All appointed clergy must complete at least one Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism Education & Training module per calendar year, beginning in 2023. The curriculum is live, and clergy can register now.

BRITTNEY STEPHAN
Associate Director for Multi-Cultural Vibrancy, Michigan Conference

As many of you know, the Michigan Conference overwhelmingly passed legislation at our annual conference gathering in 2021 for Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism (ABAR) Education & Training. Its creation was led by the Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism Working Group, formed by Bishop David Bard in 2020.

The curriculum, with its seven modules, is live, and all appointed clergy are encouraged to register now.

All persons serving under appointment/assignment are required to complete at least one ABAR Education & Training module per calendar year beginning in 2023.

This requirement applies to those serving as District Superintendent Assignments, Associate Members, Licensed Local Pastors, Provisional Members, Elders, Deacons, and those serving in Extension Ministry, full and part-time. It also applies to those serving in retirement and laypersons assigned as District Superintendent Assignments. Laity are strongly encouraged to participate in these modules as well.

These modules have been created by clergy and laity serving in the Michigan Conference, emphasizing our Wesleyan heritage and the values we hold as it relates to Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism work.

DETAILS

• • TIME: Each module takes approximately 4-5 hours to complete and includes components that are to be incorporated into the participant’s ministry setting.
  • COST: The fee for the training is $10 per module; the fee must be paid by each participant. A minimal fee is charged so that the training is accessible to all and so that the Michigan Conference can maintain the necessary curriculum platform and software. Continuing education funds can be used for this purpose, and reimbursements from congregations or other ministry settings should be requested by those without continuing education funds.
  • TIMELINE: Registration is now open and must be completed by December 31.

REGISTRATION INFO

1. 1. View the curriculum homepage with information on each of our seven modules by clicking this secure link.
   2. Watch the introductory video located at the top of the page.
   3. Scroll down to select which module you would like to begin.
   4. Click the orange “Get Started” button for your selected module.
   5. Log in to Teachable (if you have an account) or create an account to access the curriculum.
   6. Begin completing the module. Please note that you must click “complete and continue” on each page to unlock the next lesson/activity.

FEEDBACK

We recognize that this is an entirely new program curated and created for the Michigan Conference, and we appreciate your willingness to navigate this new path alongside us! We invite you to offer any feedback on the modules you complete by filling out this online form.

Thank you for all you do in our collective work as we strive to actively become anti-bias/anti-racist. Know that you are greatly appreciated, and I thank you in advance for your willingness to participate!

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

Last Updated on October 31, 2023