Join Us on May 17 to Discuss Chapters 9-12 of WHITE FRAGILITY!
We will meet virtually via Zoom and break out into small groups to discuss Chapters 9-12.
There are two ways to register:
(1) If you attended one or both of our previous WHITE FRAGILITY discussions, we have your email address on file and sent you an email or text invitation via HobNob.
If you responded to the original HobNob invitation, no further action is needed unless your plans have changed. Please update your response if necessary. You’ll receive Zoom details via a Hobnob update.
(2) If you responded to the original Facebook event, please update it to “Going” if you plan to join us, or to “Interested” if your plans have changed and you can no longer attend. Stay tuned for further registration details.
Spring flowers near Overland trail
The book is still available from Old Fireside Books for 20% off if you mention the Diverse Fort Collins book group. Curbside pick up or delivery is available.
Questions? Email DiverseFoCo@gmail.com
We hope to see you on Sunday, May 17 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
View of Maxwell Natural Area, April 17. Photo by Diverse Fort Collins
Only connect! That was the whole of her sermon. Only connect the prose and the passion, and both will be exalted, and human love will be seen at its height. Live in fragments no longer. – E.M. Forster
April 18, 2020 Update – Diverse Fort Collins
Hello, friends!
How are you? We hope you and your loved ones are healthy and well.
Random Acts of Kindness
Here’s a story to lift your spirits. A DFC friend reported random acts of kindness at a local store last weekend.
She had one item to buy but forgot her wallet. A cashier and a customer offered to pay for her item. Touched, she thanked them both. The cashier used his own credit card for the purchase, and she walked out the door with her faith in humanity strengthened. #FoCo proud
Would you like to share random acts of kindness you’ve experienced or witnessed? Email details to DiverseFoCo@gmail.com
Also, did you notice? People are more likely to wave and smile when you walk around your neighborhood. More so than before we added COVID-19 and coronavirus to our vocabularies.
Facebook Groups Revived!
We’re all looking for ways to connect, especially now. To that end, we’ve reactivated Diverse Fort Collins groups on Facebook!
One is a public group “Diverse Fort Collins Events” everyone is welcome to join, and the other is a private group “Diverse Fort Collins Advisors” for volunteers and advisory committee members.
Join the conversation!
Email DiverseFoCo@gmail.com if you’d like to be invited to the advisory committee group.
Snow in tree April 16. Photo by Katherine Valdez/Diverse Fort Collins
WHITE FRAGILITY Book Discussion Facilitators to Try Zoom
Thank you again to the 45-plus attendees of the January and February book group discussions on Robin DiAngelo’s book White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism.
The March discussion was postponed until May 17 due to direction from local, state, and federal guidelines on physical (“social”) distancing. Gov. Jared Polis extended the Stay-At-Home order to April 26. We’re not sure how soon life will return to normal. With the idea that we may need to change the event to online-only, Diverse Fort Collins volunteer facilitators will meet via Zoom later this month to test the platform.
Would you like to meet via Zoom for the third and final discussion of White Fragility? Or would you rather wait until we can meet in person, even if that means we won’t be able to gather until sometime in the summer?
Respond in the Comments section below, on our Facebook page, or in the Facebook groups. Or email DiverseFoCo@gmail.com.
North Forty News and The New Scene Magazine. Photo by Diverse Fort Collins.
DFC Executive Director Joins New Editorial Board
Executive Director Katherine Valdez recently accepted an invitation to join the newly-formed Scene MagazineandNorth Forty News editoral board and attended its first meeting on March 25 via conference call.
Publisher Blaine Howerton is forming the editorial board to offer guidance and insights on news coverage following his January “Boy Power!” Scene Magazine letter from the publisher. He wrote, “…Is it just me, or have we so bent over backwards to provide girls and women with opportunities, often denied them in the past, that we seem not to be concerned about providing good role models for boys….”
The letter drew many comments and criticism. He responded in the February issue with a letter from the publisher titled “Reflecting.” Here are excepts:
“I have unintentionally disrespected so many. I own that. I am truly sorry. As a white man in his mid-40s, I hold privilege. And, I haven’t done the work needed to even understand what that means. This situation has revealed to me – and so many of you – that I have a lot of learning and work to do. Implicit and unconscious bias, gender equity, prejudice, sexism, to name a few. I am committed to doing the work.
“Fort Collins is a special place. It’s a community that prides itself on openness and inclusiveness. These factors were prime in my family’s decision to call this community home. The magazine’s goal is to support and nurture that community. We will strive to do that at every turn.”
