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Anti-Racism: Children & Families: Compassion

print, online and video resources for discussing racism and white supremacy culture; dismantling racism; and raising compassionate, loving children

Welcome

Welcome to The Ministry Lab's curated list of resources for developing children's compassion. Here you'll find:

  • Books and downloadable resources - featuring authors of diverse backgrounds - the explore the power of love, compassion, empathy and hospitality
  • Other Book Lists from trusted sources
  • Curricula to deepen and broaden at-home and at-church conversations
  • Websites full of tips and tools for growing self-awareness and compassion toward the neighbor

If you don't find a resource to fit your need, don't hesitate to consult with The Ministry Lab's director, Emily Meyer, who is happy to assist you.

Books

 

                    an online Discussion and Activity Guide is available with For Beautiful Black Boys

Susan Verde I Am One: A Book of Action          Loving Kindness                Run, Little Chaski!     Say Their Names Trade Book (Hardcover)     Sulwe     A Terrible Thing Happened           Cover of They’re So Flamboyant           Amazon.com: When I Fly with Papa (9781634891158): Claudia May, Jena Holliday, Jena Holliday: Books     When We Are Kind          Why?

Addresses issues children might hear about in the news and may not understand; straightforward and kid-friendly explanations of tough topics; includes ideas for what they can do to help make the world a better, fairer place. Each book has a glossary and additional resources.

The series includes: Culture and Diversity; Rights and Equality; Protecting the Planet; and Rules and Responsibilities.

Other Book Lists

Building Faith's Picture Books for Antiracists provides an overview for:

  • Seeing the Beloved Community
  • Celebrating the Joy in Everyday Life
  • Building Empathy
  • Practicing Love & Kindness
  • Social Justice
  • Embracing a Vision
  • Hope for All

The MN Annual Conference UMC's Rev. Dana Neuhauser offers this list of Books That Can Build Empathy for BIPOC Communities.

Doing Good Together encourages families to explore Our [Nation's] Storied History with children to empower all kids with stories that inspire civic engagement and a hunger for justice; includes picture books and books for teens and adults.

Mattress Advisor's Bedtime Stories in response to We Need Diverse Books (a nonprofit working for more diversity in children's books):  The list is available in full or broken into these categories:

Curriculum

Compassion Camp: Be Loved. Be Kind. Be You - Illustrated Ministry

Who Is My Neighbor? - MennoMedia’s 2019 VBS curriculum: 

Visit the Wakan Tipi Center, part of the Lower Phalen Creek Project.

  • Share the introductory video.
  • Discuss environmental racism
  • Learn about this land's sacred and cultural significance for the Dakota people
  • Engage in the restoration of prairie, language and traditions
  • Enjoy a staff-guided hike

Websites

Embrace Race offers a number of resources:

  • toolkits for study and teaching
  • support for adults caring for children (and others) affected by racialized trauma
  • podcasts and webinars to empower and encourage all ages in meeting white nationalism, white supremacy, and racialized violence

offers “stories and advice on raising kind, caring and resilient children”, which includes tips on “how to talk honestly with children about racism”, book recommendations about race and diversity and questions to discover your child’s thoughts. Many resources are broken into specific age brackets and include links to PBS videos that support the conversation.

Multimedia

THIS set of slides on pronouncing a name from a culture that is not your own is very useful and practical - and helpful when you want to be hospitable and welcoming whether in your building or your neighborhood.