In January, adults will be exploring the theme of “Diversity” while our Soul Matters circles for children will focus on what it means to be a people of integrity. I am always interested in how the adult theme and the children’s theme interact with each other and this month is no exception. When we hold diversity as a positive value even as we affirm the value of integrity, a natural tension arises. How do we meet our need to be authentically who we are, and in relationship with others who are like us, as we also affirm the inherent worth and dignity of those who are very different from us? How do we distinguish between “acceptable diversity” and unacceptable, antisocial behavior?

For me personally, wading into the muddy waters of multicultural engagement has been exhilarating, exhausting, rewarding, and sometimes very stressful. Confronting the ways white supremacy culture is part of the fabric of who I am has deeply challenged my sense of integrity at times, as I acknowledge the ways racism and colonialism show up in my own thoughts and feelings. And yet, if I don’t confront these issues, if I look away when things get uncomfortable and personal, my integrity suffers.

I am excited to explore these themes with all of you in the new year, whether you are a young child wondering about doing the right thing when no one is watching, an elder grappling with the ways diversity excites and challenges you, or someone somewhere in between.

Terrific Teens and Marvelous Mentors!

Our Youth Group has been engaged in lots of hands-on work as they manage the Eco-Store, where you can buy earth-friendly, socially conscious products to reduce your single-use plastic consumption and support fair trade in industries that have historically abused their workforce – coffee and chocolate taste so much better when you know the farmers are not underfed, miserably housed, under age, and/or underpaid for their work. Talk to the youth staffing the tables about what they have learned from reading about the problem with plastic – you may well learn something new.

Our regular youth group members have also begun their Coming of Age and Growing in UU Leadership program by meeting with and getting to know an adult mentor. These partnerships allow youth to learn from and with a committed adult, with activities planned for each month for the rest of the school year. They have interviewed one another, attended Second Hour programs together, and in some cases have undertaken projects such as the Boys and Girls Club shopping spree together. Who were YOUR mentors when you were a teenager? Pause a moment and think of them with gratitude – and if you still can, reach out and thank them for their support. I am so grateful to those of you who said “yes” to this special role, whether or not you were matched with a youth this year. Your interest and engagement makes a difference you may never fully know.