Dismantling Barriers: What Does It Mean, and Why Are We Doing It?

Dismantling Barriers Matching Funds Campaign – see below!

The 8th Principle calls on us to acknowledge racism and all barriers to full inclusion within ourselves and our congregations. 

But what does this mean in practice? For the Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC), this commitment is rooted in our shared values of justice, equity, and compassion. It challenges us to engage in the ongoing work of unlearning and relearning, expanding our understanding of the world and our place within it.

Barriers to inclusion are pervasive, shaped by the colonial and capitalist frameworks that have historically structured North American society. These systems impact all of us, though not equally. While some communities bear a disproportionate burden, the truth is that these barriers limit everyone. Dismantling them is a moral imperative and a path toward collective liberation—a future where all can thrive.

This work is sociopolitical and deeply spiritual. It invites us to look beyond ourselves, connect, and envision a more just and inclusive world. Success in this work is measured by the tools we use, the policies we change, the relationships we build, and the communities we transform. As the CUC, we are committed to supporting this journey in meaningful and sustainable ways.

Camellia Jahanshahi is the Dismantling Barriers Lead. Her role is to foster spaces for learning, connection, and growth. This work can be challenging, even uncomfortable, as it requires confronting deeply ingrained systems and beliefs. However, discomfort is not the same as being unsafe. Together, we can navigate these complexities with care, ensuring that our congregations remain places of support and belonging.

The goal of this work is collective liberation—a world where joy, equity, and justice are not just ideals but lived realities. This vision requires us to work within ourselves and our institutions. It calls us to remember that collective thinking and action have always been part of our human story, offering pathways forward that we might not yet see.

As the Dismantling Barriers Lead, the focus is not on prescribing solutions but on creating opportunities for expansive learning and community engagement. This role is not about speaking for marginalized or vulnerable communities but supporting, advocating, and uplifting wherever possible. We can move closer to a world where barriers are dismantled and all welcome.

This version reflects the CUC’s collective voice, emphasizing shared values, institutional commitment, and a focus on community-driven action. Let me know if you’d like further adjustments! Please contact the CUC’s Dismanting Barriers Lead at dismantling-barriers@cuc.ca

Resources:

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Join Us in Dismantling Barriers!

The 8th Principle calls us to confront racism and systemic barriers to full inclusion—not just in our congregations and  institutions, but within ourselves. This is sacred work, spiritual work. It demands courage, humility, and connection to each other, to stay accountable and continue going deeper with each other. It needs your partnership.

Why This Work Matters 

At the Canadian Unitarian Council, we’re committed to dismantling these barriers and created the Dismantling Barriers staff position as a response to the 8th principle. We offer leadership, resources, and support as we work to dismantle barriers together. 

We’re thrilled to share that the Unitarian Universalist Funding Program has awarded a $22,000 grant for this work! The grant also comes with a challenge opportunity to raise a further $6,000. This means that if we can raise $6,000, the UU Funding Program will match it with an additional $6,000, effectively doubling the impact of every dollar contributed.

This challenge is an incredible chance to stretch our resources further—but we need your help to meet it. 

How Your Gift Makes an Impact

  • Supporting Ongoing Research and Development: Your contribution lets us continue researching and developing materials that strengthen our faith and address the needs of this pivotal moment. By investing in these resources, we are better equipped to respond thoughtfully and effectively to the challenges facing our community.
  • Nurturing Affinity Spaces: We are committed to cultivating a variety of affinity spaces that honour and support the diverse needs and expressions within our faith landscape. These spaces provide opportunities for meaningful connection, reflection, and growth, ensuring that everyone finds a place where they belong.
  • Amplifying Marginalized Perspectives: Your generosity helps us augment the experiences and perspectives of those who have been marginalized. By prioritizing care and empathy, we manifest a culture that values every individual and fosters collective growth rooted in compassion.
  • Expanding Partnerships and Collaboration: With your support, we have the possibility to expand and deepen our partnerships with others who are engaged in similar work. These collaborations enhance our ability to make a broader impact and enrich our shared efforts.
  • Strengthening Our Foundation for the Future: By investing in this work, your gift builds a stronger foundation for our ongoing efforts. Together, we are shaping a collective future that is resilient, inclusive, and grounded in shared values.

In October 2024, Camellia Jahanshahi joined the CUC staff team in the Dismantling Barriers role. 

What We’ve Accomplished in a Year

  • Monthly Dismantling Barriers conversations 
  • Created six (and counting) engaging, thoughtful and multi-faceted toolkits on dismantling barriers that are available for free on the CUC’s website
  • Met with congregations to support liberatory practices
  • Worked with the Justice and Equity team on new curriculum for 2026.
  • Partnered with CUC staff to deliver community-focused programming nationwide.
  • Collaborated with UU ministers to invite guest speakers.
  • Facilitated Rising Together, a regular gathering for UU youth and young adults of colour.
  • Deep listening to identify gaps in our faith and explore ways to address them.

In Camellia’s own words: 

“It is my great pleasure, privilege, and honour to be engaging in this work. Being a faith based activist is one of the most important things in this world to me and I believe with my full heart and spirit in the possibilities of an expansive, inclusive, and liberatory future for Unitarian Universalism. I see it in every single one of our principles and in every single conversation I have with folks eager to explore their personal and communal journeys of unlearning and relearning, centred on joy, love, and possibility. My current position is a 2 year contract but I know that the work transcends what can be achieved within that timeframe alone. My greatest hope is to lay a strong foundation that will support ongoing growth and connection, and to carry it forward into even more opportunities for growth and connection. Thank you to everyone who I’ve met so far on this path, and I just can’t wait to keep going.”

Join Us Today!

Your donation will be doubled! $10 turns into $20, $50 into $100, and $100 into $200. Help us meet our $6,000 goal and continue breaking down barriers together.

3 Ways to Give:

  1. Online: Justice, Equity & Dismantling Barriers Fund
  2. By e-transfer: to info@cuc.ca. After you donate, send us an email to let us know which fund
  3. By QR code: scan the code and follow the steps

P.S. Collective liberation starts with small, brave, real steps. Give by November 30, 2025 to have your donation doubled!