Dear Hear and Now Community,

I believe that women will be the architects and leaders of the next great movement for social change. It is imperative then that we attend to our relationship with each other. We come from different racial identities, social standing, and sexual identities. We have been separated from each other by the forces of bigotry, misogyny, and racism. In many ways,  the currency that informs our relationships is confusion, fear, and mistrust. I believe we must begin to heal ourselves of those toxic elements. 

Our next  Hear and Now Conversation will be for women, about women, and by women. We ask the men in our community to grant us the gift of space. Who are we, whose are we, and what must we do now to repair and heal that which has harmed us all?  What is unsaid or unacknowledged, or even unknown about us as women from different life experiences?

What agreements must be made among us?  What attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs must we interrupt to create bonds of deep respect, compassion, and empathy? What questions do we have about each other that out of fear, confusion, or ignorance, we have been reluctant to share? How can we repair that which has been damaged?  How can we build on what is best about us?

This conversation is the first of several events. Everybody as Our Own (EBAOO)  and the Foundation for Community Encouragement (FCE) will host a weekend workshop in which our only task will be to experience a sense of community with each other. EBAOO will also sponsor gatherings where we find joy in our association… we share our talents, ideas, hopes, and wishes.  The fundamental question is. Can we as women be that much for each other? Can we come together, and commit ourselves to each other, and the great work that is before us?  I believe our survival as a people who want to live in a multicultural democracy depends on our answer.

See you Tuesday, February 20 6:30-8p 

Lutricia

Posted by Michael Schmidt on February 13, 2024