Diverse Fort Collins applauds the publisher’s decision to form an editorial board to provide input and guidance. It’s a step toward acknowledging the publications could benefit from insights by diverse community members, and the need for equity, diversity and inclusion training for staff.
Have insights and suggestions to share on these publications? Email DiverseFoCo@gmail.com
Social distancing sign by Isha Gaines/CreateHERstock.com
Home Alone in the Age of Coronavirus
You don’t have to experience the COVID-19 pandemic alone. There are many ways to connect with family and friends: FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, etc. You can even watch movies “together” with friends!
Also, as you may have heard, home isn’t a safe place for some children and adults.
The Stay-At-Home orders does not mean victims of domestic violence cannot seek emergency shelter or other support services. At Crossroads Safehouse, clients are the priority.
As a trauma-informed and victim-centered social service agency, Crossroads Safehouse will continue serving clients as it navigates the current coronavirus/COVID-19 public health crisis.
Resources and Assistance
Check out the new links we’ve added on our Businesses and Resources pages for ways to support local Fort Collins artists, businesses, and others during the pandemic, and for updates on COVID-19.
DFC Executive Director Katherine Valdez wasn’t surprised to hear the upcoming Colorado Capital Conference in Washington, D.C. has been postponed to June 23-25, 2021.
It’s the best decision to keep everyone healthy and safe.
As the date approaches, we’ll ask for questions you’d like Katherine to pose to our congressional leaders as a representative of DFC and a member of Colorado State University President Joyce McConnell’s delegation.
How to Avoid Zoom Bombing
By now, due to Stay-at-Home orders, most people are familiar with the popular web conferencing platform, Zoom.
A DFC friend reported an upsetting Zoom bombing last week involving racial slurs. The facilitator ejected the intruder quickly, but it was an unsettling way to begin a meeting. The FBI, USA Today, and Forbes published tips on preventing this. Feel free to share these with facilitators in advance of any Zoom meetings.
Support Local Businesses! #FoCoStrong #InThisTogetherFoCo #NoCoRecovers
Now more than ever, it’s important to support our local businesses. For starters, use NoCo Nosh to order delivery from your favorite local restaurants, order a t-shirt from FoCoStrong.com ($10 goes to local businesses listed on the website), or check out the Downtown Business Association information on donating and receiving vouchers to use later.
Have a great weekend and stay safe, healthy and connected.
Your friends at Diverse Fort Collins
All Welcome. Let’s co-create an inclusive community!
If you’re interested in an African American writer’s perspective on White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo, sign up for Nanette D. Massey’s webinar at 1 p.m. MST this Sunday, March 29, “White Fragility: Black Echo.” It’s $13.
She’ll answer your questions during the first hour, then speak on one of the book’s topics. All are welcome, although the event is intended for those who have read the book.
Remember to take care of yourself by drinking plenty of water, preparing healthy meals, washing your hands frequently, and staying in touch with loved ones via phone, email, text, and social media.
NEWS
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser warns Coloradans to be on the lookout for coronavirus scams
COVID-19 Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the lives of people all over the world.
The past week has been strange, with people across the U.S. panic-buying toilet paper and food, schools and other institutions closing, and major events being canceled.
It’s unsettling how quickly things developed.
Fortunately we have trustworthy sources of information. Here are a few:
To adhere with “social distancing” guidelines promoted by health and government organizations, we have postponed the March 22 White Fragility book discussion until May 17.
(In the meantime, would you participate in an online discussion in a private Facebook group? Weigh in with your ideas and comments by emailing DiverseFoCo@gmail.com)
As the date approaches, we’ll provide updates, and change plans if necessary. We’ll discuss Chapters 9-12 at that third and final discussion of Robin DiAngelo’s book.
Please download and print the free Reading Guide at http://www.RobinDiAngelo.com and bring it with you to the meeting.
(Donations are welcomed to the church to thank them for the meeting space, as well as cash gifts to DFC to help defray the cost of refreshments, copied materials, and administration.)
To tide you over, here’s a short video “Debunking The Most Common Myths White People Tell About Race” featuring Robin DiAngelo. There are many others on YouTube. Check them out!
Every year, 100 state and community leaders attend the Colorado Capitol Conference to learn about our form of government and the legislative process. Here’s a brief video.
Diverse Fort Collins founder and executive director Katherine Valdez has accepted an invitation from the office of CSU President Joyce McConnell to join her delegation for the June 10-12 event!
“It will be an honor to represent our community at the Colorado Capitol Conference,” Valdez said. “I invite Diverse Fort Collins friends and community members to submit questions to ask our representatives in Congress. What’s top of mind for you?”
