30 Days of Antiracism

#30DaysAntiRacism

Join us this September for 30 days of antiracism. Each day we will engage in an activity that helps us to become more antiracist in the ways we think and act. Share your progress with a picture or a reflection using #30DaysAntiRacism.

What inspired this project

Morgan Stafford and his mentor, Dr. Deborah Smith

Campus minister Morgan Stafford has committed himself to live an anti-racist faith and life. “As a white man, I have learned that I’ve benefitted from racism, while people of color have been harmed. I believe that white Christians must take the lead to confront and dismantle racism. It’s our job.”

To focus and make tangible his beliefs, Morgan spent the month of June doing at least one thing every day to listen to, learn from, do, and become more anti-racist, reporting his progress via social media. We at GCORR liked the idea and reached out to Morgan to share his story, what he accomplished, and how it’s changed and enhanced his spiritual growth and his work with young people.

As a result, GCORR invites white allies (and others) to spend the month of September doing #30DaysAntiRacism. Please post photos of your activities using #30DaysAntiRacism and encourage your friends, members of your congregation, Sunday school class, pastors, and community partners to join for these 30 days.

*Note: You can view a glossary of terms included in this resource at the bottom of this webpage.


09/01/2023

Commit to beginning each day with prayer asking God to help you become more antiracist and a stronger ally with People of Color in our community, our church, and our world. Review your calendar and plan your activities for the month.


09/02/2023

Journal about your own racial history.

When was the first time you noticed racial differences? What did your parents and grandparents model in relationships with people of other races and cultures? Use this questionnaire to start.


09/03/2023

Participate in intercultural/antiracism conversations.

Find a discussion group or book club where intercultural or antiracism conversations are happening and ask to join.


09/04/2023

Visit a worship service in a racial context other than your own.

Consider reading White Too Long by Robert P. Jones for a history of white supremacy in American Christianity.


09/05/2023

Examine and confront your own implicit biases.


09/06/2023

Create an antiracism study group.

Try using this resource. Gather people in your congregation who are ready to confront and address white supremacy and racism.


09/07/2023

Support BIPOC (Black/Indigenous/People of Color) leadership in your church and public offices.


09/08/2023

Children start to notice racial differences as toddlers. Help them adapt to the reality of a diverse world and community by introducing them to historical and contemporary heroes of different races, ethnicities, and nations.


09/09/2023

Learn a greeting, phrase, or short prayer in another language.

Take an online class. Use an app. Or ask a friend to teach you greetings, etc. In the U.S. church, the most widely spoken languages (besides English) are Spanish, Korean, Chinese, French, and Hmong. Especially if you interact with people whose first language is not English, learning at least some polite phrases could be a sign of courtesy.


09/10/2023

For U.S. Grandparents’ Day, ask a grandparent to share their story of racism they encountered as a kid.


09/11/2023

Be willing to be in the minority.

Most white Americans can choose to be in spaces where there are few if any People of Color. Authentic connections with People of Color are vital to living an anti-racist faith. Attend worship at a Black, Latinx, Asian, or Native American Church. Join the NAACP (which is open to people of all races and works for racial justice). Accompany friends of color to events that celebrate their cultures.


09/12/2023

Patronize a BIPOC (Black/Indigenous/People of Color)-owned business in your town.

Consider local and online businesses owned and operated by people of Latinx, Pacific Islander, Asian, African, Native-Indigenous, or mixed heritage.


09/13/2023

Donate to a Native American scholarship program.

Ask local tribal leaders or check with colleges and universities about available scholarships. The United Methodist Church offers the HANA scholarship for Hispanic/Latinx, Asian-Pacific Islander, and Native American students.


09/14/2023

Share on social media a picture of what racial justice means to you.

Use the hashtag #30DaysAntiRacism.


09/15/2023

Learn more about Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month.

It runs from September 15 to October 15. You can learn more here.


09/16/2023

Increase your knowledge about people from Asian and Pacific Island heritages.

You can read more here and here.



09/18/2023

Seek out a spiritual mentor from an unfamiliar cultural background.

Most Christians bring our unique cultural perspectives to the practice of faith. Expand your discipleship by studying/meeting with a spiritual advisor from a racial-ethnic group other than your own.


09/19/2023

It is U.S. Voter Registration Day. Research voting rights in your municipality.

Additionally, read this article on the history of black voter suppression.


09/20/2023

Plan to participate in an antiracism demonstration.

Check with local colleges, Black churches, and racial advocacy groups and ask how you might participate in either a virtual or actual public witness.


09/21/2023

Amplify the voices of BIPOC leaders around the world.

Invite them to preach or lead your Bible study.


09/22/2023

Pray on God’s call to you to be more active in antiracist Christianity.

Journal and write down what God calls you to do this week, this month, and this year.


09/23/2023

Research the original occupants of the land you are on in honor of U.S. Public Lands Day.

Use this interactive map. Learn more about how to honor Native/Indigenous people in the Americans here.


09/24/2023

Urge your councilperson to champion racial justice in your town.

If your representatives know that antiracism is important to their constituents, they are more likely to act. Speak up!


09/25/2023

It’s National HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) week (U.S.); donate to a historically Black college/university.


09/26/2023

Interrupt a racist joke, statement, or story.


09/27/2023

Send your regular tithe/offering to a neighboring BIPOC church.

In many cases, white congregations have more money and resources than BIPOC because of historic racism in the community and church systems. Some white congregations seek to restore balance by sharing their wealth.


09/28/2023

Engage with and invest in young leaders dedicated to antiracism work.

In our current climate, youth and young adults are leading movements of antiracism activism. Join with them, donate, offer to make calls and give out flyers, and re-post support on social media. Watch this United Methodist Town Hall on racial justice with emerging young leaders.


09/29/2023

Celebrate the contributions of BIPOC leaders in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement.


09/30/2023

Today is the National Day of Remembrance for U.S. Indian Boarding Schools. Learn about the history of Indian Boarding Schools in the U.S.


Glossary of Terms

Antiracism/Antiracist – The belief that racism is present in all levels of society and that active work is required in the form of practices and policies to combat that racism and move toward establishing a more just and equitable society for all people. 

BIPOC – Acronym which stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.

HBCU – Acronym which stands for Historically Black Colleges & Universities.

Implicit Bias – A bias that a person may not be aware they have. It is “what we don’t think we think.” A bias that is so ingrained in ourselves that we don’t realize we have it. Everyone has implicit bias by virtue of being raised in a society/culture.

Intercultural – A group or setting that contains more than one culture. These cultures may or may not be based on race/ethnicity. Different cultures can also be rooted in location/area of origin, age, sexual preference, gender identity, and more.

LGBTQIA+ - Acronym which stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and more (+). For a full explanation of those terms, see our resource here.

Racial Justice – Impartial fairness, equity, morally good or correct standing as it relates to how different races are treated both as individuals and as a group in broader society.

Previous
Previous

You Are Here: Small Group Discussion Guide in Seven Sessions for White Christians on Race and Racism

Next
Next

¿Qué es Xenofobia?