The General Commission on Religion and Race, together with ColorLines.com and the Applied Research Center (ARC), is asking people to eliminate the term “illegal” from public and private discourse. Here is how you (or your local church, annual conference, area Justice for Our Neighbors clinic, or advocacy organization) can help GCORR grow 10,000 United Methodists strong against the I-Word.
- Take the Pledge, and ask your church congregation [or JFON volunteers and advocates] to do the same. Just go to www.gcorr.org/droptheiword to pledge or have volunteers and advocates fill out the printed pledge form and return it to GCORR via fax or mail.
- Be in prayer with GCORR for the next six months. Pray believing that God will provide opportunities to build relationship with each other and strengthen our relationship with God.
- Hand out Drop the I-Word resources at your upcoming annual conference (at your JFON or Conference CORR table). Provide copies of the Bible studies, FAQ pages, posters and tattoos! Post sign-up sheets to encourage participants to take the Pledge to Drop the I-Word!
- Share the two-minute “Do You See What I See?” video in worship, at volunteer meetings, at church gatherings, during youth events, or ministry opportunities.
- Start a dialogue group around the I-Word, or designate your church [or JFON clinic] a “safe place to practice holy conversations around the I-Word,” where all points of view are heard. Use the “Tip Sheet for Holy Conversations” in our Toolkit.
- Tell us “Why our church [or annual conference or JFON or YOU!] decided to “Drop the I-Word.” Include stories from those in your community who have been impacted by the I-Word. Send to GCORR and share with your annual conference communicator!
- Use the resources found in our Drop the I-Word toolkit, on our website, to make a 10 minute presentation about the I-Word to your annual conference [or to your JFON volunteers and advocates] – the “How to Talk About the Drop the I-Word Campaign” sheet is especially helpful. Annual conference members can take the pledge during your presentation, using their mobile phones! Then encourage them to continue to spread the word about the Campaign!
- Formally endorse and actively support the Campaign in your local community – write a letter to the editor of your local paper, asking them to use terms that are respectful, accurate and fair; have a speaker series open to the public; or host an informal night to talk about the I-Word and its impact where you live.
- Spread the word about the Drop the I-Word campaign by sharing information via social media: your church’s website, blogs, email campaigns, Facebook, and Twitter. Word of mouth is helpful, too!
- Communicate with us! Check our website, www.gcorr.com/droptheiword, for constantly updated information. “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GeneralCommissiononReligionandRace. Follow us on Twitter at @GCORR_IWord. And if you have more ideas for how to Drop the I-Word or questions about the campaign, give us a call at 202-547-2271 or send an email to: droptheiword@gcorr.org.
Download resources such as teaching tools, bible studies and a sample resolution—all designed to help churches start new conversations without using the i-word.
Drop the I-Word: Take the Pledge | A World Without the I-Word | How to Get Involved
Drop the I-Word Resources | Frequently Asked Questions | Media Center
