Community Safety: What If Our Congregation Is Targeted? With the rise of authoritarianism in the US, attacks on queer and trans beloveds both through legislation and right-wing protesters at drag shows, anti-immigrant policies and rhetoric, as well as the censoring of books and school curricula, we are seeing an increase in the targeting of sacred spaces for violence.  Across religious traditions, we are seeing online threats, pride and Black Lives Matter banners torn down, hate speech graffiti-ed on synagogues, violent actors appearing at sanctuaries and disrupting services, and more. So, how can congregations be prepared?  Why is this violence escalating, and what community safety practices can we engage in now that also help us build the world we long for?  Join us for a 2-part training series for faith communities of all traditions, in which we’ll explore the current context of authoritarianism in the US, why faith communities are being targeted, and practical tools and skills your congregation can build and practice together.  The training series will be led by Christian, Jewish, and UUA SURJ-Faith leaders. Register below!  We will be referencing SURJ-Faith’s Community Safety for All toolkit, so sign up for that now! There will be participant support, live captioning, and ASL available. Sessions will be recorded and made available for future use. Hungry for more training on how We Keep Each Other Safe? Check out SURJ’s Get Ready, Stay Ready series, August-November 2023. We will focus on skill-building and practical moves that give your group, your actions, and your community more choices, especially when up against far right actors and state agencies. Click HERE for more information!

Session One: Setting the Table: Why Are Congregations Being Targeted? Date/Time: August 23, 8-10pmET / 5-7pmPT This session will explore the current rise of authoritarianism in the US, and why faith communities are a target for violence. Register Here for Session 1! Session Two: Road Map to Building Community Safety Date/Time: October 18, 8-10pmET / 5-7pmPT This session will offer a 1, 5, and 10 year road map for building community safety with your congregation, as well as dig in to 2 tools you can begin to practice together. Register Here for Session 2! Please feel free to share this invitation with others in your congregation, and other congregations and faith leaders who may be interested in this training.  We look forward to seeing you there! Love and liberation, Rev. Anne Dunlap Faith Organizing Coordinator, SURJ