What Is WOWS?

Working to Overcome White Supremacy, or WOWS, is a group at UUCB of people that discuss race issues and the implications of who has and does not have privilege in this society. We work to actively oppose white supremacy culture within ourselves and our congregation, in order to become more effective anti-racist allies and accomplices. WOWS partners with the People of Color Caucus (POCC), which usually meets separately. Both groups are part of UUCB’s Confronting Racism and Oppression project.

What are we trying to accomplish?

Originally, WOWS was a group of white-identified people who met separately from the POCC to allow for conversations that need to happen among white people. The work of white people is different from that of people of color in this society (and world) that values “whiteness” over other racial identities – white people have to learn about the attitudes and assumptions that live within us, the history of racial injustice, and how we are complicit in white supremacy culture.

In 2021, WOWS decided to open meetings to anyone who wanted to work on racism in ourselves and our communities.

In WOWS meetings, attendees can process thoughts and feelings and biases that may seem “bad” or are just hard to share. People can learn about current and past racial injustice and how we contribute to injustice. With the work we do in WOWS, we can have more satisfying relationships with our partners in the POCC and other POC and be more effective anti-racist partners.

Coming Together with the People of Color Caucus (POCC)

The ultimate goal of meeting in separate groups is to enhance our ability to be in community with each other. To this end, WOWS and the POCC meet together periodically for meals and discussions of how we can work together to overcome racism.

Meeting Dates and Times

WOWS meets once a month (we have a lot of work to do!) on the fourth Sunday. Since we are unable to meet in person now, we are meeting on Zoom, from 1:00-2:30 p.m.  For listing of meetings, check uucb.org’s NEWS option on the main menu bar at the top of the website.  Click on NEWS->THE WEEK AHEAD for dates and locations/links to meetings.

How to Find Out More

For more information or to sign up to be alerted to meetings, activities and joint projects for WOWS and POCC, please email: socialjustice@uucb.org.

WOWS Facilitators: Julia Rogers and Julie Winkelstein