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• Aiming for Allyship: 4 Part Series

  • Start
    18 Mar 2025
  •  
  • End
    06 May 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    Zoom
  • Spaces left
    7

  Register

  Aiming for Allyship is a 12-hour multiracial intersectional antiracism training occurring on four Tuesdays from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM Pacific / 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM Eastern.

  Session 1: March 18
  BREAK/ Pod: March 25
  Session 2: April 1
  BREAK/ Pod: April 8
  Session 3: April 15
  BREAK/ Pod: April 22
  Session 4: May 6 (new date)

  Continuing Education certification is available upon request to Rev. Joseph Santos-Lyons, DRUUMM Community Minister at revjoseph@druumm.org.

  This virtual program will be facilitated by Justice Movement and sponsored by DRUUMM. The training is open to all and includes opportunities for caucusing in racial groups. Scholarships are available and reserved for DRUUMM members; please request by February 21 (note new date).

  About the Training

  This twelve-hour, four-session course is designed to deepen relationships, understanding, support, and commitment to living into our UU values.

  UU calls on us to center love and fight for social justice and equity. 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 will unpack how we have been socialized to behave, privilege, and why it not only enforces unhealthy power dynamics but also limits you personally. We will also investigate the ways we are guided by UU principles and how to turn them into action, plan and practice how to respond when you are called in or out, and how to do that for others. Learn in community 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 congregation and beyond. 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!

  Important note to White allies: We are prioritizing BIPOC attendance and may ask White registrants to yield space in this popular training.
  

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• Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Coffee Hour

  • Start
    26 Mar 2025
  •  
  • End
    26 Nov 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    8 sessions
  • Location
    Zoom upon registration

  Register

  The Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Caucus of DRUUMM hosts a virtual Coffee Hour for community and discussion monthly (except June and December). Beginning in March 2025, the Coffee Hour will be held on the 4th Wednesday from 5 to 6:30 PM Pacific/8 to 9:30 PM Eastern.

  We have a different Theme or Topic each month. Perhaps you would like to propose and/or present one?

  In February we had a small group conversation really getting to how we share and show our love of others and ourselves. The focus on love really framed our warm heartfelt conversation.

  Our March Coffee Hour theme is Spring Awakening. We will touch on many of the topics we think of in March including honoring women's history, transgender action for healthcare equality, deaf history and gender equality. We'll also consider gardening - tending to both our exterior gardens and our interior selves. To prepare for an activity together, please bring seed/s and a pot to plant the seed/s in.

  Hosted by the AANHPI Steering Committee.

  If you have any question, please send an email to Evelie Delfino Såles at evelie511@gmail.com.

  2025 Schedule
  January 15
  February 19
  March 26
  April 23
  May 28
  July 23
  August 27
  September 24
  October 22
  November 26

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• Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) Caucus Monthly Gathering

  • Start
    08 Apr 2025
  •  
  • End
    09 Dec 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    9 sessions
  • Location
    Online

  Register

  The Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) caucus of DRUUMM gathers to build community and for discussion monthly on the 2nd Tuesday from 5 to 6 PM Pacific/8 to 9 PM Eastern.

  Please honor that this gathering is for only those who identify as Southwest Asian and North African.

  2025 Schedule

  January 14
  February 11
  March 11
  April 8
  May 13
  June 10
  July 8
  August 12
  September 9
  October 14
  November 11
  December 9

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• UUA Moderator Forum with DRUUMM

  • When
    28 Apr 2025
  •  
    8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    Online

  Register

  
  

  Unitarian Universalism is a living tradition—shaped not by creed, but by covenant, and animated by the voices and values of its people. This June, we elect our next UUA Moderator, who will serve a six-year term guiding our faith through its most important questions of governance, justice, and transformation.

  DRUUMM invites you to a special member-only forum with the UUA Moderator candidates. (To join DRUUMM, visit druumm.org/membership.)

  This is a unique opportunity to listen deeply, ask critical questions, and discern the leadership that will help shape the future of our multiracial, democratic, spiritually-rooted movement.

