Dear Synagogue Leaders, I hope this message finds you well and filled with the same excitement and anticipation that I am feeling right now. My name is Tony J. Westbrook, Jr., and I am thrilled to join the USCJ team as the new Racial Justice and Inclusion Specialist! As the Racial Justice and Inclusion Specialist, I’ve been tasked with creating and executing trainings and programs that are grounded in diversity, equity, and inclusion to elevate our racial justice education and inclusion efforts. First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude for the warm welcome I've received thus far. It's an honor to be entrusted with such an important role within our community. I am committed to working collaboratively with each of you and your communities to make meaningful strides toward racial justice and inclusion throughout the Conservative/Masorti world. I come to this role with a deep passion for creating positive change and fostering inclusive communities. Together, we have an incredible opportunity to elevate our racial justice education efforts and cultivate a more welcoming and equitable environment for all members of our congregations. I believe strongly in the power of partnership and relationship building, and I am eager to embark on this journey with you. Whether it's through facilitating meaningful discussions, developing innovative programs and training, or providing support and resources, I am here to help us navigate these complex conversations and create tangible change. I want to share some of my key responsibilities with you: Offering webinars, training, and other learning opportunities to reduce bias and promote inclusivity. Serving as a resource and support system for program participants as they develop action plans within our congregations and communities. Consulting with congregational leaders to evaluate our synagogue cultures and implement strategies for greater inclusion. Keeping our community informed and engaged through thought-provoking articles on racial justice issues.
Finally, I would love to know where you and your congregational communities are in your racial justice and inclusion journey. Please take a few moments, review the questions below, and email me (twestbrook@uscj.org) your responses. Your answers will give me a better understanding of where you are in your journey, the kind of initiatives you’re currently working on, etc. What is your and/or your congregational community’s relationship to racial justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work? Are you (or have you) running or hosting a program centered around racial justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion?
Ex: You partnered with the local church and mosque in your community to run an after-school program at a shared community center. What support do you and/or your community need to advance racial justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work in your area?
Ex: additional resources, training, buy-in from stakeholders, etc. Are there any barriers to this work in your community?
Ex: lack of funding, knowledge, interest, etc.
I want you to know that my door is always open. Whether you have questions, ideas, concerns, or simply want to connect, I am here to listen and support you in any way I can. Thank you for entrusting me with this important work and for your dedication to making our community a more just and inclusive place for all. I am truly honored to be on this journey with you, and I cannot wait to see all that we will accomplish together. L’Shalom, |
