Sep 17, 2024 | Sarah Borgstrom Lee

The Dismantling Racism workshop is a required training for those who want to become certified candidates and for conference staff. However, it is more than just a requirement; it is an experience in the best possible sense. This twelve-hour course, divided into four three-hour segments, will expand your understanding of how people experience marginalization and the systemic barriers they encounter in daily life.

A few of the participants who took the course last spring were so impressed by it that they carved out time from their busy schedules to discuss it over Zoom. Trevor Salla found the course to be transformational, sharing, “This is the best course for making you want to think, do research, and create real outcomes.”

The sessions are designed to encourage participation, foster new understanding, and build relationships. The Rev. Lorelei Toombs, new Associate Superintendent for the North-West region, took the course last spring and was excited to share her experience. “I liked the format; there were larger group sessions and breakout sessions. It made good use of time.” The session format allowed participants to get to know each other deeply and brought people from various corners of the ministry world together.

It’s one thing for a workshop to shift your perspective momentarily or for a week or two, but for those who attended, it has produced lasting change. Trevor Salla has become more intentional about placing himself in environments where he can engage with other cultures. He made an effort to attend a Juneteenth celebration to learn more about Juneteenth and support Black-owned businesses. When David Madara engaged the Dismantling Racism training, he recognized for the first time that his rural hometown was also a marginalized community. This new realization empowered him to approach ministry in rural areas with compassion and nuance while advocating for diversity and dismantling racism.

Rev. Lorelei Toombs has worked to create space to discuss the impact of the Dismantling Racism workshop because it was so transformational for her. Part of her ongoing work in dismantling racism is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience this workshop.

Dismantling Racism workshop is coming up soon. This workshop takes place over the course of the weekend, with one 3-hour session Friday night, two 3-hour sessions on Saturday, and one 3-hour session on Sunday. Attendance at all four sessions is required for anyone who wants to become a certified candidate and for all conference staff. Space is limited. Register today.

If you’ve already taken Dismantling Racism I and are interested in continuing the journey, keep an eye out for registration information for Dismantling Racism II, scheduled for November 16th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Zoom.