DRUUMM arose from the long-standing movements for racial justice and has dedicated over two decades to advocate for a more meaningful, positive experience for People of Color in Unitarian Universalism. This commitment includes forming deep partnerships with anti-racist organizers including UU Allies for Racial Equity, and contributing to the broader public expression of our faith, striving to create an inclusive community within our congregations and beyond. Despite progress since the UUA’s 1997 Journey Towards Wholeness Resolution, DRUUMM recognizes ongoing challenges such as tokenism and isolation faced by People of Color within our communities, and calls for renewed and strengthened commitments to anti-racism and institutional change.
Aiming for Allyship is a 12 hour intersectional antiracism training occurring on four Mondays from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Pacific / 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM Eastern (Sept 30, Oct 7, Oct 14, Oct 21). Please note all participants are required to complete the session Intake Form. Continuing Education certification is available upon request to Rev. Joseph Santos-Lyons, DRUUMM Community Minister at jsantoslyons@uuma.org.
This virtual program will be facilitated by Justice Movement and co-sponsored by DRUUMM and UU Allies for Racial Equity. The training is open to all and includes opportunities for caucusing.
About the Training
This twelve hour, four session course is designed to deepen relationships, understanding, support and commitment.
You’ve heard the term ally, and you want to be there for people. You don’t want to unconsciously contribute to sexism, ableism, racism and other forms of systemic oppression in your life and community. But what to do? What to say? We’re here to help.
Acting as an ally can feel and be complicated. We specialize in breaking down challenging topics and complex concepts into manageable and illuminating pieces. We prioritize intimacy and make learning to act as an ally deeply personal. Our goal is to build the confidence in our participants to address difficult topics with empathy and understanding.
To do so, we investigate the ways in which folks have been socialized to behave, unpack privilege and why it not only enforces unhealthy power dynamics but also limits you, personally. Plan and practice how to respond when you are called in or out, and how to do that for others. Learn about cancel culture, tone policing, radical love, and so much more. This course will be an opportunity to do some inner work, grow as a person, ask hard questions, and be a force for change in your community. Join Justice Movement founders, Natalie and Danya, and guest trainer Atena as they guide you through a deep dive into allyship and accountability.
Each session is structured to challenge, inspire, and empower participants, culminating in a roadmap for active allyship that respects and enhances the dignity of all individuals. Don't miss this chance to build your intersectional antiracism skills and continue your journey toward being an effective ally!
Atena Danner is an educator, a writer, and a critical thinker who uses creativity to facilitate connection, curiosity and discovery in joyful learning environments. Her years of experience as an adult learning facilitator and cultural worker culminate in an anti-racist approach that warmly challenges learners to expect rigor, care, and just practices. Committed to authenticity and justice, Atena designs engaging experiences for learners who want more for themselves, their networks, and their communities.
Natalie Brewster Nguyen has over 20 years of experience in teaching strategies related to privilege, oppression, and structural racism, notably in Unitarian Universalism contexts. They began their anti-racism journey with Groundworks and The People's Institute, focusing on institutional accountability and capacity building within organizations. Natalie’s background in gender studies and sociology, combined with their personal experiences as a queer POC and sex worker, enrich their comprehensive anti-racism trainings. They co-own and are the Executive Director of an historic art studio warehouse called Splinter Collective in Tucson. Splinter Collective is a space for artists, and a 501c3 non-profit focused on amplifying marginalized artists, housing justice, and community building.
Danya (Xena) Davis, with two decades in social change and adult education, and degrees in economics and international development, has worked extensively in South Africa, developing educational programs on race and social justice. She has a long practice of integrating social justice into her innovative acrobatics teaching that emphasizes inclusivity and power dynamics. Her experience includes working on large scale discussions about race at the University of Cape Town and leading the Acro and Social Justice Teacher Training.
