Build Community Partnerships
Reach Out to Affected Communities
- Support communities by responding to expressed needs as you are able.
- Listen to, invite direction from, and remain accountable to those directly impacted. Remember that being a good ally often means stepping back.
- Take care to quickly address symptoms of trauma and provide resources.
Commit to a Community-Building Approach
- Be aware of your own “social location” regarding race, gender, sexual orientation, class, citizenship status, and other identities.
- Build multi-cultural coalitions by listening to and partnering with groups that have worked hard to guarantee and protect their rights.
- Share leadership. Honor religious and cultural differences and practice interfaith etiquette by “taking turns” to provide worship elements during joint events.
Build Long-Lasting Partnerships
- Build on existing connections with members of your congregation and your community to identify allies.
- Be creative in planning a variety of actions including fun, family-friendly gatherings. Consider the comfort and safety of individuals and communities currently facing exclusion, oppression, and/or violence.
- Hold “one-to-one” conversations with community members and partners.
Reflect, Act, and Celebrate
- Reflect on the implications of potential campaigns in your community before acting, but resist being paralyzed by reflection.
- After action, assess lessons learned and relationships built.
- Celebrate achievements with worship services and public events.
- Celebrate Courageous Love by presenting a Courageous Love Award to a member of your community. Download the Courageous Love Certificate.
Organize for the Long Haul
- Ground your efforts in solid spiritual practice and theological reflection.
- Remain accountable to and respectful of community partners and follow through on all promised actions.
- Prioritize leadership development by involving and supporting new leaders.
