Two very significant subjects will be discussed at two upcoming events at the Church in Ocean Park.

“A Dialogue for White Anti-Racists” is scheduled for tomorrow, August 4, from 1 to 4pm at the Church, as part of the Sanctuary for Change continuing series.

Specifically, this free, community dialogue for white anti-racists will focus on “Race and Sex,”

AWARE-LA members at the last Saturday dialogue suggested the dialogue theme, and several members developed the theme at the last Volunteer Dialogue. As ever, ”friends and snacks are welcome.” Anyone who would like to volunteer to help facilitate the dialogue should plan to arrive by 12:15PM. Training is provided, and first-timers are always welcome.

From 1 to1:30pm, dialogue begins as small groups of 4-5 check in and focus on “What has come up for you around race and whiteness this past month? Simultaneously, there will be a new member orientation.

A few minutes of introductions and discussion guidelines, including preferred gender pronouns, will preface individual readings of Handouts on “Race and Sex

1:40-1:55PM Individual reading hand-outs on Race and Sex
- reflections on SlutWalk by women of color and testimony by women of color on assumptions and stereotypes about race and sex.

A group discussion of guiding questions will follow with 15 minutes devoted to each question: 1. What does white privilege have to do with my own sexuality? 2. How do ideas about race and sexuality influence behavior, policy, institutions? 3. What does a multiracial, sexual revolution look like?

A 10-minute snack break will follow.

At about 3pm, personal solidarity will be considered, along with continued thinking on earlier topics – brainstorming, sharing, active listening, and strategizing around personal/interpersonal issues with race/racism.

The overarching question — What issues in regard to race and sex have come up that individuals want feedback or problem-solving on for you that you would like feedback on or problem-solving?

There may also be Caucus space(s) for processing past or present intimate, multiracial relationships.

Finally, Volunteers for the next dialogue take suggestions for theme, sign up volunteer host, volunteer facilitators, a workgroup. community, and make volunteer announcements

3:50-4:00PM Pass-the-Hat and Check-out: 1 plus, 1 change, 1 insight.

Alliance of White Anti-Racists Everywhere – Los Angeles (AWARE-LA)

http://awarela.org/

RSVP for Saturday’s “White Anti-Racist Dialogue on Race and Sex at the Church in Ocean Park.”

Sanctuary for Change’s monthly workshop will take place August 12 from 6 to 8:30pm at the Church in Ocean Park

Free Dinner (bring a potluck dish if you wish or just come, there is usually plenty.

It will be followed by up-dates, break-out groups and large group sharing. The featured speaker, Dr. Cribbs will talk about “Brown/
Black Tensions.”

Dr. Cribbs writes: “I was born and reared in South Central Los Angeles in the Watts-Willowbrook-Compton corridor. In high school, I worked with the National Conference of Christians and Jews (later renamed National Conference for Community and Justice). The NCCJ provided grounding for my involvement in race, community, and police relations. That was in the aftermath of the 1965 “Watts Riots” or uprising.

“Later, I worked with and for the American Friends Service Committee where I was trained in nonviolence and peaceful resolution of conflict. Since then and over many years, I have been active in the United Church of Christ as an executive in the overseas office and head of the denomination’s office of communication. I was seconded to Los Angeles in 1993 in the aftermath of the “Rodney King police brutality” trial to work closely with congregations and community-based organizations. Specifically, my assignment began as an effort to bring together Korean and African American faith and community leaders to address the tension within and between those groups. My assignment evolved and broadened to include Latino and White groups and their leaders as well.

“Through the UCC, I have had extensive exposure to anti-racism programs and workshops. However, I am not an expert or deeply experienced to be considered anything more than a very interested and committed participant and observer of racial transformation and community building. I am very much interested in opportunities that open conversations and allow diverse and divergent voices to be heard.

“Between 1990 and 1992, I was the national coordinator of a process titled, ‘After 500 Years, What Is Our Reality?’ We held a symposium in Chicago and a follow-up event in Maryland that brought together academics, activists, faith and community leaders, etc. from the international communities of this hemisphere.

“Professionally, I am a journalist (worked for ABC News, CBS News, Independent News Service, CNN, and Essence Communications); pastor (San Diego and San Marino); and, now a community organizer as executive director of CLUE-CA. I earned a BA in political science from the University of California, Berkeley; Master of Divinity from The Chicago Theological Seminary; certificate in clinical pastoral education from the University of Chicago Medical Centers; and a Doctor of Ministry in ethics from The Claremont School of Theology. Of course, none that qualifies me to share with you in your work, but I am willing to lend my presence. ”

The Church in Ocean Park, 235 Hill Street, Santa Monica, is wheelchair accessible. Bus access by Big Blue Bus #s 1, 2, 8, and MTA 33. There is a small church parking lot and free street parking around the church until 6 pm. Meter parking 1/4 block west of Main Street, 3-10 hours, $.75/hr. Day of contact, call or text: 510-290-5428