Mission

The mission of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington (FUUSB) Racial Justice Team (RJT) is to engage Society members and friends in the work of identifying, understanding, and dismantling racism within ourselves, our faith community, and our broader society. While racism affects many different groups of people, at this time in our history the team recognizes the urgency of racism as it affects Black people in America. 

We seek to understand and address the underlying attitudes and habitual responses of white supremacy in America and Unitarian Universalism. We engage in this work through education, supporting racial justice work led by Black, indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) in the larger community, and participating in direct action.

Goals

The team aims to deepen the congregation’s understanding of white supremacy and engagement in BIPOC-led organizing and direct action for racial justice. The team’s current goals include:

• Encourage and support the FUUSB leadership, staff, and congregation in participating in some form of anti-racism training each year.
• Facilitate a meaningful partnership/relationship between the Society (at all levels) with one or more local BIPOC-led organizations.
• Partner with the board and staff to intentionally dismantle white supremacy within ourselves and our Society and build a multicultural beloved community with an explicit goal shared by both our leadership and our congregation.