Mixed Race in America
Led by Jennifer McFarlane Harris and Audrey Kinase Kolb 
Meets from 12:30pm - 1:30pm on April 13, May 4, and May 25

What does it mean to identify as a mixed-race/multi-racial/multi-ethnic/multi-cultural individual in a country that is used to viewing racial identities as fixed categories? Join to discuss the issues, blessings, and challenges that are unique to those with multi-layered identities as we seek to better support mixed-race faculty, staff, and students in our community. This group is primarily intended for those who identify as having mixed-race/multi-racial/multi-ethnic/multi-cultural identities, as well as for individuals who are part of mixed-raced families by marriage or adoption. However, this group is open to anyone seeking to learn more. For the Spring 2021 quarter, meetings will be centered on representations on these identities in pop culture, literature, and art.

Racism and Anti-Racism in America
Led by Emily Huff and Becky Hughes
Meets from 11:30am - 12:20pm on April 8, May 6, and June 3

Come join us in discussing the dueling history of racism and antiracism in the US. We'll read Ibram X. Kendi's Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America. We'll be covering Thomas Jefferson in the fall, W.E.B. Du Bois in the winter, and Angela Davis in the spring.

Race and Pedagogy (Limited to continuing faculty and student support staff)
Led by Office of Inclusive Excellence, times/dates TBD by group

This FLAGG is open to continuing participants in the three-part race and pedagogy workshop series facilitated by Dr. Anu Taranath. Participants will meet in trios or quartets to continue conversations and skills building in between workshop sessions and after the series. Group meetings will provide a space to practice problem solving in a low-stakes way while also working out the implications of the workshop content in the context of your faith. Each trio or quartet should select a facilitator and identify three meeting dates for the fall quarter based on the availability of members. If you've already signed up, follow this link to see a list of groups. For more information, email vpoie@spu.edu.

Wesleyan Small Groups

Wesleyan Small Groups (open to faculty and staff as capacity permits)
Led by Celeste Cranston; contact cransc@spu.edu to be assigned to a group.
Derived from SPU’s Wesleyan/Holiness heritage, Faculty Wesleyan Small Groups embody a practice in Christian formation and reconciliation that builds Christian community, and facilitates growth in awareness and love of self, neighbor, and God. To accomplish these purposes, faculty gather weekly under the leadership of a facilitator to ask and answer the question, “How goes it with your soul?” These are not Bible studies, prayer groups, or groups guided by a curriculum. Rather, their sole content is the state of one’s soul — the deepest self, which lies underneath surface experiences and emotions. When you sign up, select a particular time fall quarter with a given leader. During fall quarter, groups will decide what day/time to meet subsequent quarters. Groups will meet weekly, 8 times per quarter (not the first week of the quarter, finals, or when classes are not in session). Meetings should be no more than 60 minutes and may be 50 minutes depending on teaching schedules. Staff may be invited to join a group that has openings. Members encouraged but not required to read The Class Meeting by Kevin Watson (books will be ordered for you – no need to purchase copies; please contact tulluckc@spu.edu to request a book).

University Ministries / Community Groups

Please contact Lisa Ishihara to be connected to a group by emailing chaplainlisa@spu.edu.

Fac/Staff: FLAGG Black/African American Affinity Group
Staff and Faculty: you are invited to join one of our online Community Groups this Quarter. Each group will meet approximately 3 times. In our Black/African American Community Group we will continue to consider how to facilitate and create spiritually formative places and spaces of connection and community. We will also take a dive into sustainability and thriving as a person of color in Christian Higher Education. We know it is helpful to have places where we can be known and in spiritual community consider the wisdom gained from perseverance and endurance.

Fac/Staff: FLAGG LatinX Affinity Group
Staff and Faculty: you are invited to join one of our online Community Groups this Quarter. Each group will meet approximately 3 times. In our LatinX Community Group we will continue to consider how to facilitate and create spiritually formative places and spaces of connection and community. We will also take a dive into sustainability and thriving as a person of color in Christian Higher Education. We know it is helpful to have places where we can be known and in spiritual community consider the wisdom gained from perseverance and endurance.

Fac/Staff: FLAGG Asian/Asian American Affinity Group
Staff and Faculty: you are invited to join one of our online Community Groups this Quarter.  Each group will meet approximately 3 times. In our Asian/Asian American Community Group we will continue to consider how to facilitate and create spiritually formative places and spaces of connection and community. We will also take a dive into sustainability and thriving as a person of color in Christian Higher Education.  We know it is helpful to have places where we can be known and in spiritual community consider the wisdom gained from perseverance and endurance.

Fac/Staff: FLAGG Catholic Community Group
Staff and Faculty: Gather together with other Catholic staff and faculty online. Each group will meet approximately 3 times. We will continue to consider how to facilitate and create spiritually formative places and spaces of connection and community. We know it is helpful to know there are places of support, being known and engaging with one another.