Silicon Valley Faith Leaders Collaborative

We are a group of Faith Leaders committed to address our collective racist American heritage and White privilege. Using the frame of morals and ethics, Faith Leaders are open to working with the Black Lives Movement and other anti-racist organizations and campaigns to shape our communities into places where all feel a sense of belonging and in which all persons are valued.

Public Witness

As Faith Leaders we stand as witnesses from multiple faith traditions. Here are common values from our faith traditions:
No one is free unless all are free. We stand against any form of oppression targeting any individual or group. Racism flourishes when any form of oppression is allowed to persist.

While racism is not compatible with our religious traditions,
American religions have been historically complicit in promoting the racist status quo.

Listen

We are aware that we are stepping into an already established movement and therefore our engagement will come from listening and with the welcome of those who are the leaders in the BLM.
Youth and young adults are the leaders in this movement and most of the leaders do no not affiliate with organized faith communities.
Therefore, continuing in the movement will require us to be in a trusted relationship with BLM leaders and to step back and take on a supportive role.

Being an Ally

As Faith Leaders we are visible and powerful “influencers” and “bridges” in the community. Our public role carries privilege that may not be as readily accessible to others. We are, therefore, aware of the imbalance of power due to White Privilege, education, and clerical deference.
Being an ally is not defined by us, but by those to whom we offer our support.
Being an ally requires self-awareness and a readiness to change, adapt and accommodate ourselves so that we can be of service to the movement.

Support Policy Efforts

There are ongoing movements within the BLM-Civil Rights Movement of today. As Faith Leaders of Silicon Valley we may be called to support the referendums and, demands of law enforcement reform, city budget, or other policy recommendations regarding resource availability for Black and Brown communities. We will need to familiarize ourselves with the content of policy recommendations of:
95 Theses
Beloved Community

Mobilizing Support

As Faith Leaders we are in a position to mobilize our congregants to support the BLM-Civil Rights movement.

Financial Support (raising money for the cause, for leaders, etc…)
Pulpit Support (message out to the congregation)
Organizing Cooperation (cooperate with BLM Leaders, encourage congregants to engage directly and in direct actions)

YOUR CART