This will have long term, positive implications for our ministry, since it deepens the involvement of denominational leadership in developing anti-racism strategies for their institutions. The trust and communication that the network established with denominational leaders facilitated work on the Leadership Development Institute, slated to begin its work in mid 1999. The. goal of the Institute is to equip religious and community-based organizations to internalize the capacity to create, implement, and institutionalize programs for dismantling racism, and to develop skills and strategies to bring about long term institutional change. The importance of networking has been clearly affirmed by this project. We see that the isolation of teams working for racial justice can be lessened through a network of sharing and support.
Teams gain additional insights and skills with they have an opportunity to share with each other.
The national gatherings, communication, and resources fostered by this project have sharpened and improved the Crossroads process of training, teaching and organizing. As we talk to potential teams and other Crossroads contacts we include information about the network. The network helps people see that continued support and resources are available for the long-term work of dismantling racism. This sharing has included our work with the three Roman Catholic groups, two community groups, several Lutheran Synods, and the Christian Church - Disciples of Christ national offices. Contact with teams we have trained is a priority for Crossroads.