4 hours per session

Strengths

Addresses the common aspects of all oppressions, including those not often addressed, such as ageism
Not just a discussion format; includes a wide variety of activities
Presents detailed, well-scripted sessions with good openings and closings
Gives excellent leader background and resources
Is based on participants' own experiences and stories
Includes a process for taking action at individual and congregational levels.

Limitation May require above-average group skills and commitment from leaders

Adaptability

Can be used with older youth or with groups of youth and adults together
The number and order of sessions are somewhat flexible
Sessions can be used as workshops for camps, conferences, and other special programs.

Unitarian Unlversalist Values Based on and expressive of all the Principles of the UUA.