Historically Marginalized Communities
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Unitarian Universalism has traditionally remained a homogeneous community largely inaccessible to historically marginalized communities, such as persons of color, LGBT persons, the physically and mentally challenged, persons in lower income brackets and persons without higher education. Wouldn't it be nice if we could change that?

As a straight, white male who grew up with not only racial but also economic privilege, it might be counter-intuitive to think of me as a candidate that will help our diversity. But as a straight, white male, I know that I can no longer sit idly by as systemic oppression continues to pervade our society and our churches. It is my responsibility to actively work for justice, to become truly anti-racist and anti-oppressive, even if that means advocating for a new system of UUA leadership that privileges the disenfranchised at the expense of my own position.

My work in the interfaith community of New Orleans, the mentally ill population of Boston, and the working class of rural Illinois has given me a unique perspective on how Unitarian Universalism can speak to and serve diverse populations, and also where and how it currently does not.

I was honored to be selected by UUA Moderator Gini Courter to serve on the Regionalization and Representation Task Force of the UUA Board, whose mission is to envision a change in our leadership structure to become more accountable to communities historically marginalized in society and by the UUA. The ongoing proposal will hopefully be presented to the General Assembly in 2011 and promises to provide a radical shift from our current representational structure towards one that privileges not the Association we are, but rather the Association we hope to become.

I applaud the UUA's stance on SB1070 in Arizona, our Association's response to the march in July 2010, and our commitment to not only host GA 2012 in Phoenix but to use this opportunity to build and sustain long-term relationships with the people and organizations doing immigrant justice work on the ground.

I was honored to hear at the January 2011 UUA Board meeting the warm response of the interfaith advocacy community in Arizona to our dedication and sacrifice. But this is just the beginning of our work for Justice and GA 2012 requires a visionary leadership team to help it succeed and sustain these relationships. I would love to be part of that team.