Join us for a discussion of Chapters 9-12 of WHITE FRAGILITY by Robin DiAngelo on Sunday, May 17 from 2:00-3:30 p.m.
If you have not received and responded to an invitation via Hobnob, please REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT using the following link: https://forms.gle/kvFc7hoBurQbGpjbA
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, May 17 at 2:00 p.m.!
-We will send Zoom details via email the day of the event.
-If this is your first Zoom meeting, please sign in 10 minutes early.
-This discussion focuses on the book. As a courtesy to other attendees, if you have not completed the reading, please listen and observe.
-Please download the Reading Guide from RobinDiAngelo.com and have pen and paper handy to jot notes for the breakout sessions.
-See specific discussion questions below.
AGENDA
-Welcome & Introduction of Facilitators
-Review of Community Guidelines
-Zoom communication & technology tips
-Breakout Session 1 (Reading Guide Questions for Chapters 9-10)
-Report Back to Main Group
-Breakout Session 2 (Reading Guide Questions for Chapters 11-12)
-Report Back to Main Group
-Next Book Selection and Meeting Date
Questions we will discuss during the meeting, from the Reading Guide by Ozlem Sensoy and Robin DiAngelo (beacon.org/whitefragility):
Chapter 9
(#1) Why are white people more receptive to other white people (rather than people of color) educating them on race? What does this say about the role white people must play in addressing systemic racism in society broadly and specifically in our homes, with our friends and family members, and in our workplaces with our colleagues?
(#4) Now consider the assumptionsunderlying those claims on p. 121. Which ones have you held? Do you still hold some of these? If so, how do they function for you and what would it mean to you to shift them (what do you see yourself as having to “give up”)?
Chapter 10
(#3) DiAngelo presents these rules in a language of critique in order to reveal how they function. Of course, the “rules” are rarely explicitly expressed in this way. Consider what you hear white people say that communicates “do not give me feedback under any circumstances” etc.? Go through each of the eleven rules and share how you have heard these rules expressed in practice.
(#5) In your own words, what is problematic about common guidelines for building trust in discussions about racism (e.g. “don’t judge”)? How do these guidelines function? Who are they for? Whose comfort do they protect?
Chapter 11
(#1) The author opens this chapter with the story of a woman of color in a multiracial group stating that she did not want to be subjected to white women’s tears. Why were white women asked not to cry in the group?
(#6) White women often assume a shared sisterhood with women of color. What is problematic about this assumption?
(#8) The author writes, “Since many of us have not learned how racism works and our role in it, our tears may come from shock and distress about what we didn’t know or recognize. For people of color, our tears demonstrate our racial insulation and privilege” (pp. 135-36). Discuss this passage and the ways that white emotional distress and shock (tears, defensiveness, anger grief) shape conversations on racism. What do these dynamics reveal about the sociopolitical function of emotions?
Chapter 12
(#4) If we accept that racism is always operating, the question becomes not “Isracism taking place?” but rather, “How is racism taking place in this specific context? How does awareness of that change how we think about our lives and our actions?
(#7) Discuss the suggestions for continuing the work of antiracism. Which are the most challenging? How can you meet those challenges?
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
Diverse Fort Collins 