The Revolution Starts NOW

This post is an outline for a powerpoint presentation I have been developing and presenting for congregations interested in enhancing their social justice mission.

THE REVOLUTION STARTS NOW!
April 13, 2007 (last date presented)

OVERVIEW
> “Saving the babies in the river.”
> Keeping the babies safe and warm.
> Assessing your programs.

THE PARABLE OF SAVING THE BABIES IN THE RIVER
Saving babies = social service
- Necessary and compelling
- Tangible results
- High satisfaction, high recognition
- Work never ends
- Results can be measured
- Grant money available
- Partnering with other groups
- High profile for congregation
- Low conflict, usually
- …….what else?

PREVENTING THE BABIES FROM FALLING INTO THE RIVER
Prevention = social justice
- Need to understand big picture, systems
- Ongoing assessment, adjustment
- Coalitions necessary
- Disagreements frequent
- Potential congregational conflict
- Dangerous political waters
- Pure victories rare
- Results may or may not be tangible, measurable
- Transformation results when conditions of justice are achieved

ASSESSING YOUR PROGRAMS

Service or Justice? (both!)
- Individual / Group
- Crisis / Systemic
- Private / Public
- Bandage / Cure
- Few active / Many needed
- Present / Past & future
- React / Plan

Moving Toward Justice
(without giving up on service)
- Process, process, process
- Action-reflection cycle
Plan > Act > Reflect > Adjust plan > Act
- Learning to follow
- Spiritual reflection to deepen
- Personal growth strengthens
- Allies, collaborators, partners, cooperatives, community

QUALITY INDICATORS
INCREASED…..
¸ Frequency of reflective assessment
¸ Discussion of spiritual underpinnings of actions
¸ Turnover of leadership
¸ New activists
¸ Staff support
¸ Success!
DECREASED…..
¸ Conflict avoidance
¸ Xenophobia
¸ Hierarchy of oppressions
¸ Hoarding of power, resources
¸ Isolation
¸ Demand for single-focus
¸ Hopelessness