Widening the Circle

This is a new and exciting program (Oct 2021) at BuxMont. It is the result of research that reveals the importance of examining the depth of our diversity. Organizations across the country are embarking on programs that go beyond diversity to examine the true meaning of equality and inclusion. We want to learn what it means to open not just our doors, but our minds and hearts as well, to marginalized and under-represented individuals. That includes people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, people of varying physical abilities, political values, those who confront mental health and people of all ages. We want to exclude no one!

We meet alternating Wednesdays from 7:30-8:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Please contact kevin <at> buxmontuu <dot> org to join the conversation.

Below are details about accessing the reading materials and some things shared each time we have gathered:

Our Main Text

Widening the Circle of Concern: Report of the UUA Commission on Institutional Change, June 2020. There are many ways to access the book some are free of charge and instant.

Session Fifteen – July 6, 2022

Tonight’s Widening the Circle Session focuses on the next section of the text “Innovations and Risk Taking” https://www.uua.org/uuagovernance/committees/cic/widening/innovations

Discussion Questions for tonight:

  1. What surprised you in this section? What made you pause? 
  2. Why do you come to BuxMont (whether in person or online)? 
  3. If we were to reimagine BuxMont’s purpose in this world, what would it include? What WOULDN’T it include? 
  4. If we were to start a whole new worship service, what might it be like? How would it be different from what we do on Sunday morning?
  5. If we were to start a new community within BuxMont, who might it serve? How would it be different? 
  6. What do we do now that we should stop doing to make room for something different? 

During our last session, the discussion focused on Unconscious Bias and the section Educating for Liberation. The notes from that conversation have been added to our growing Widening the Circle Recommendations document, which can be found here – https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bCK6lynqDmEGpYy7ZuUGsPBojoDJrEtaABnA1jbCYXo/edit?usp=sharing

Our timeline will be

  • WtC Zoom room will open at 7:15 p.m. making space for folks to gather.
  • We will start our actual content promptly at 7:30 p.m.
  • We begin our conversation at 7:45-7:50 until 8:30 p.m.
    Breaking out into rooms will depend on the number of participants

Session Fourteen – June 22, 2022

The WtC Planning Team will guide you into a subject we have been preparing for and which is critically important to the purpose of WtC: Educating for Liberation: Unconscious Bias.
https://www.uua.org/uuagovernance/committees/cic/widening/educating-liberation

Our timeline will be

  • WtC Zoom room will open at 7:15 p.m.making space for folks to gather.
  • We will start our actual content promptly at 7:30 p.m.
  • We begin our conversation at 7:45-7:50 until 8:30 p.m. Breaking out into rooms will depend on the number of participants

We will discuss the Education for Liberation section. 

Some background:

What is unconscious bias?

Unconscious biases are social stereotypes about certain groups of people that individuals form outside their own conscious awareness. Everyone holds unconscious beliefs about various social and identity groups, and these biases stem from one’s tendency to organize social worlds by categorizing. Unconscious bias is often incompatible with one’s conscious values.

The impact of unconscious bias is significant. For example, unconscious bias can impact patient-provider relationships and treatment recommendations, both of which contribute to health and health care disparities.

It is important to recognize that individuals may have unconscious bias towards those from other groups. One’s age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical abilities, and many other characteristics may be susceptible to bias from others.
–Renee Navarro, PharmD, MD, UCSF Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Outreach

 WtC Education for Liberation…Unconscious bias Takeaways

·        Unconscious bias is real.

·        Unconscious bias, when unaddressed, creates toxic organizations.

·        Many congregations have not addressed this and so can be toxic to people of color.

·        Addressing unconscious bias requires education, not guilt.

·        Many good tools are available and need to be curated for leaders who are overwhelmed by today’s challenging religious landscape and need easy access to resources.

·        More Unitarian Universalist-specific tools are needed, including a certification program which would indicate commitment and readiness for leadership from people of color.

Questions

Can you think of examples of when you have offended others or others have offended you with unconscious bias?

Why do you think education regarding unconscious bias is important?

What type of training program would you like to see?

Session Thirteen – June 8, 2022

Our Next Session we will begin a new section of the text called Religious Professionals –  https://www.uua.org/uuagovernance/committees/cic/widening/religious-professionals

Widening the Circle Website –  https://www.buxmontuu.org/education/adult-education/widening-the-circle/ 

Here is the google doc that has been growing with Recommendations during our sessions – https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bCK6lynqDmEGpYy7ZuUGsPBojoDJrEtaABnA1jbCYXo/edit?usp=sharing And there is a Widening the Circle Facebook Group!https://www.facebook.com/groups/214266657512036

Our timeline will be:

  • I will hop onto the zoom at 7:15 p.m. to have space for folks to gather.
  • We will start our actual content promptly at 7:30 p.m.
  • By 7:45 p.m. will we go into small group conversation until 8:30 p.m.
  • From 8:30-9:00 p.m. we will come back to the large group and share gleanings from our small group conversation.

