This is to remind you that you are signed up for the "Race: The Power of an Illusion" program sponsored by the UU Racial Justice Task Force. This is a pilot of the program and will be attended primarily by members of the Task Force and their families/friends. We plan then to present the program to a larger audience this fall.
The program will be presented in three, two-hour sessions. The sessions are going to be held from 6:30 - 8:30 PM on Thursdays, April 9, 16 and 30. The sessions will be held in the Commons Room at the UU Church. Each session will consist of viewing a DVD presentation for an hour and then participating in facilitated discussions for an hour.
One of the activities shown on the DVDs involves collecting mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from participants and comparing the results with an international mtDNA database. "MtDNA is a powerful tool for tracking ancestry through females (
matrilineage) and has been used in this role to track the ancestry of many species back hundreds of generations." -
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia We intend to replicate this activity as part of this program.
RE: the mtDNA activity - This should be an extremely interesting and informative activity, however, some may be concerned about having their DNA collected. Please be assured that the DNA collected will be mitochondrial DNA, not genetic DNA. The information derived from the DNA will address lineage, not genetic disposition for diseases, etc. Also, the samples will be sent to the lab labeled only with a code number. No personally identifiable information will go with the samples. The samples are obtained by rinsing your mouth out with a small amount of salt water. Here is a link to an article in Wikipedia on mtDNA. You can find many other articles on the internet if you search.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitochondrial_DNA
Of course, participation in the mtDNA activity if completely voluntary.
I'm looking forward to seeing you on Thursday.
