The URJ Equity Indicator: A New Tool to Guide Your Efforts Creating a Communities of Belonging

In this moment in time, many of us are experiencing lives which are rife with polarization and include constant threats to democracy. We find ourselves continuously struggling for justice, finding strength to preserve the progress we have already made, and maintaining the courage to dismantle the persistent inequities that prevent us all from living full lives. Needless to say, it can all be so very daunting. However, as Jewish tradition teaches, "you are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it" (Pirkei Avot 2:21). And, therefore, we must continue to fight.

With this in mind, we are so proud to launch the Union for Reform Judaism's (URJ) Equity Indicator; an exciting new tool that will help guide all of us in our efforts to create equitable Communities of Belonging. An equitable Jewish community is a space and place where all people have the opportunity to feel affirmed, safe, celebrated, and experience a sense of belonging. This includes people from all races and ethnic identities, sexualities, genders, disabilities, relationship statuses, ages, family configurations, body types, socioeconomic backgrounds, and other often-underrepresented identities. Communities of Belonging allow all individuals to bring their full, authentic selves to the table and feel inspired to co-create communities that value diverse lived experiences, are vibrant and varied, and recognize the essentialness of Jewish diversity.

The Equity Indicator is a tool that allows congregations and other Jewish communities (e.g., schools, camps, etc.) to measure their progress on key markers of Communities of Belonging. This tool is designed to be taken by a member of the community's leadership team (think executive director or comparable position/lay leader). Once the Equity Indicator is completed, the URJ will provide the community with a personalized report that includes actionable steps to begin making further strides in their efforts towards becoming a Community of Belonging for all. Ultimately, the goal is for communities to review their report and identify a select number of goals that they will work on over the year, which will ideally result in a higher score and, more importantly, move the community closer to equity and belonging.

As antisemitism and other forms of hatred like racism continue to surge and many Jews struggle to find community, we believe that the Equity Indicator will help shine a light on a path towards belonging and liberation for all who wish to call the Jewish community their home. We know from experience that we cannot address what we cannot see, and the Equity Indicator will help make visible the obstacles our communities face with respect to creating Communities of Belonging. The Jewish community is made up of so much rich and essential diversity. It is imperative we create a foundation for all of us to feel a sense of belonging. As congregations strive to boost membership retention efforts and gain new members, the Equity Indicator will guide our next steps towards creating a Movement-wide Community of Belonging.

This season, as we read the Book of Exodus's inspiring description of our ancestors' journey from bondage to freedom and from degradation to dignity for everyone in the ancient Jewish community, we are reminded that we are on the same journey. Just as the Israelites refused to leave any member of our people behind, so too do we move forward with each and every one of us an essential member of our Communities of Equity and Belonging.

Complete the URJ Equity Indicator today. We will also share details about our upcoming learning cohort, in which your community can join a group of congregations who are equally passionate and committed to further creating an equitable Community of Belonging by prioritizing and implementing changes based on their Equity Indicator reports.

Want to learn more about the Equity Indicator? Come join us for one (or both!) of our Info Sessions on Tuesday, June 10, 3:00 - 3:45 PM ET and Wednesday, June 11, 12:00 - 12:45 PM ET. Register Now.