Submit your questions to DiverseFoCo@gmail.com or via social media on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
FoCo StartUp Week Highlights Diversity and Representation
If you missed the free sessions during Fort Collins Startup Week, here’s a glimpse of artist Gregg Deal’s Feb. 25 performance, “The Punk Pan-Indian Romantic Comedy.”
Deal told stories of growing up in a predominantly white Utah ski town, of his challenging relationship with his white father, and of finding his way as a Pyramid Lake Paiute artist. His style of memoir storytelling interspersed with punk music lyrics and song clips proved to be a powerful combination.
Check out the free exhibit of Deal’s art in the Duhesa Gallery, second floor of the Lory Student Center, Colorado State University.
The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind author visits Northern Colorado
William Kamkwamba, author of The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind, visited Windsor High School on Feb. 22 for the Clearview Reads event.
Congratulations to Diverse Fort Collins volunteers Jamie and Tom on receiving two tickets to this event!
SOCIAL MEDIA
Diverse Fort Collins achieved a milestone: 300 followers on Facebook! Thanks to you all for liking our posts about local and national news and events.
These were some of our most popular social media posts over the past couple of weeks:
Thank you to the 41 community members who attended the Feb. 23 Diverse Fort Collins book group!
We discussed Chapters 5-8 of Robin DiAngelo’s book White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism.
Trying something new this time, we divided into affinity groups (people of color and non-binary folks, white women, white men, white women and men, social justice and equity/diversity/inclusion advocates) and reviewed information from the author’s Reading Guide:
Principles for a constructive discussion (such as “a strong opinion is not the same as informed knowledge”)
Common patterns and responses (such as “Positioning themselves as already getting this/Giving evidence for why this discussion doesn’t apply to them: “I already know all this.” “I am married to/have children who are____” followed by distancing (rather than insight and recognition that this doesn’t exempt them and their learning is not finished).
Silence breakers (such as “I’m really nervous/scared/uncomfortable saying this and/but…”)
…and finally the Reading Guide chapter questions.
If you haven’t read the book yet, here are chapter titles to give you an idea of the content:
Chapter 5 The Good/Bad Binary (He’s not a racist. He is a really nice guy)
Chapter 6 Anti-Blackness
Chapter 7 Racial Triggers For White People
Chapter 8 The Result: White Fragility
Thank you to our wonderful volunteers and facilitators for helping make this a successful event:
Mia, Jessica, Jamie, Ricardo, David, Victoria, Kit, Kimberly, Tom, Katherine, and Mara.
Thanks again to Rev. Kimberly and American Baptist Church for the gift of this meeting space.
***RESCHEDULED TO MAY 17***Join us on March 22 at 2 p.m. for the final meeting. We’ll discuss Chapters 9-12.
Facilitators Jessica, Katherine, Mia, and Jamie from the January meeting will be joined by additional facilitators Victoria, David, and Ricardo at today’s book discussion. We look forward to seeing you!
Diverse Fort Collins followers, you’re seeing this first!
Enter this drawing to win two FREE tickets to the Clearview Reads event on Saturday, Feb. 22 featuring The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind author William Kamkwamba at Windsor High School!
Enter by submitting a comment in reply to this post. Deadline: Monday, Feb. 17 at 7:00 p.m. MST.
Happy Valentine’s Day! Be sure to tell a loved one how much you appreciate them.
We have so much great news to share with you.
Our Jan. 26 book discussion drew about 45 folks!
Thanks to all who joined us to discuss Chapters 1-4 of White Fragility: Why Its So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo.
We packed the upstairs Event Hall and the first floor with six small groups. Thank you to Mia, Jessica, Jamie, and Katherine for volunteering as “guides” for these discussions.
Did you attend the Jan. 20 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.March and Celebration? It was a beautiful day of camaraderie, social justice, inspiring speeches and performances.
Anna’s signWendell’s sign
MOST POPULAR POSTS
Here are a few of our most popular social media posts over the past few weeks.
Mark your calendar for the 28th Annual Powwow on May 2-3 at Northside Aztlan Community Center. Everyone is welcome! Support Northern Colorado Intertribal Powwow Association.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Diverse Fort Collins is a volunteer-driven community project that connects people with resources and each other.
Join us and make some new friends in Fort Collins!
Get out the vote! It’s important for everyone to vote. If you’d like to help Diverse Fort Collins with voter registration, email us at DiverseFoCo@gmail.com with “Voter Registration” in the subject line.
SPONSORSHIPS
If you’d like to help Diverse Fort Collins develop sponsorships to buy books for our book group, email DiverseFoCo@gmail.com with “Sponsorships” in the subject line.
