2016 Welcoming Diversity in Marina: A Community Workshop
Welcoming Diversity in Marina: A Community Workshop
Facilitated by NCBI Monterey County as part of our Recommitting to End Racism series.
Hosted by Epiphany Lutheran & Episcopal Church
Saturday, October 1 10 AM – 3 PM
Includes potluck lunch
Join neighbors and community members for this heartening, participatory workshop, where we will:
- Learn about the rich ethnic and cultural diversity in our community
- Understand the impact of stereotypes and misinformation on our relationships with others
- Hear personal stories about the ways — both the positive and the challenging — that different groups experience life in our community
- Discover ways to be more effective allies to different groups
- Change prejudiced or hurtful comments or remarks into learning opportunities
- Learn to take personal leadership in making our community even more welcoming and inclusive
Optional: Bring a dish to share for our potluck lunch.
There is no charge to attend, however, donations are welcome to ensure that our work continues, to end racism, homophobia and all other forms of oppression!
Please RSVP here:
Register Now!For further information, please contact Epiphany Church at 831-384-6323.
Marina is a city that is at the crossroads of our county and one of the most diverse cities in the nation. The opportunity to meet so many people, from so many places adds adventure and fun to our community. As one of your neighbors, we would like to take a moment to introduce our special community within Marina – Epiphany Lutheran & Episcopal Church.
We are a true blend. Diversity for us is more then a culture or ethnicity. It is the way of our faith life. With both the Lutheran (ELCA ) and Episcopal Churches coming together under one roof, we truly express diversity in our walk of faith.
We do not always see the world through the same eyes of experience, so we search and celebrate the faith touchstones that can bring us to a common place of experience. Our Sunday Worship and experience is a blend of historical traditions, world wide community, contemporary music, as well as prayer and fellowship of other sojourners, all with a focus on the integrity of our blended community.
What will you see at Epiphany? Our average Sunday worship is about 45 people, in a small chapel (Church membership is over 100 and growing. But, not everyone comes every Sunday). However, the chapel is still large enough, that if you want to be quietly unnoticed and check things out, you can. Music that is contemporary (not Praise), with a choir that will amaze you. We do not seek perfection in the worship, we celebrate our gifts. Some people dress casual and some in their Sunday best. You will see a community dedicated to community service and making our world a better place. We strive for excellent preaching every Sunday (We realize that even the preacher can not reach perfection every Sunday). However everyone will welcome you, and we can promise that you can be you; the whole you.
About NCBI Monterey County
National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) Monterey County was founded in December 1993 as a “non-profit, leadership training organization dedicated to ending discrimination, intolerance, and inter-group tension.” As a community chapter of the International NCBI, we are a local organization with an international network.
Our mission is to people together across group lines including race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability and class. We provide training and education in schools and the community to increase understanding, promote acceptance, and reduce prejudice. We collaborate with public and private organizations to nurture leadership for social justice and provide opportunities for healing from the impact of oppression.
KEY CONCEPTS FOR WELCOMING DIVERSITY
- Guilt is the glue that holds prejudice in place.
- Every issue and every person counts.
- To shift attitudes, hear personal stories.
- Skill training leads to empowerment.
- Leaders lead best when they are treated well.
- Teams are necessary for systemic change
OUR PROGRAMS INCLUDE Diversity & Inclusion; Culturally Competent Organizations; Controversial Issues Process; Skills for Shifting Attitudes; Leadership Clinic; Managing Diversity in the Workplace; Ally Skills; and Violence Prevention. Currently, we are offering a series of community workshops as our Recommitting to End Racism campaign, funded by Monterey County Gives.