We will discuss the outcomes from the Recommendations Review folks had while I was away. I met with our steering team and heard highlights and even moved forward the piece around Worship as well. 
And we will then discuss the Religious Professionals section. 

  1. What is BuxMont’s responsibility/responsibilities as an employer? 
  2. What sort of ongoing training/education should BuxMont provide to our religious professionals? Which ones? 
  3. Should congregants receive the same training/education? What about the Board or those involved in staff evaluation? 
  4. How might we fund such work? Is it possible to do this work without additional funds? 
  5. Do we have a goal as a community to have a more diverse staff? If so, diverse in what ways? 
  6. How do the Recommendations and Takeaways apply or not apply to BuxMont? How might we adapt them to be applicable if they don’t seem to be now?

Session Twelve – May 11, 2022

Our Next Session we will continue our conversation on the section called Living Our Values in the World  –  https://www.uua.org/uuagovernance/committees/cic/widening/living-values

Widening the Circle Website –  https://www.buxmontuu.org/education/adult-education/widening-the-circle/ 

Here is the google doc that has been growing with Recommendations during our sessions – https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bCK6lynqDmEGpYy7ZuUGsPBojoDJrEtaABnA1jbCYXo/edit?usp=sharing And there is a Widening the Circle Facebook Group!https://www.facebook.com/groups/214266657512036

Our timeline will be:

  • I will hop onto the zoom at 7:15 p.m. to have space for folks to gather.
  • We will start our actual content promptly at 7:30 p.m.
  • By 7:45 p.m. will we go into small group conversation until 8:30 p.m.
  • From 8:30-9:00 p.m. we will come back to the large group and share gleanings from our small group conversation.

Our Last April Session was:

On April 27, we were invited to participate in the interfaith Holocaust Memorial service at Temple Judea, so please bring those experiences/reflections into the conversation too.

Session Eleven – April 27, 2022

On April 27, we have been invited to show up in support of our interfaith neighbors and do just that – live our values in the world. Temple Judea will hold an Interfaith Holocaust Memorial as an example of Widening the Circle, details here – https://www.templejudea.org/event/yom-hashoah-memorial-service.html 

All are welcome in person. If online access is desired, they will broadcast live to Temple Judea Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/templejudeaofbuckscounty

Session Ten – April 13, 2022

Our Next Session will be focused on the section called Living Our Values in the World – https://www.uua.org/uuagovernance/committees/cic/widening/living-values

I’ve updated our website with all the prior information from earlier sessions too, so if folks ever want to go back it is there –  https://www.buxmontuu.org/education/adult-education/widening-the-circle/ 

Here is the google doc that has been growing with Recommendations during our sessions – https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bCK6lynqDmEGpYy7ZuUGsPBojoDJrEtaABnA1jbCYXo/edit?usp=sharing And there is a Widening the Circle Facebook Group!https://www.facebook.com/groups/214266657512036

Our timeline will be:

  • I will hop onto the zoom at 7:15 p.m. to have space for folks to gather.
  • We will start our actual content promptly at 7:30 p.m.
  • By 7:45 p.m. will we go into small group conversation until 8:30 p.m.
  • From 8:30-9:00 p.m. we will come back to the large group and share gleanings from our small group conversation.

Next April Session:

On April 27, we have been invited to show up in support of our interfaith neighbors and do just that – live our values in the world. Temple Judea will hold an Interfaith Holocaust Memorial as an example of Widening the Circle, details here – https://www.templejudea.org/event/yom-hashoah-memorial-service.html 

All are welcome in person. If online access is desired, they will broadcast live to Temple Judea Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/templejudeaofbuckscounty

Session Nine – March 30, 2022

Tomorrow we will return to the topic of Governance. We had good conversations last session and I think after some initial large group question & answer time, we can break into small groups to get to the recommendations around this topic. Then return and perhaps narrow down to three clear recommendations. 

Our timeline will be:

  • Rev. Kevin will hop onto the zoom at 7:15 p.m. to have space for folks to gather.
  • We will start our actual content promptly at 7:30 p.m.
  • By 7:45 p.m. will we go into small group conversation until 8:30 p.m.
  • From 8:30-9:00 p.m. we will come back to the large group and share gleanings from our small group conversation.