  The forum features the two campaigns for UUA Moderator:

  • Rev. Kimberly Quinn Johnson & Bill Young (Co-Moderator Candidate Team): Rooted in faith, justice, and community, their team brings decades of experience in ministry, governance, and movement building.
  • Natasha Walker (Moderator Candidate): An innovative and visionary leader, Natasha brings strategic insight, intersectional analysis, and a strong commitment to BIPOC empowerment in UU spaces.

  Important Voting Info:

  General Assembly delegates will begin voting on June 1, 2025. If you're a delegate or considering becoming one, this forum is for you.

  Spread the Word:

  Share this info with your congregation and networks. Let’s show up and shape the future of our faith.

  Questions?

  Reach out to our Ministerial Intern, LJ Williams, at lj@druumm.org.

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• Black Godfather of Scuba Documentary Screening

  • When
    30 Apr 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Online

  Register

  

  Join DRUUMM and BLUU for a 90-minute special screening of the documentary Black Godfather of Scuba, centering the work of Dr. Albert José Jones, followed by a Q&A discussion with Paula Cole Jones and Master Diver Jay Haigler!

   Here are some words from our Paula Cole Jones:
  

  

  "Time flies. Almost two years ago, I shared that a documentary was being made on my husband, Albert José Jones. The documentary has been in the film festival circuit since June 2022, and it is now available to the public. You are invited to view the film on April 30th from 7:00-8:30pm ET/4:00-5:30pm PT. Jay Haigler of the Underwater Adventure Seekers will join us for the discussion."

  This special screening is for only DRUUMM members and BIPOC friends and will be co-moderated by DRUUMM and BLUU. Don't miss it!

  Speaker Bio

  Jay V. Haigler received his initial open water scuba certification from renowned International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame inductee, Dr. Albert José Jones. He is an Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) scientific diving instructor and a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Master Scuba Diver Trainer. Jay is currently the Dive Coordinator for the Underwater Adventure Seekers (UAS) Scuba Diving Club in Washington, DC. Mr. Haigler is also an AAUS board member and chairman of the statistics committee.

  Mr. Haigler is the author of numerous publications, speeches, symposia presentations. He has been a contributing author with NOAA’s signature publication, The Earth Is Blue Magazine. He has published in academic journals such as Advances in Archaeological Practices. Mr. Haigler along with Dr. Albert José Jones have lectured at Harvard University’s Museums of Science & Culture and the History of Diving Museum.

  
  

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• DRUUMM California Spring Retreat 2025 - We Are the Ones

  • Start
    02 May 2025
  •  
    5:30 PM
  • End
    04 May 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • Location
    In Person and Online

  Register

  We Are The Ones
  A weekend of connection, joy, and spiritual renewal for BIPOC UUs and their friends and families
  

  Drawing inspiration from the song “We Are the Ones We’ve Been Waiting For,” by Sweet Honey in the Rock, this retreat is a space for BIPOC Unitarian Universalists to gather, connect, and co-create the faith community we long for, one rooted in radical welcome and the dismantling of racism and all forms of oppression.

  Through worship, storytelling, music, and deep community-building, we will affirm that we are the ones shaping the future of Unitarian Universalism and strengthening the foundation for those who come after us. Some events will center BIPOC experiences, while others will be open to allies and family members who wish to support and celebrate DRUUMM’s mission.

  Whether you attend in person or virtually via Zoom, we welcome you to join us for this fun, transformative weekend filled with celebration, learning, and spiritual grounding. 

  Retreat program timeline (click here for full schedule and location details):

  • Friday evening Kickoff Party
  • Saturday daytime program
  • Sunday worship service followed by lunch

  Who should attend:

  • DRUUMM members
  • BIPOC UUs seeking community and spiritual renewal
  • Allies and family members who support DRUUMM's mission
  • Congregations in Southern California wanting to connect and deepen their commitment to racial justice in faith spaces

  Registration fees:

  • DRUUMM members* (retreat program) - Free
  • BIPOC Friend or BIPOC Family of DRUUMM (retreat program) - $15 suggested donation
  • White Ally or White Family of BIPOC (open events only, please see detailed schedule) - $15 suggested donation
  • Children - Free
  • To request a registration scholarship, register without paying and forward the invoice to Rev. Kevin Mann at revkev@druumm.org with a message stating the scholarship amount you desire; an adjusted invoice for any remaining balance will be sent to you.