That’s all for now! Enter your email in the Follow box for exclusive content and updates, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
We know some of you have gone through a rough couple of months over the holidays with unexpected financial hardship, illness and the like.
But it’s a new year, a new decade, and we’re grateful for all the good in our lives, including family and friends we can lean on during challenging times.
We’re ready to embrace what’s next!
The above two quotes summarize what’s been on our minds recently here at Diverse Fort Collins.
Both apply to efforts to advance racial equity, anti-racism, diversity, and equity & inclusion. Many challenges lie ahead, but together we can accomplish our goals, one of which is understanding each other better and making new friends of different cultures, identities and abilities.
Are you hopeful? We are!
RECENT NEWS
The new Diverse Fort Collins logo is now live on the website, and will soon be rolled out across our social media! Many thanks to graphic designer Grant Smith for designing this beautiful, dynamic logo that embodies the spirit of our mission and values: “All welcome. Let’s co-create an inclusive community! All cultures, identities and abilities.“
We stopped by the Dec. 14 Community Health Fair at Colorado State University’s Lory Student Center that featured tables hosted by U.S. Veterans Administration, Planned Parenthood, Rep. Joe Neguse, Colorado Universal Healthcare, and others.
Here are a few photos of posters displayed by Gerri and Julie at the table hosted by Colorado Foundation for Universal Health Care. Visit http://www.CoUniversalHealth.org for information.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Local activist Cindy participated in the 2019 Martin Luther King, Jr. march and celebration holding signs such as “How are you using your privilege and power to stand up for others? – Bernice King” and “Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressors; it must be demanded.” – MLK Jr. Photos by Diverse Fort Collins
It’s not just a day off from work. If you’re interested in co-creating a community in which everyone can thrive, bundle up, makes some new friends and educate yourself by participating at the Martin Luther King, Jr. event.
Join the march from Old Town Square to CSU, and the celebration at CSU’s Lory Student Center! Last year’s celebration included informative, inspiring presentations, and this year’s will be equally amazing. The theme: “Preservation to Manifestation” (“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”)
Jan. 26 Join us for an empowering Diverse Fort Collins Book Group discussion on the accessible first floor of Wolverine Farm Letterpress and Publick House: Chapters 1-4 of White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo.
We have three talented facilitators – Jamie, Jessica and Mia – who will guide small-group conversations during this event. Some groups will be geared toward teenagers, LGBTQIA+, people of color, etc. if there’s interest among attendees. Buy the paperback at Old Firehouse Books (20% discount if you mention this book group!) and expand your knowledge and social circles.
Porgy & Bess. Photo by The Metropolitan Opera.
Feb. 1 The Metropolitan Opera Met Live in HD will broadcast Porgy & Bess, featuring Fort Collins’ favorite opera singer and our friend Anthony P. McGlaun in the chorus! Field trip, anyone? We’re planning to watch this at Cinemark Greeley Mall.
Feb. 4 Hope for Todayevent at the Fort Collins Senior Center by NoCo SafeSpace. Hear a member of the LGBTQIA+ community (with lived experience of suicide and recovery) discuss: the signs of depression and suicide; risk ractors and warning signs, etc.
Would you like to volunteer? Write a guest commentary or be featured in a Community Member profile? As always, we’d love to hear from you. Email DiverseFoCo@gmail.com
Your friends at Diverse Fort Collins
All welcome. Let’s co-create an inclusive community! All cultures, identities and abilities
As this website develops, you’ll be able to see lists of community organizations, ethnic businesses (such as restaurants that specialize in the cuisine of other countries) and businesses owned by people of color; a land acknowledgment, a glossary of terms, a list of the wonderful people who are Diverse Fort Collins sponsors, advisers and volunteers (including those who will translate this welcome message into Arabic, French, German, Mandarin, Spanish, Russian, and other languages).
이 웹사이트는 지역사회 단체, 민족 기업(외국의 요리를 전문으로 하는 식당 등)과 유색인종들이 경영하는 사업들의 목록을 볼 수 있을 것입니다. 게다가 토지 인정서, 용어 사전 및 다채로운 포트 콜린스의 후원자, 고문, 자원 봉사자들의 목록 또한 열람 가능합니다. 이 목록에는 이 환영 메시지를 아랍어, 프랑스어, 독일어, 한국어, 중국어, 스페인어, 러시아어, 다른 언어로 번역해 주신 분들 또한 포함됩니다.
You’ll also be able to connect with new friends who want to expand their social circles through discussions and other events.
그리고 토론이나 다양한 행사를 통해 새로운 친구들과 연결되고 사회 영역을 확장할 수 있는 좋은 기회입니다.