April Sessions:

Our Next Session will be April 13 and we will be focused on the section called Living Our Values in the World – 
https://www.uua.org/uuagovernance/committees/cic/widening/living-values

And then, on April 27, we have been invited to show up in support of our interfaith neighbors and do just that – live our values in the world. Temple Judea will hold an Interfaith Holocaust Memorial as an example of Widening the Circle, details here – https://www.templejudea.org/event/yom-hashoah-memorial-service.html 

All are welcome in person. If online access is desired, they will broadcast live to Temple Judea Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/templejudeaofbuckscounty

Readings from last session are below:

Please review the section of Widening the Circle of Concern called Governance, find that section here online.

Our own Bylaws, Governing Documents, and list of Committee Chairs can be found on this page of our website – https://www.buxmontuu.org/about-buxmont/governing-documents-info/

Along with these items, there is an article on Roberts Rules of Order – Bye Bye Bobby – Click here to read the article.

Our discussion questions last time were:

  • How does Governance impact inclusion and participation? 
  • How do the issues raised around General Assembly reflect or not reflect issues at BuxMont? (the UUA’s Annual Meeting) – https://www.uua.org/ga 
  • Is our current Governance structure right for BuxMont (board size, number of committees, bylaws, congregational meeting rules, etc)
  • How does this session’s reading reflect or not reflect issues at BuxMont? 
  • How do we create a Governance model at BuxMont that encourages participation? 
  • Do any of the Recommendations in this section make sense for BuxMont when adapted for the local level?
  • What other Recommendations around Governance make sense for BuxMont? 
  • Here is the google doc that has been growing with Recommendations during our sessions – https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bCK6lynqDmEGpYy7ZuUGsPBojoDJrEtaABnA1jbCYXo/edit?usp=sharing 

And there is a Widening the Circle Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/214266657512036
Join it to expand conversations beyond our bi-weekly gatherings and to bring up questions and share other resources too. 

Session Eight – March 16, 2022

We will begin the conversation on the Governance section tomorrow night. Please review the section of Widening the Circle of Concern called Governance, find that section here online.

I honestly think we may need two sessions on this, the first to dig into things and the second to discuss ideas about moving forward. But I’m open to being wrong and us only spending one night on it as well. 

Our own Bylaws, Governing Documents, and list of Committee Chairs can be found on this page of our website – https://www.buxmontuu.org/about-buxmont/governing-documents-info/

Along with these items, here is an article on Roberts Rules of Order – Bye Bye Bobby – Click here to read the article.

In April, I am suggesting that we visit with Temple Judea for an Interfaith Holocaust Memorial as an example of Widening the Circle, details here – https://www.templejudea.org/event/yom-hashoah-memorial-service.html 

After requests from participants for more time in small group discussion, we are extending our time together each session! Our format the past couple sessions has been:

  • I will hop onto the zoom at 7:15 p.m. to have space for folks to gather.
  • We will start our actual content promptly at 7:30 p.m.
  • By 7:45 p.m. will we go into small group conversation until 8:30 p.m.
  • From 8:30-9:00 p.m. we will come back to the large group and share gleanings from our small group conversation and any large group questions that people have. 

Our discussion questions will be:

  • How does Governance impact inclusion and participation? 
  • How do the issues raised around General Assembly reflect or not reflect issues at BuxMont? (the UUA’s Annual Meeting) – https://www.uua.org/ga 
  • Is our current Governance structure right for BuxMont (board size, number of committees, bylaws, congregational meeting rules, etc)
  • How does this session’s reading reflect or not reflect issues at BuxMont? 
  • How do we create a Governance model at BuxMont that encourages participation? 
  • Do any of the Recommendations in this section make sense for BuxMont when adapted for the local level?
  • What other Recommendations around Governance make sense for BuxMont? 
  • Here is the google doc that has been growing with Recommendations during our sessions – https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bCK6lynqDmEGpYy7ZuUGsPBojoDJrEtaABnA1jbCYXo/edit?usp=sharing 

And there is a Widening the Circle Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/214266657512036
Join it to expand conversations beyond our bi-weekly gatherings and to bring up questions and share other resources too. 

Session Seven – March 2, 2022

We will continue, and likely wrap-up the Hospitality and Inclusion conversation. Please review the section of Widening the Circle of Concern called Congregations and Community, find that section here online.

After requests from participants for more time in small group discussion, we are extending our time together each session! Our format will go like this:

  • I will hop onto the zoom at 7:15 p.m. to have space for folks to gather.
  • We will start our actual content promptly at 7:30 p.m.
  • By 7:45 p.m. will we go into small group conversation until 8:30 p.m.
  • From 8:30-9:00 p.m. we will come back to the large group and share gleanings from our small group conversation and any large group questions that people have. 

