The challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership.

You will be presented with challenges such as reading an article, listening to a podcast, watching a video, reflecting on personal experience and more.

Participation in an activity like this helps us to discover how racial injustice and social injustice impact our community, to connect with one another, and to identify ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination.

This is an exciting opportunity to dive deep into racial equity and social justice. We hope you will join us on this journey and we can’t wait to get started!

The Challenge can lead to transformative results, including:

  • Building new, positive habits that can change ourselves, our teams, our organizations and our communities.
  • Taking small actions alongside one another to create momentum and a sense of teamwork.
  • Creating a profound, elevating experience to increase the likelihood that participants will take action.
  • Participating in meaningful conversations about racism and social justice.

Here are some ideas to get you started in participating in the challenge as a congregation or a team:

  • Host a launch event to generate excitement and introduce participants to the
    benefits and goals of the Challenge.
  • Encourage participants to use the reflection log provided in the program, and
    teams can meet weekly to discuss and reflect on the Challenge together.

Questions to explore could include:

  • How did the activities make you feel?
  • What actions have you taken based on the activities?
  • What actions would you like to take?
  • What further resources (reading, research, tools, and/or strategies) do you need
    to take action?

We advise to use our conversation guidelines as a way to help people feel safe when
discussing their personal experiences:

  • What you share within the context of the group is confidential, honored
    and respected.
  • Use “I” statements; no one speaks for another or for an entire group of people.
  • Avoid critiquing others’ experiences; focus on your own experiences.
  • Be honest and willing to share.
  • Listen with curiosity and the willingness to learn and change. Resist the desire to interrupt.
  • Be brief and share time equally.
  • Suspend judgment. Be open to the kernel of truth in each person’s story.

Additional helpful tips for preparation, facilitation, and logistic support are available here. You can register for the 21 Day Challenge here.

Feel free to reach out to task force members or Assistant to the Bishop in Charge of Justice Ministries, Carla Christopher at cchristopher@lss-elca.org if you would like additional support throughout the challenge!