Team-based Training Process
In the team training process, congregations or organizations send teams of five or more individuals to a series of training events designed to equip participants with the theological, analytical, organizing and communication skills they will need to begin the process of antiracist transformation in their own institutions.
This page outlines the basic process, for additional information, see the Team Packet (PDF, 600Kb).
Page Contents
Purpose
Goals
Outcomes
Outline
A. Planning Stage
B. Antiracism Analysis Training
C. Caucusing Retreats
D. Team Building
E. Antiracism Organizing Training
F. Antiracism Educating/Communicating Training
Follow-up Options
Notes
More Information
Purpose
To lay the foundation and strengthen the long-term work of dismantling racism in Christian - especially Mennonite and Brethren in Christ - congregations, conferences and institutions by training teams from those organizations.
Goals
To provide each team with:
a biblical basis, grounded in the Anabaptist tradition, for dismantling racism; a basic analytical framework for dismantling racism; skills for dismantling racism in institutions and congregations; a structure for long-term follow-up, training and accountability for dismantling racism.
Outcomes
Each team will complete the training with:
- a shared analysis of institutional racism.
- familiarity with basic antiracism educational and organizing skills.
- a preliminary design for dismantling racism in their institution.
- the ability to conduct a one-hour to one-day introductory antiracism workshop.
- skills in communicating antiracist ideas outside of a workshop setting.
Outline
The Damascus Road Process for teams is designed to be as flexible as necessary. Teams may be based in a church, community or institution, focusing to dismantle systemic/institutional racism within their context. Since each team has different needs, each might progress in a slightly different way. The following steps are outlined in a typical order that will serve many teams well.
A. Planning Stage
- the situation and need for a team is recognized
- a representative contacts Damascus Road and learns the details of the training process
- team members are recruited
- team leadership and accountability is clarified
- the team develops a funding strategy
- as appropriate, the team's base (community, institution, etc.) commissions the team members
B. Antiracism Analysis Training (2 ½ days)
The team attends an Antiracism Analysis Training of their choice (2 ½ days). At the training, the team will:
- deepen the biblical foundations for antiracism work
- be exposed to an analysis of racism and build a common understanding of racism
- work together as a team to develop team relationships
Note: Some teams may include individuals who have already participated in an Analysis Training. In this event, it is not necessary for those individuals to repeat this workshop, though it is ideal for all team members to participate as a group. In some cases, all team members may have previously attended an Analysis Training.
C. Caucusing Retreats
After the Analysis Training, team members are encouraged to attend Set Free
and Fire & Clay
retreats for People of Color and White People, respectively. These retreats deepen the analytical foundation laid in the Analysis Training, and engage participants in the journey toward wholeness. Participants in these retreats are better positioned to be part of antiracism teams.
D. Team Building
Also following the Analysis Training (this can be simultaneous with the caucusing retreats), the team will request from Damascus Road a Team Building Toolkit. The Toolkit will help the team at their own pace to:
- review the key points of the antiracism analysis
- begin applying the analysis to their institution or community
- research their institution's/community's history and structures
- continue to build trust and cohesion within the team
As they work through the materials, the team will have a phone conference or on-site visit with a Damascus Road representative to answer questions and provide consultation.
E. Antiracism Organizing Training (2 ½ days)
The team attends an Antiracism Organizing Training of their choice (2 ½ days). At the training, the team will:
- continue to deepen their theological understanding of antiracism work
- learn basic concepts and skills for institutional organizing
- develop a vision, goals and strategies for their work
F. Antiracism Educating/Communicating Training (2 ½ days)
As the team's goals include education, the team (or representatives) attends an Antiracism Educating and Communicating Training of their choice (2 ½ days). At the training, the team will:
- learn concepts and skills for effective antiracist education, with the potential to develop a 1-day workshop
- explore helpful ways to communicate an understanding of anti-racism with others in formal and informal situations
- continue to grow as a team
Follow-up Options
- Damascus Road staff consultation available at any stage of the process
- networking with other Damascus Road teams, directly and through the facilitation of the Damascus Road Core Organizer team
- connection to the Damascus Road Core Chaplain team for issues related to antiracist spirituality, theology, and identity
- Damascus Road newsletter
- Damascus Road email list for discussion and sharing
- Bread for the Journey events for team resourcing and networking
Notes
Analysis Trainings take place on a fairly regular basis, eight or more per year. Other events are less frequent, so planning ahead is important. Be sure to voice your expected readiness for one of these events to Damascus Road a year or more in advance so a sufficient number of teams can be brought together at a convenient date and location. Teams can consider sponsoring any event in order to bring it closer to home.
More Information
For more information about forming a team in your institution or congregation, or about attending or sponsoring a training, contact someone from the Anti-Racism Program.
