Social Justice Book Club (4th Tuesdays)

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Book Selection for May: Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning by Cathy Park Hong

ABOUT THIS BOOK CLUB:

This is a recurring discussion meeting monthly every 4th Tuesday on Zoom. Please read the book of the month before the meeting and bring your thoughts and questions. We will discuss the monthly book, then follow up with discussions.

MISSION:

Thru reading and discussing books about racism and anti-racism as a group, learn about our own individual biases (Unity Initiative's #1 pillar) and the issues affecting historically and currently disadvantaged populations at higher risk of poverty, social injustice and exclusion, discrimination and violence including, but not limited to, African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Muslims, Asian, LGBTQ, etc.

GOALS:
To provide a non-judgmental space to discuss, learn and grow as individuals and together, and identify local opportunities where individuals can make progress towards greater equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice in our communities.

*Book Club Discussion Ground Rules*
● Recognize:
We recognize that we must strive to overcome historical and divisive biases, such as racism and sexism, in our society.
● Acknowledge:
We acknowledge that we are all systematically taught misinformation about our own group(s) and about members of other groups. This is true for everyone, regardless of our group(s).
● No Blame:
We agree not to blame ourselves or others for the misinformation we have learned, but to accept responsibility for not repeating misinformation after we have learned otherwise.
● Trust:
Everyone has come to the table to learn, grow, and share. We acknowledge that we may be at different stages of learning on the content and discussion topics. We will trust that people will do the best they can. We all make mistakes and have bad days; when these occur, let's challenge and encourage each other to do better.
● Respect:
We agree to treat other participants' reflections and questions with respect. We acknowledge once again that we may be at different stages of learning on the topic. However, this does not mean we should ignore problematic statements.
● Individual Experience:
We agree that no one should be required or expected to speak for their whole race or gender. We can't, even if we wanted to.
● Share the Air:
Share responsibility for including all voices in the discussion. If you have a tendency to dominate discussions, take a step back and help the group invite others to speak. If you tend to stay quiet, challenge yourself to share ideas so others can learn from you.
● Not Experts:
The facilitators are not "experts." They are here to help facilitate the process. They and everyone in the group are here to learn. We also recognize that everyone has an opinion. Opinions, however, are not the same as informed knowledge backed up by research. Depending on the topic and context, both are valid to share but it's important to know the difference. To engage in deep learning, we will want to lean more toward informed knowledge and gain practice reflecting and speaking thoughtfully on difficult topics.
● Ask for help:
It's okay not to know. Keep in mind that we are all still learning and are bound to make mistakes when approaching a complex task or exploring new ideas. Be open to changing your mind, and make space for others to do so as well.
*Adapted from the Iowa State University Ground Rules for DEI Discussions

2025 BOOK CLUB LIST:
Social Justice Book Club 2025 Selection. 4th Tuesdays from 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM
(Selection based on Heritage Months List)

## January:

The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy: and the Path to a Shared American Future by Robert Jones

## February:

The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee

## March:

Brave Hearted the Women of the American West by Katie Hickman

## April:

Not That Bad by Gay, Roxanne

## May:

Minor Feelings by Hong by Cathy Park

## June:

The Risk It Takes to Bloom on Life and Liberation by Willis, Raquel

## July:

Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be An Ally by Ladau, Emily

## August:

White Like Me by Tim Wise

## September:

American Chica: Two Worlds, One Childhood by Arana, Marie

## October:

The History of White Peoples by Painter, Niel Irving

## November:

Highway Of Tears: a true story of racism, indifference, and the pursuit of justice for missing and murdered indigenous women and girls
by Jessica McDiarmid

## December- Happy Holidays!