DEIJB Conversations

We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.
— Maya Angelou

Unity South Central Region (USCR) offers the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging (DEIJB) Conversations support call in its popular bi-weekly meeting format, where the first meeting focuses on content while the second meeting provides a private time of reflection for the attendees.

These CEU-diversity-approved calls are designed to:

  • engage participants in open and honest conversations around DEIJB,

  • find opportunities to practically engage in DEIJB in one’s personal life as well as their ministries,

  • and provide a safe space where difficult realizations and viewpoints are discussed with care, compassion, and deep Understanding.

Throughout the conversations, we will learn to apply Unity Principles and its many useful Teachings to support an affirming approach to DEIJB. We will also review and discuss practical applications with real-life examples to be implemented as needed and desired.

Host

Rev. Jacquie Fernandez
DEIJB Conversations Host

deijbconversations@unitysouthcentral.org

Rev. Jacquie Fernandez (she/they) is an award-winning filmmaker and writer who serves as senior minister at Unity Church of Overland Park. She is a regular columnist for Unity Magazine, and in 2021, she was the recipient of a Folio Magazine Eddie Award for a feature article she wrote for the publication. This year, she established Folx with Faith, an LGBTQ+ affinity group that gathers for spiritual discussion and healing from religious trauma. Rev. Jacquie is passionate about creating space for people, especially the queer community, to discover and know their sacred worth and to heal from any experience or idea that has inhibited this knowing.

  • She has been a nationally featured speaker and retreat facilitator and is proud to call Kansas City home, though she grew up on the west coast and brings the ocean/mountain vibe to everything she does. After graduating from the University of Kansas in 1997 (BSW), Jacquie worked in social services and was part of a small team of women recognized as Women Who Make a Difference by the Women’s Foundation of Greater Kansas City. After developing an arts and science based social curriculum for homeless children, she went on to open a photography/video production business and continued to serve nonprofits through media services. She also worked on independent films, most notably a short dance film that was screened worldwide, winning awards in both Italy and South Africa. In 2015, she graduated from Unity Institute (MDiv) and was ordained as a Unity minister. She served at Unity Worldwide Ministries and Unity World Headquarters in the media departments, creating media works that invited people from all walks of life to consider questions of ultimate concern, contemplate our connection with all humanity, and to take action to create a world with more equity, justice, and acceptance.

    Jacquie lives in Overland Park, KS with her amazing and talented family consisting of her wife, Tamie Rising, three children Josie (19), Jami (17), and Madi Rose (5), and furbabies, Manny and Sadie.

Dates & Times

  • Content Session: 2nd Thursdays @ 11 AM to 12 PM CT

  • Reflection Session: 4th Thursdays @ 11 AM to 12 PM CT

Dates in 2025

  • Content Sessions

    • January 9: Context is Everything: Lead with Self

    • February 13: Season for Nonviolence

    • March 13: Prep for Pride Month: Pronouns & Other Easy Things

    • April 10: DEIJB Inventory

    • May 8: More Than Just Accessibility

    • June 12: Meet Me at the Intersection: Advocacy & Power

    • July 10: Ain’t No Privilege Like the One I’ve Got: Interdependence Day

    • August 14: Inclusive Prayer & Meditation (Part I/II)

    • September 11: Inclusive Prayer & Meditation (Part II/II)

    • October 9: Supporting Marginalized Communities

    • November 13: White Santa Meets Black Jesus at Las Posadas

    • December 11: DEIJB Reflections

  • Reflection Sessions: January 23, February 27, March 27, April 24, May 22, June 26, July 24, August 28, September 25, October 23, November 27

Registration

Please register before joining our DEIJB Conversations support calls.

Meeting Location

For convenience, we will be meeting on Zoom. Please arrive early to check your technology.

Cost

There is no set fee. However, we appreciate your consideration for a suitable love offering.

DEIJB Topics

Elaine Schweizer Elaine Schweizer

Season for Nonviolence

The Season for Nonviolence: A Call to Conscious Action, observed from January 30 to April 4, honors the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through 64 days of intentional nonviolent action, dialogue, and education.

Read More
Elaine Schweizer Elaine Schweizer

Context Is Everything: Lead with Self

We are One in the Infinite and we all have a unique set of social identities that create context for our lived experiences. Exploring context creates perspective, understanding, and ultimately impacts access to justice and equity.

Read More
Guest User Guest User

Context Is Everything: Lead with Self

We are One in the Infinite and we all have a unique set of social identities that create context for our lived experiences. Exploring context creates perspective, understanding, and ultimately impacts access to justice and equity.

Read More

FAQs

Can I earn CEU credits by attending this support call?

Yes! Unity Worldwide Ministries (UWM) will accept any hour attending our support calls as CEU credits. The recording and reporting of such hours to UWM remain the responsibility of each individual. Ethics and Inclusivity CEUs are earned as the topics are specifically offered. For any questions, please contact UWM directly.

What is DEIJB?

The acronym DEIJB stands for diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, further defined as†:

Diversity is acknowledging and valuing a mixture of similarities and differences and their respective complexities and tensions, including, but not limited to, psychological, physical, and social differences such as race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, age, gender, sexual orientation, mental or physical ability, and learning styles.

Equity is vigilantly identifying where fairness, context, or access gaps exist and intentionally learning and designing what is needed to close them in order to advance opportunity and access to information and resources for all.

Inclusion is the act of fostering environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to participate fully. Anyone and everyone involved should feel a sense of inclusion and belonging at any level.

Justice is the intentional and proactive fair treatment of historically and systemically underrepresented and underserved individuals and groups by actively dismantling systems and practices of oppression and replacing them with ones that promote equity.

https://www.populationconnectionaction.org/about-us/diversity-equity-inclusion-justice

What’s the difference between the two meetings a month?

The first meeting addresses a specific topic of interest to introduce life skills that can be used to help communicate with others respectfully. Through a brainstorming dialogue, we will discuss differences of opinions and existing values to share with one another for growth and acceptance.

Then, the second meeting, is an opportunity to engage in a Q&A, reflecting on self-awareness and new insights from the previous lesson in a meaningful, engaging exchange of ideas.

I missed the first call of the month. Can I still join the second call?

Yes, even if you missed the first call of the month, you are always welcome to engage in the conversation during our second call. We do recommend that you watch the recording and review slides of the first call at this link: https://www.unitysouthcentral.org/deij-conversations.

For Whom Are these meetings intended?

These meetings are intended for those who dare to look beyond the surface and have an opportunity to share in a safe space. These insights will relate to ministry, family, and community.

Are these meetings confidential?

Yes and no. The first meeting, focusing on presenting a particular topic will be recorded for later use while the second meeting (Q&A) will not be recorded to ensure a safe space to discuss real-world challenges and opportunities.

I can’t meet at the time and day the meetings are held. Are there any recordings I can watch?

Yes, the first meeting will be recorded and will be available on this page and our YouTube channel. The host may also share the link via email.

Are there any other calls or meetings that provide ministry support?

Yes, USCR offers several calls and meetings to provide specific support in various areas. Check out our calendar to learn more about those regular events.