Anti-Racism Team
The Anti-Racism Team was formed in 2020 as a Bishop’s initiative in response to the needs for social reform. Work of the Anti-Racism Team is guided by the ELCA’s Strategy Toward Authentic Diversity adopted in 2019 by the Churchwide Assembly
The Anti-Racism Team leads, develops, promotes, and/or monitors the:
-
- Theological Framework,
- Healing Action,
- Structural Accountability,
- Theological Education,
- Leadership Development, and
- Partnerships of NEMN Synod
as they relate to the ELCAs Strategy for Authentic Diversity by working in partnership with Synod staff and ministry leaders (rostered and lay) to align ministries (congregational and synodical) in a way that yield systemic change so that authentic diversity is embraced.
Anti-racism work is more like interval training than a sprint or a marathon, but this season has been an awfully long interval with rock-climbing thrown in. Notable challenges:
-
- Building a ministry on the go.
- Leading a ministry charged to stand publicly in gathered community when we cannot safely gather.
- Encouraging people to discern the call of the Spirit when they are experiencing a visceral call to action reverberating throughout society.
What is an Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Cohort?
The Anti-Racism Team sponsors two qualified IDI Administrators. Using the IDI assessment as a tool to increase intercultural awareness, we accompany our synod to be more equitable and diverse through individual and corporate awareness. In the cohort process, participants take the IDI assessment, receive results from a qualified administrator, and grow in cohort groups. These cohorts are meant for confidential discussions based on the IDI results. Cohort members usually share stories about how they experience their results and what they are doing to develop greater intercultural awareness. Cohort groups often also look at real life instances where greater awareness can benefit any given situation – including both personal and professional settings. There is no reporting out. Instead, cohorts are meant to garner meaningful discussion and provide a safe place for personal growth
What kinds of workshops do you lead?
The Anti-Racism Team is available to assist you in creating space for healthy conversation and learning to occur, whether in person or digitally. We work with leaders and employees in a variety of settings, including congregational settings, schools, and government departments. We lead book studies, confirmation classes, cultural sensitivity training, and workshops. Workshops we’ve led in the past have explored a variety of topics, including:
-
- Understanding Implicit Bias
- Effects of Intergenerational Trauma on Public Health
- What is Justice and How Do We Have Peace?
- Mindfulness, Bias and Justice
- The Intersection of Racism, Inequality and the Environment
Reach out to schedule a workshop or inquire about the IDI today. We’d love to work with you to design an experience that will meet your needs in your context.
