Click here to join this CLGS African American Roundtable Event via Zoom!
Join Rev. Terence Mayo, the new Coordinator of the CLGS African American Roundtable (AART), as we explore the future of this Roundtable, the first one founded by CLGS in 2000.
As our African American Roundtable enters its 25th year, we invite you to imagine with us the work of the AART in the coming years.
Come join us for this Community Listening Session!
CLGS AART Community Listening Session Agenda
Objective: Gather internal and external community input on desired new theological education and community-building offerings that serve the needs of African American LGBT+ PSR and general audiences.
Two Sessions: This session is for the Pacific School of Religion community; the second session (on Tuesday, 10 December, at 1 pm [Pacific Time]) is for the general public.
Duration: 45 minutes
- Welcome and Introductions (5 minutes)
- Welcome attendees and thank them for their time.
- Briefly introduce myself and my role.
- Explain the purpose of the session: to listen to the community’s ideas and suggestions on Black queer and trans theological educational needs.
- Session Overview and Ground Rules (5 minutes)
- Briefly outline the agenda.
- Set ground rules (e.g., respect each other’s time and ideas, no interruptions, encourage open sharing).
- Emphasize that all feedback is welcome and will be considered in planning new educational/community offerings.
- Quick Poll and Icebreaker (5 minutes)
- Conduct a quick, informal poll (e.g., using a show of hands or quick questionnaire) to identify the community’s general interests in Black queer and trans theological education topics.
- Icebreaker question: “What’s one thing you’d like to learn or teach others in the community?” (Participants briefly share their responses.)
- Open Discussion: Needs and Interests (15 minutes)
- Open the floor for attendees to share their ideas on what theological educational offerings would benefit the community most.
- Suggested prompts:
- “What are the most important topics or skills you feel are currently missing from our educational/community programs?”
- “Who in our community do you feel is underserved or could benefit from more targeted theological educational opportunities?”
- “What format would work best for you? (e.g., workshops, evening classes, online resources)
- What organizations/institutions should we partner with to produce new programs?
- Small Group Brainstorming (10 minutes)
- Split participants into small groups (if possible) to discuss specific ideas and solutions.
- Each group discusses one educational theme or demographic.
- Groups jot down their top ideas or priorities on sticky notes or virtual boards to share with the larger group.
- Summary and Next Steps (5 minutes)
- Reconvene to briefly summarize key insights and common themes.
- Inform participants about next steps (e.g., how input will be used, follow-up opportunities).
- Thank attendees for their contributions and encourage ongoing feedback.
Rev. Terence L. Mayo (he/they) is a Black queer feminist practical theologian, critical educator, and LGBTQIA+ youth advocate who strives to co-create change through contextual theological education, community-based change strategies, and racial equity. As a sought-after speaker, Rev. Mayo has shared his expertise on various topics, including Black LGBTQIA+ youth, DEI, education-community partnerships, public theology & social change, and trauma-informed strategies.
Terence serves on the national boards for Progressive Youth Ministry and the Howard University School of Divinity Alumni Association. Terence is also a Steinhardt Fellow at New York University, working toward his Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning. He has earned degrees in Business, Secondary Education, and Religion.