Organizing Faith Communities

SURJ NEO is the Northeast Ohio chapter of Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ). We belong to a national network of groups and individuals organizing white people for racial and economic justice. The work of SURJ is to move more white people to support the Black- and People-of-Color-led struggle. We are connected to local accountability organizations and activists—we promote, uplift, and support the work and vision of these groups.

Our accountability partners include:

• Black Lives Matter Cleveland
• Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition
• The Committee for 500 Years of Dignity and Resistance

At SURJ, we’re working toward a world where every community has what they need to not just survive, but to thrive. We believe we get there by working together and following the leadership of communities that directly experience racism and economic injustices. And we believe white people have an important role to play. So we partner for the work already in progress and build community relationships within white or predominantly white neighborhoods.

Racial Justice, Community Organizing, and Faith

In nearly every world religion, we are called to care for those who are oppressed, strike down corruption and greed, and love all of our fellow humans. After the uprisings in June 2020 after the killing of George Floyd and movements since, many faith communities have named racial justice and de-centering whiteness a collective priority. From re-reading Holy texts with an anti-racist lens to engaging the teachings and works of movement leaders, faith communities are changing hearts and minds toward a more just and equitable society.

Shallow understanding from people of goodwill is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”

Talking about Religion and Politics

The culture is wrong- conversations about religion and politics are appropriate for mixed company. Suppressing conversations about personal values is a tool of white supremacy. There is no better place for these important conversations than among communities of faith with shared beliefs and deep personal connections.

Political Activism as a Nonprofit Organization

According to the IRS, a not-for-profit organization may engage in non-partisan political causes. A church, temple, synagogue, or another nonprofit assembly may not support candidates or political parties, but they can spend up to 20% of their time advocating or organizing in support or in opposition of ballot measures or legislative initiatives. Additionally, non-profits can spend limitless time advocating for issues in a general sense (e.g. ‘As a church, we support civilian oversight of police.’)

Learn more from your national judicatory (more coming soon!):

• Presbyterian Church (USA)
• United Church of Christ
• Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
• Unitarian Universalist Association
• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Organizing for Cleveland ISSUE 24

For residents of Cleveland, a YES vote on ISSUE 24 is a vote for systemic change. You can find the full text of the resolution, synopsis of the measure, endorsements, and more on Ballotpedia.

Issue 24 for Residents Outside of Cleveland

Issue 24 was originally developed by Citizens for a Safer Cleveland, a diverse coalition of concerned organizations, activists, and individuals with the leadership of families who have lost a loved one to police violence. SURJ has been part of this coalition since its inception.

This charter amendment is a model for other cities and organizers seeking real police accountability. Cities across the USA are organizing for similar ballot initiatives.

Every time this kind of systemic change is enacted, communities are safer, our families are protected, and our neighborhoods grow closer to each other.

Will You Help?

After months of diligent organizing for this initiative, we have an opportunity to strengthen community oversight of the Cleveland Division of Police. SURJ NEO is doing its part by reaching out to voters in Ward 13, one of Cleveland’s predominately white neighborhoods.

We are knocking on doors to raise awareness for ISSUE 24, dispel misinformation, and encourage our neighbors to VOTE FOR ISSUE 24 in the November 2, 2021 election. We’re also reaching out to SURJ NEO members to invite them to knock on doors too.

Sign up to canvass (knock doors) on a Wednesday or Sunday! Or sign up to phone bank if you can’t make it to canvassing.

Stay Informed!

If you have questions about SURJ NEO or how to get your faith community involved, please reach out to us at connect@surjneo.org

We also send out a periodic newsletter with updates about canvassing opportunities, information from our partner organizations, and important news for people who are working for antiracism in Northeast Ohio.

Getting Started with SURJ NEO (coming soon!)

We are working to create resources to introduce your faith community to SURJ NEO. Stay tuned for those resources! Let us know if there is something specific that your faith community would benefit from!

Connect with SURJ NEO on social media: