Your next move? Staying in motion against racism...

Like so many people I know, I want to keep my hands on the wheels of change that began turning with unprecedented momentum in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. Folks from all races and political viewpoints shared a recognition of the inhumanity that was exposed so starkly in that few minutes.

On my own, “doing something” about racism (and other deep divides on clear display right now) feels daunting. And it is easy to get caught in traps of helplessness, defensiveness, shame and blame. But in community it feels possible! That’s why I am so excited about this invitation from Joe Davis, Dave Scherer and a group of folks curating impactful spaces for lifelong anti-racism practice in community with Fabric, Intertwine and others.

Joe and Dave have designed The Next Move to offer empowering guidance, people to practice with and a sustainable rhythm to help you unpack some difficult questions and discover your own next moves for long haul change - with others!

This 8-week online course begins October 12. Now's the time to sign up! It is 2 hours on either Monday or Thursday evenings (Thursdays will unpack some biblical connections, but is open to anyone of any faith or non-faith tradition).

I know this particular offering won’t make sense or be the best next move for everyone.

• This is a time and financial investment. While no one has an extra night of the week (wouldn’t that be great?) to offer, we DO have funds we are happy to share with anyone who is eager to invest their time find the cost the prohibiting factor. Learn more here.

• The work and kind of space needed to heal the racism embedded in and around us isn’t the same for everyone. This course will likely be a lot of white folks, like me. We have work that only we need and roles that only we can do. I’m eager to heal and move together on this.

One thing I trust we all share is an ancient call to love beyond whatever circles we think of as “one of us.” And living into that takes practice, vision and people. So I am grateful for my opportunity to work with a new network from Fabric and Intertwine, supported by a grant from Augsburg University’s Riverside Innovation Hub to connect people and curate a variety of times and spaces that make sense for individuals for anti-racism practice and healing - ongoing, in community. Contact Erin Tripolino to learn more or share ideas!

I will not see the work completed, but I am grateful for people and space to grieve, heal and build together as we unbuild what doesn’t work in and around us.

~Melissa