As part of DRUUMM’s renewal, the Steering Committee spends time in deep reflection and prayer on our core working values. What follows is our effort to further the mission of DRUUMM, center our ministry and articulate our culture that we seek to foster within Unitarian Universalism, the UUA and the wider world. These values were first co-created in 2016 in Chicago, and reaffirmed in 2022 at our meeting in Atlanta.
Mission Statement
As People of Color mobilized in an anti-racist collective, we unite to:
- Work for self-determination, justice and equal opportunity,
- Empower our various ministries,
- Celebrate our diverse heritages,
- Overcome racism through resistance,
- Transform and enrich Unitarian Universalism through our multicultural experiences.
Working Values
Sacred work
Our work is sacred and shapes our UU faith. It is part of a larger vision that requires theological depth and makes room for spirit.
Healing from Oppression
In recognizing our wounds from systematic oppression, we work towards personal and social transformation by providing sacred space to heal from internalized racism and other harms. By honoring the suffering, grieving and letting go, we facilitate emotional release. Through self-care, a safe and supportive community, and allies, we work towards collective liberation and healing.
Consciousness of History
By keeping written and oral histories of people of color within Unitarian Universalism, we make this knowledge accessible and helpful to new and old members. Recognizing our place in the larger stream of history and our role as history makers, we develop individual and collective investment in storytelling. We thank and honor our elders and ancestors, and we pass a shared legacy and lessons to future generations.
Intersectional Analysis
DRUUMM understands that movements for universal liberation are hindered when we compete against one another in our efforts. We affirm that each of us have multiple identities and honor our full selves. We commit, then, to showing up against all forms of oppression.
Accountability
In alignment with our mission, members and movement, grounded in authentic relationships, we commit to transparency,respecting our agreements, and repairing harm when needed.
Leadership Development
One of DRUUMM’s primary duties is to actively seek and identify potential leaders of varying skills, strengths, and interests; and to nurture their capacity for enacting DRUUMM’s mission and goals through mentoring, training, faith formation, and facilitating connections.
Sustainability
Creating the capacity, structures, and resources to be responsive to ever-changing times. Areas of focus include administration, communications, membership, leadership development, fundraising, and attainable goals and vision.
*People of Color
The United States is a race-based society made up of a dominant White group and several other racially defined groups which have been and continue to be oppressed in specific ways. While race is a social construct created by the dominant White group to oppress and exclude the other groups from the power and resources of the society, race has also been used by oppressed peoples to build group solidarity and a culture of survival and resistance. Racism has also created barriers that separate oppressed groups from one another. While each oppressed group is affected by racism differently and each group maintains its own unique identity and culture, there is also the recognition that racism has the potential to unite oppressed people in a collective of resistance. For this reason, many individuals who identify as members of racially oppressed groups also claim the political identity of being People of Color. This in no way diminishes their specific cultural or racial identity; rather, it is an affirmation of the multiple layers of identity of every individual.