Beyond Beloved Conversations: Syllabus
Beyond Beloved Conversations is an online program designed for UU’s and others who are navigating the challenges of dismantling the linked oppressions in a congregational context. Topics covered include:
- Sexisim
- Racism
- Classism
- Ableism
- Heterosexisim
- Ageism
- Anti-religion (Maybe)
This program gives participants an opportunity to learn more, consider and discuss these issues from different angles and perspectives, to try on some new ideas, to ask some hard questions of themselves and/or each other, and to share some of the concerns these issues raise for them as they work for transformation in their own lives and in their congregations.
Details
| Type | Description |
| Name | Beyond Beloved Conversations |
| Authors | Gordon Clay Bailey, Lisa Bailey, Pastor AJ Blackwood, Nicole T |
| Requirements | Participants will read, watch, listen to, and engage the subject matter before each session. In addition the participants will have considered the core questions and will even come up with more questions to share in group. |
| Format | Six online workshops with facilitators and participants in part one. |
| Recommendations | Because the course is conversation-based, conversations will be more beginner-level with beginners, and more advanced with people who’ve been engaged in anti-oppression work. The hope is participants will join us for the second part of this program offered in the fall. |
| Year of creation | 2024 |
| Format | Curriculum |
Core questions:
- How has sexisim impacted your life?
- When did you first become aware of sexisim?
- How do the linked oppressions intersect with sexisim?
- Why do we allow sexisim to continue in our lives?
- What will it take to remove sexist language, behaviors and actions from our lives?
Questions to start the conversation in session 1: Discussion questions about gender
- What are some differences between men and women?
- What are some similarities between men and women?
- Do you identify as one gender?
- What are your pronouns?
- Do you believe that gender is a construct? Why or why not?
- What are some gender stereotypes that men deal with?
- What are some gender stereotypes that women deal with?
- Do you think that single-sex or co-ed schools are better for students?
- What obligations does a father have to his family, if any?
- What obligations does a mother have to her family, if any?
- Can a mother fulfill a father’s obligations?
- Can father fulfill a mother’s obligations?
- Were gender roles traditional in your childhood home?
- Are women better than men at certain things?
- Are men better than women at certain things?
- Would you prefer to have a female boss, or a male boss? Why?
- Do you prefer to have female or male colleagues? Why?
- List as many male-dominated industries as you can.
- List as many female-dominated industries as you can.
- Do you agree with women fighting in the military? Why or why not?
- Do you think that women should be able to
- Do you relate to male or female friends more easily? Why?
- Are all genders treated equally or differently in your country?
- Do you think men or women make better leaders?
- Does a leader’s gender make a difference?
- Has your country ever had a female leader?
- Does your country have a “macho” culture?
- Does your country have different laws based on gender?
- Is it legal for people to change their gender in your country?
- Do you think gender roles are changing in your country?
- Is it okay for clubs and societies to exclude people based on their gender?
- What barriers do men and women face in the workplace?
- What challenges do men and women face in society?
- What challenges do non-binary persons face in society?
- What challenges do transgender persons face in society?
- Should parents raise children differently, based on each child’s gender?
- Do you think society treats boys and girls differently?
- Is it okay for a girl to be a tomboy?
- Is it okay for a boy to play with dolls?
- How are you expected to behave because of your gender?
- Have you ever seen or experienced sexism? What happened?
- Have you ever seen or experienced chauvinism? What happened?
- Why does humanity typically depict gods and deities as men?