In Common is not simply a conference, but an opportunity to dream big and create a vision with like-minded individuals and congregations with an interest in building healthier communities. Participants at the event will have the chance to share their stories, be inspired by others, and gain new skills. Through keynote speakers and community partner organizations, attendees will learn new resources and approaches to better understand their communities and take action for positive transformation. We encourage you to attend with a team from your congregation!
KEYNOTE ADDRESS | Tuesday, September 29, 2020 @ 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Opening remarks from our very own Bishop Andy Doyle and the Q&A moderated by The Rev. Rhonda Rogers
Dr. Catherine Meeks, The Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing
Dr. Meeks is the Executive Director of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing. Prior to the center’s opening she chaired its precursor, Beloved Community: Commission for Dismantling Racism for the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. A sought-after teacher and workshop leader, Catherine brings four decades of experience to the work of transforming the dismantling racism work in Atlanta.
WORKSHOP | Monday, September 28, 2020 @ 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Collective Resilience: Practices for Mental Health and Well-Being
In this workshop, participants will engage in meaningful and critical dialog around the collective trauma experienced in 2020. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the unique stressors that disproportionately affect communities of color and reflect on culturally grounded practices that facilitate well-being at the individual and community level.
Guest presenters include: Starla Simmons, LCSW Clinical Assistant Professor and Field Liaison at the UT Steve Hicks School of Social Work; Lynda Frost, J.D., Ph.D., Lyfro Consulting, Anna Jackson, MSSW, Alpinista Consulting
REGISTER HERE!WORKSHOP| Wednesday, September 30, 2020 @ 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Start Local: A Systems Approach to Address Racial Inequities
As an institutional church, we know that systems change takes time as well as a willingness to creatively engage other institutions with clarity and vision. In this workshop, leaders and participants will address the question of “What can we do?” by showing and exploring different touch points to locally impact and foster race relations for better outcomes in building healthy communities.
Guest presenters include: Charles Rotramel, CEO of Houston reVision; Elizabeth Valdez, Lead Organizer of The Metropolitan Organization; Doug Greco, Lead Organizer Central Texas Interfaith; the Rev. Dr. Matt Boulter, Associate Rector Christ Episcopal Tyler and co-leader of Tyler In Common; The Rev. Dr. Matthew Russell, Co-Managing Director of Project Curate
If you have questions about the conference please, contact us! Read more about last year’s In Common in our Congregation Connection newsletter!