  Please bring cash for optional fellowship events in the community (below), or contact Rev. Kevin Mann at revkev@druumm.org for financial assistance.

  • Saturday evening Emma's Revolution concert ($20 suggested donation)
  • Sunday after party ($10 suggested donation)

  We understand money is powerful energy that involves a level of privilege that may be a barrier. Although there are some costs involved in participating in the Spring Retreat, our goal for the weekend is to connect, collaborate, and if necessary, share resources. We want everyone to participate at the level they are able. If costs are a barrier, please let us know.

  If you have the means to share more to help cover costs for others, we welcome and appreciate those blessings!

  Wherever you are in your financial situation, we honor your truth.

  * Annual dues for DRUUMM membership begin at $15.

  Join DRUUMM Now

  ABOUT YOUR HOSTS:

  This retreat is being offered in collaboration with DRUUMM California, UU Church in Anaheim, and the BIPOC Fellowship of Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach.

  The vision of DRUUMM California is to uplift, amplify, and center BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Unitarian Universalists, through cultivating a network of regional retreats within the three main geographic areas of the state: the Bay Area, Central Valley, and Southern California. We dismantle white supremacy culture by centering the stories, lived experiences, and spiritual traditions of BIPOC UUs.

  We look forward to being in community with you!

  Questions? Contact Rev. Kevin Mann at revkev@druumm.org

  
  

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• Public Worship: There Will Always Be Dancing

  • When
    15 May 2025
  •  
    8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    Online

  Register

  Through the destruction and the devastation, something enduring resides within us that cannot be stamped out by bigotry, greed, or exploitation. No matter how much injustice we face and the burdens we carry, there will always be movement. There will always be music. There will always be dancing.

  From this inner well, we sing, pray, resist, rejoice, dream, and rebuild—because our liberation is bound up together, and our spirits are uncontainable. Let us gather to remind one another of our sources of courage, joy, and power.

  Join DRUUMM for our 2025 Public Worship with guest preacher, the Rev. Joan Javier-Duval of Vermont, and Dr. Jolie Rocke, our musical artist based in Texas. Rev. Christina Shu of California is our liturgist. This event is open to all.

  If your congregation or community is interested in becoming a SPONSOR, please complete our Sponsorship Form. Sponsors commit to a pledge or offering in 2025 and will receive a recording of the worship service that may be used at a later date.

  OUR WORSHIP TEAM

  The Rev. Joan Javier-Duval (she/her) has served as Minister of the Unitarian Church of Montpelier, VT since 2015, is a member of DRUUMM, and previously served on the APIC Steering Committee. She finds great fulfillment in the deeply relational nature of both parish ministry and organizing for social change in a small community. Joan will always join a line dance at any party, and she is happy to be skiing on mountains and through forests this winter with her spouse and eleven year-old child.

  Dr. Jolie Rocke is the Director of Music & the Arts at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston. With a deep passion for using the arts to uplift and heal, she shares her vocal talents and inspires creativity in many forms. A renowned professional singer across a variety of genres, Jolie also serves as a Lecturer of Music at Prairie View A&M University. She is the founder of HBCU Arts, an initiative dedicated to preserving culture by promoting entrepreneurial growth and amplifying the creative expressions of students, alumni, and faculty from historically Black colleges and universities.
  

  Rev. Christina Shu is a long-time DRUUMM leader who served on our Chaplain Team. She is a Lead Interfaith Chaplain at Cedars-Sinai who offers compassionate support across diverse faiths, specializing in palliative care, grief, and long-term illness. A board-certified chaplain, she advances spiritual care research and education. She holds a B.A. from Stanford and an M.Div. from Harvard. Her ministerial journey has included work in urban chaplaincy, university spiritual care, and hospital settings across the country.

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