A little about me: I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. My mom is from the Philippines and my dad (who is Mexican-American from Roswell, New Mexico) grew up in East L.A. I moved to Fort Collins in 2002, and though I was often aware that I was the only person of color in the room, it wasn’t until I attended the 2015 Multicultural Community Retreat and joined my workplace’s equity and inclusion team that I began making new friends of diverse backgrounds, identities, abilities and experiences.
저는 캘리포니아 로스앤젤레스에서 태어나 자랐습니다. 저희 어머니는 필리핀 출신이시며 아버지는 멕시코계 미국인 이시고 뉴멕시코주 로스웰 출신이십니다. 저희는 동 로스앤젤레스에서 살다가 2002년에 포트 콜린스로 이사했습니다. 그동안 보통은 제가 유일한 유색인이라고 생각하고 있었지만 2015년 다문화 커뮤니티 유향 여행 (Multicultural Community Retreat)에 참석하면서 다양한 배경, 정체성, 능력, 경험을 가진 새로운 친구들을 처음으로 사귀게 되었습니다.
My love of Fort Collins and my work in racial equity, diversity and inclusion inspired me to create Diverse Fort Collins.
포트 콜린스에 대한 저의 사랑과 인종적 형평성, 다양성, 포용력 덕분에 저는 다채로운 포트 콜린스를 만들어 낼 영감이 생겼습니다.
Our community lands on many top 10 lists for reasons we’ve all heard. On the flip side, many of my friends and colleagues who are people of color and I have had not-so-positive experiences. Some have experienced racism, racial profiling and discrimination. Some have been vocal; others silent. Some have moved away and returned; others will never return.
콜로라도는 많은 미국인들이 살고 싶어하는 지역 10위 안에 올라와 있습니다 (관련정보 클릭). 반면에 내 친구들, 동료들 중 많은 사람들은 유색인종이지만 이 곳에서의 긍정적인 경험이 많이 없었습니다. 일부 사람들은 인종차별, 인종 프로파일링 등과 같은 차별을 경험을 했습니다. 어떤 사람들은 목소리를 높였고 어떤 사람들은 침묵 했습니다. 어떤 사람들은 이사를 갔다가 돌아왔고 어떤 사람들은 절대 돌아오지 않을 것입니다.
On a happier note, I’m glad to see many businesses displaying signs such as “All Are Welcome Here” (Thank you, Toolbox Creative!) and “Safe Zone: This space respects all aspect of people, including race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, religion and ability” (Thank you, Happy Lucky’s Teahouse!)
매우 기쁜 소식으로는 “모두(모든 민족이) 여기에 온 것을 환영한다”와 “안전지대(Safe Zone): 이 장소는 인종, 민족, 성적 지향, 성별 표현, 나이, 종교, 능력 등 사람들의 모든 측면을 존중한다.”라는 간판을 내걸고 있는 기업들이 많아 지고 있다는 것입니다. Toolbox Creative와Happy Lucky’s Teahouse 이러한 메시지를 표현해 주셔서 감사합니다.
One opportunity to get involved in Diverse Fort Collins is by joining us for book group discussions. Read details about the next book group meeting on the Eventspage.
다채로운 포트 콜린스에 참여할 수 있는 또 다른 기회는 다채로운 포트 콜린스 독서회에서 책에 대해 함께 토론하는 것입니다. 이벤트 페이지에서 다음 독서회에 대한 정보를 찾을 수 있습니다.
Mention the Diverse Fort Collins Book Group at Old Firehouse Books to receive a 20 percent discount off the paperback. Book group selections feature fiction and nonfiction titles.
Firehouse Books에서 다채로운 포트 콜린스 독서회에 대해 말씀하시면 페이퍼백(paperback)을 20% 할인을 받으실 수 있습니다. 독서회에서는 픽션과 논픽션 책 항목 중에서 선택하실 수 있습니다.
If you like what Diverse Fort Collins is about, please consider supporting us with your time (volunteer) or money (sponsor)(watch for PayPal and other links coming soon.) We seek volunteers to help with strategic planning, event coordination, technology, sponsorships, writing guest commentaries, etc.
다채로운 포트콜린스의 목적과 임무가 마음에 드신다면 자원봉사자나 후원자로서 지원하는 것에 대해 고려해 보시길 부탁드립니다. 곧 페이팔 및 다른 링크들을 웹사이트에 넣을 것입니다. 전략적 계획, 행사 조정, 기술, 후원, 게스트 해설 작성 등에 도움을 주실 자원봉사자를 모집합니다.
Email DiverseFoCo@gmail.com if you’re interested, or if you have questions or comments. We’d love to hear from you.
Diverse Fort Collins 