Thursday, July 16th, Community Conversations About Race:
Topic: How can we frame our thinking about the word "racist" so we can have productive conversations about race and racism?
We had our first Birch Meadow Community conversation about race on June 11th. 26 adult family members and staff joined for the discussion. In the follow up survey, attendees asked for continued opportunities to talk about race, racism, and bias in a safe and honest environment. As we move toward full realization of an anti-racist stance, we need more practice as a community talking about our feelings and experiences with race and racism.
We will have our second community conversation about race on Thursday, July 16th. The focus idea/question is: How can we frame our thinking about the word "racist" so we can have productive conversations about race and racism. For this conversation we will view a video and have break out groups. We will use the same format as we did in our last meeting, with discussion prompts.
The conversation will start at 8:00 p.m. and no one new will be admitted after 8:10 p.m. because we will be in small groups then.
The link below takes you to the video. You can watch the video any time before the session or, if you would like, can join the session at 7:45. I will be sharing my screen and showing the video then for those of you who would like a group experience for the viewing.
If you are interested in attending please email me at julia.hendrix@reading.k12.ma.us and I will forward the meeting link to you.
Julia Hendrix
Principal
Birch Meadow School
On Thursday, June 11, 26 Birch Meadow adult community members (families and staff) gathered virtually to have a community conversation about race. My opening remarks can be found here. We worked in breakout groups to examine the question: Why is it hard to talk about race?
We will have two more community conversations (virtually) this summer. The dates are Thursday, July 16th, and Thursday, August 20th. We will start at 8:00 p.m. and end promptly at 9:00 p.m. (I'm hoping that this gives you all time to get through dinner and bedtime routines). These are conversations for adult members of our community and are open to all families and staff. Prior to each meeting, an invitation with the focus topic or question will be sent out to the entire community.
Julia Hendrix, Principal