Making the Suburbs More Welcoming for POC (ARB: Medfield)

Anti-Racism in the ‘Burbs: Discussion of how to make the suburbs more welcoming for People of Color, from public statements such as signs, to personal behaviors such as smiling or engaging a person of color in conversation. What are the best ways to make a Person of Color feel safe in their suburban town?

Via and Deb will co-facilitate this October meeting. (Carlin won't be able to come to this one.) Post your ideas for future topics in the comments.

We hope you can join us as we learn (and lean into discomfort) together.

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Note: Each monthly meeting is a "stand alone" meeting. No previous, or future, meeting attendance is required. We are happy to have your participation at any meeting.

Past history of conversations, etc. (people have been asking…here it is for quick reference):

1. Nov. 15, 2015: Continuum of Behaviors, used Waking Up White, and Finding Myself in the Story of Race by Debby Irving, role playing and discussion, 15 folks attended. https://www.meetup.com/Antiracists/events/226175264/

2. Dec. 6: White Privilege, used Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh, 14 folks attended. https://www.meetup.com/Antiracists/events/226789621/

3. Jan. 17, 2016, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Non-Violent Actions, 7 folks attended. https://www.meetup.com/Antiracists/events/227258976/

4. Feb. 21, Diversity and Gentrification of Neighborhoods, 11 folks attended. https://www.meetup.com/Antiracists/events/228164463/

5. Mar. 20, Overt and Covert Racism, Micro Aggressions, 12 folks attended. https://www.meetup.com/Antiracists/events/229056337/

6. Apr. 24, Black Lives Matter, 13 folks attended. https://www.meetup.com/Antiracists/events/229425665/

7. May 16, “Model Minority”... what this is and how this label and perspective has been a disservice to the Asian American community....experienced through role playing and discussion. 6 folks attended.

8. June 19, A Juneteenth celebration, continuation of the last meeting with more role playing and discussion of the bystander role, and practicing for the fill-in-the-blank activity for the Ashland Farmers Market on 6/25/26. 11 folks attended (plus a new born baby at her first meeting ever). https://www.meetup.com/Antiracists/events/231252645/

9. July 17, Discussion of thoughts and feelings after the police shootings of 2 black men in recent weeks, and FEAR. 10 folks attended. https://www.meetup.com/Antiracists/events/232033281/

10. Aug. 14, color blind vs./and color conscious: we shared our understandings of each and thoughts/experiences. 10 folks attended (plus baby). https://www.meetup.com/Antiracists/events/232701591/

11. Sept. 11, Growing Edge/Realms (stretching beyond our edge of knowing): ....what we know we know...what we know we don't know...what we think we know but are wrong...what we don't know we don't know...what we know intuitively that we don't know. 10 folks attended. https://www.meetup.com/Antiracists/events/233369869/

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Below is the general information about this discussion series, posted every month:

The mission of this monthly group discussion series is to promote awareness of inequality, to build community, and to develop skills that address dismantling racism and oppression within a diverse, compassionate, and culturally sensitive environment.

"A window of opportunity won't open itself." - Dave Weinbaum

Even those of us living in the suburbs care about, and have a role to play in, the anti-racism movement. From frustration, fear, and anger to empathy, passion, and solidarity, this work can bring up a lot for everyone. Our supportive group discussions can help us get some clarity, perspective, and encouragement through the process. We will focus on a different topic each meeting, sometimes including films and discussions about printed materials …encouraging member feedback to help guide future topics.

All are welcome: People of Color, white people…people new to this topic and those involved and active for many years. Come with questions and/or experience to share with others wanting to learn more.

Hosted by Deb and Carlin, members of Boston Knapsack Anti-Racism Group.

If interested, please join Knapsack and RSVP to this meeting date (with no further obligations). Please change your RSVP if your plans change and you can no longer come so we can plan accordingly.

Feel free to post questions here too. We look forward to hearing from you!

Parking is available on the street, and behind and beside the church. Come in the door at the parking lot side of the church, lower level.

Public transportation unfortunately does not go to Medfield. But most likely someone going to the meeting would be available to give rides to/from the Framingham commuter train station, Riverside T station, or elsewhere. Leave a comment about your needs and we will try to get you to the meeting if you want to join us! Car-pooling rocks!

Future dates: plan for 3rd Sunday of each month, same time. We will post here if that changes.

#ARBurbs