Our discussion questions will be:

  • As we begin to gather more in-person again, how do we welcome people to Sunday mornings? How do we empower people to talk about BuxMont and Unitarian Universalism? 
  • How do we expand knowledge of the UUA and related resources within the congregation? Who might do that? 
  • How do we welcome people to Committees and other programs/groups at BuxMont? 
  • What could we offer on Sunday mornings within the worship service AND before or after the worship service to help expand awareness around diversity, equity, and inclusion? 
  • What programming beyond the Sunday morning service (and beyond Sunday’s altogether) could we offer to folks to help with antiracism, anti oppression, diversity, and inclusion awareness? What about for people of different ages? 
  • Do any of the Recommendations in this section make sense for BuxMont?
  • What other Recommendations around Congregations & Communities make sense for BuxMont? 

And there is a Widening the Circle Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/214266657512036
Join it to expand conversations beyond our bi-weekly gatherings and to bring up questions and share other resources too. 

Session Six – February 16, 2022

We will continue, and likely wrap-up the Hospitality and Inclusion conversation. Please review the section of Widening the Circle of Concern called Hospitality and Inclusion, find that section here online.

After requests from participants for more time in small group discussion, we are extending our time together each session! Our format will go like this:

  • I will hop onto the zoom at 7:15 p.m. to have space for folks to gather.
  • We will start our actual content promptly at 7:30 p.m.
  • By 7:45 p.m. will we go into small group conversation until 8:30 p.m.
  • From 8:30-9:00 p.m. we will come back to the large group and share gleanings from our small group conversation and add to our BuxMont Recommendations for this section.

Our discussion questions will be:

  • What is BuxMont’s overall culture or cultures?
  • What was your experience the first few times you were in a UU Congregation (whether BuxMont or another)?
  • In what ways were/are the identities you hold reflected or not reflected?
  • How might we welcome people with identities that are not as reflected at BuxMont?
  • Do any of the Recommendations in this section make sense for BuxMont?
  • What other Recommendations around Hospitality make sense for BuxMont?

Session Five – February 2, 2022

We focused on the Hospitality and Inclusion section of our text.
Please read the section of Widening the Circle of Concern called Hospitality and Inclusion, find that section here online.

We have also created a Facebook space for conversations to continue beyond our regular meeting time, please join that by clicking this link – https://www.facebook.com/groups/214266657512036

As we begin exploring this section, after some pieces from me our small group conversations will be on the questions below:

  • What is BuxMont’s overall culture or cultures?
  • What was your experience the first few times you were in a UU Congregation (whether BuxMont or another)?
  • In what ways were/are the identities you hold reflected or not reflected?
  • How might we welcome people with identities that are not as reflected at BuxMont?

Session Four – Wednesday, January 19, 2022

  • We resumed our conversation about the Theology Section. We focused on bringing the first sections together and how they fit into the larger picture of Widening the Circle of Concern and shift into what Recommendations for BuxMont we have around the topic of Theology. 
  • ALSO, we discussed personal Credo statements to bring the big topic of theology to a personal level before we shift to discussing what recommendations we have for BuxMont around the topic of theology. Assignment below!

Drafting a personal Credo, or This I Believe statement:
A credo is simply a statement of one’s beliefs. Credo started as a Latin word meaning “I believe.” And so without putting anything else into your mind about what a credo is or why I think it matters, I’d simply like you to draft some writing about what you believe.

Respond to the following questions with “I believe _____________” statements or something similar. Allow yourself to be creative.

  • Which relationships are most important in your life? What is the order of priorities?
  • What is the best way to live?
  • What are the best kinds of moments in life?
  • What’s the highest thing a person can achieve in their lifetime?
  • What’s the point of being alive?
  • What are your greatest weaknesses?
  • What are your greatest strengths?
  • What do you believe about your future?
  • What do you believe are the keys to success in life?
  • What do you believe that your legacy will be?

Session Three – December 8, 2021

  • Our Covenant for Conversations
  • Please read the second section of Widening the Circle of Concern called Theology, find that section here online.
  • Questions we discussed in this session:
    • What is your personal theology?  What is your set of values and understandings about the world that connect you to what matters most in life?
    • How has being a UU or part of UU community changed your life?
    • How does theology require us to Widen the Circle of Concern?
    • What at BuxMont might change if we had a deeper understanding of theology as a community?

Session Two – November 10, 2021

Session One – October 27, 2021