Guide to Continuing the Journey for Racial Justice and Involvement

A Guide to Continuing the Journey New to Racial Justice Introductory level involvement Introductory level involvement and volunteering Sign up to receive newsletters Sign up to receive newsletters Read the USCCB s Open Wide Our Hearts Read the USCCB s Open Wide Our Hearts and discuss Participate in the 12 Day Jesuit Anti-Racism Retreat Participate in the 12 Day Jesuit Anti-Racism Retreat and discuss Work as an Individual Introductory level media Introductory level media Research other sources Collaborate Research other sources Advanced level involvement participate in and facilitate group activities and classes Advanced level involvement take action at your local parish Advanced level media Advanced level media Advocacy Advocacy Well Informed 1

Action Items for Those Who are New to Racial Justice and Prefer to Work Independently Introductory Level Involvement Patronize and support Black owned businesses and organizations. Because there is a clear intersect of race and poverty, financially support organizations which minister to the poor; particularly those who work to end intergenerational poverty. Financially support organizations which are working towards racial justice. Sign up to receive the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative s newsletter "Justice Jottings Read the USCCB s Open Wide Our Hearts pastoral letter and study guide Participate in the 12 Day Jesuit Anti-Racism Retreat Introductory level media such as books, newsletters, documentaries, movies, YouTube videos, webinars and other media or activities. A list of suggestions will be emailed. Find out if your Diocese or Archdiocese has an office or organization which works towards racial justice and see what resources they offer. Here is a list of resources from the Archdiocese of St. Louis Office of Racial Harmony. The Marianist Social Justice Collaborative, Saint Louis University High and Slippery Rock University also have excellent lists of resources. 2

Action Items for Those Who are New to Racial Justice and Prefer to Work With Others Introductory Level Involvement Financially support and volunteer with organizations who assist the poor as poverty disproportionately affects minorities. Examples of national organizations are Catholic Charities, the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, the Urban League, and the Boys and Girls Club. Patronize and support Black owned businesses and organizations Group Activities or Classes - Attend racial justice prayer vigils and peaceful demonstrations, participate in a book club which discusses books on racial justice, enroll in a JustFaith course, participate in racial justice seminars, join your parish Social Justice Ministry, participate in racial justice programs put on by the YWCA (the St. Louis Metro YWCA s "Witnessing Whiteness program is currently being offered virtually) Sign up to receive the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative s newsletter "Justice Jottings Read the USCCB s Open Wide Our Hearts pastoral letter and get a group together to discuss the study guide Participate in the 12 Day Jesuit Anti-Racism Retreat and get together a group to discuss Introductory level media a list of suggestions will be emailed Find out if your Diocese or Archdiocese has an office or organization which works towards racial justice and see what resources they offer. Here is a list of resources from the Archdiocese of St. Louis Office of Racial Harmony. The Marianist Social Justice Collaborative, Saint Louis University High and Slippery Rock University also have excellent lists of resources. 3

Action Items for Those Who are Experienced With Racial Justice and Prefer to Work Independently Advanced Level Involvement Encourage your parish priests to discuss the sin of racism as part of their homilies (and compliment them when they do!). Source reading material for your parish library. Write articles for your parish website or bulletin. Advanced Level Media a list will be emailed, but here are several additional examples: Read: "White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack" and watch the the corresponding Ted Talk Read: Fr. Bryan Massingale s "The Assumptions of White Privilege and What We Can Do About It Read: "The Case for Reparations" by Ta-Nehisi Coats Watch: Amy Hunter s Ted Talk Lucky Zip Codes Watch: Ray Boshara s presentation on The Racial Wealth Gap Read: "America's Enduring Caste System" by Isabel Wilkerson Advocacy Write letters to your state and national legislators regarding any legislation dealing with race. This includes issues pertaining to voting rights, poverty and incarceration, as they affect minorities at a disproportionate rate. The YWCA offers several advocacy action items. Research issues in your area regarding environmental racism and join efforts with organizations working to resolve those issues. Contact your local school board to advocate for the history of race being part of their curriculum. 4

Action Items for Those Who are Experienced With Racial Justice and Prefer to Work With Others Advanced Level Involvement More advanced level group activities and classes: Start a parish-level book club discussing books pertaining to race. Facilitate a JustFaith course at your parish. Host a discussion forum or book club with other parishes. Start a parish social justice ministry. Find out if your Diocese or Archdiocese has an office or organization which work towards racial justice and join. Reach out to your black friends and neighbors and work with them to make a difference in your community. Work with your employer to provide diversity and equity training at your workplace. Facilitate seminars or courses at your parish. Advanced Level Media a list of suggestions will be emailed Advocacy Organize a parish-wide letter-writing campaign. Join a group which advocates for the poor, incarcerated, and minorities. The St. Vincent de Paul Society s Voice of the Poor Committee is a national organization which does this. You can also check to see if your local Catholic Charities or Diocese/Archdiocese has an advocacy group. The YWCA also offers several advocacy action items. Research issues in your area regarding voting rights and/or environmental racism and join efforts with organizations working to resolve those issues. Contact your local school board to advocate for the history of race being part of their curriculum. 5