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 (white allies) 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 voted 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 BIPOC and be more effective anti-racist partners.
Mission Statement
Working to Overcome White Supremacy (WOWS; formerly Whites Opposing White Supremacy) is a group at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley (UUCB) formed in alliance with UUCB’s The People of Color Caucus (POCC). We examine how white supremacy culture and hallmarks of that culture in our society limit our collective energy as humans—in our congregation, our justice work, and our spiritual growth. As UUCB members we recognize and acknowledge our responsibility in doing our part to push back on that culture in all aspects of our lives. We strive to be effective antiracists and to actively participate in helping UUCB be a welcoming multiracial congregation. We join in partnership with the POCC, our wider church community, and other justice-seeking people in working to heal, oppose, and dismantle white supremacy and systemic racism. To read the entire Mission, Value and Visions statement, click HERE.
Meeting Dates and Times
WOWS meets once a month (we have a lot of work to do!) on the fourth Sunday. We meet on Zoom, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. For listing of meetings, go to uucb.org. Click on NEWS->THE WEEK AHEAD for topic, dates and links to meetings.
How to Find Out More
For more information on the types of WOW discussions or to sign up to be alerted to meetings, activities and joint projects for WOWS and the POCC, please email: socialjustice@uucb.org.
WOWS Facilitators: Julia Rogers and Julie Winkelstein – wows@uucb.org
