Given the upcoming Presidential Inauguration and inspired by the Women's March movement, we see our communities are hurting and scared. We are confronted with the question of how to move forward in the face of national and international concern and fear.

We do have a choice. And together, we choose to be UNAFRAID. To stand united. To pray with courage. To see hope. We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families, recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country.

Join us. This is an inclusive gathering for all people. We welcome those of all faiths, beliefs and background. We welcome those of all nationalities and all sexualities. Together, we are a beautiful, messy tapestry that through grace and with courage, can change the world, together.

In the spirit of democracy and in honor of the champions of human rights, dignity, and justice who have come before us, we join in diversity to show our presence. This gathering recognizes that defending the most marginalized among us is defending all of us.

Come. Be UNAFRAID with us.
*****RSVP: http://bit.ly/BentonvilleGathers
(though RSVP is not required)

*****HASHTAG

#WeAreUnafraid

*****VOLUNTEERS
Want to get involved? We need you! We are looking for partners and volunteers to help with: outreach, media, photography, singing, and food. Check out the full listing of opportunities and sign up: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0849a9a62babfc1-volunteer. Contact co-host Whitney Fortin with any questions.

*****TO BRING

- Wear purple.

- No need to bring signs. We will provide them.  

- Bring a smile and an open heart.

*****PROGRAM

10:00 | We unite in peace.

A Gathering Song

10:10 | We pray in courage.

10:20 | We see hope.

10:30 | Meet Your Neighbor

10:45 | We choose to be unafraid.

Song

Closing

*****PRESS RELEASE AND OUTREACH LANGUAGE
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B4VXFlWXvBs4EBj53_sKcoSdCebGHb2UNGmijJ0u0Vg/edit?usp=sharing

*****RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

- We are nonpartisan. We will not promote or disparage any party, person, politician, policy or platform. This is about connecting and building bridges among our community, neighbor with neighbor.

- We will keep the event family friendly.

- We will use no violence (physical or verbal) towards any person.

- We will not destroy or damage property.

- We will promote a tone of respect, honesty, transparency, and accountability in our actions.

- We will not carry anything that can be construed as a weapon, nor possess (or consume) any alcohol or drugs.

- We will pick-up and discard any trash.

- We ask you not bring signs or banners. We will have signs available on-site.

- We respect you. Please respect our organizers and volunteers. All are working to use their best judgement in hosting this event for our NWA community.

You are a part of 'we'. We will all hold each other accountable to respecting these agreements.

Thank you!

Wanda Austin-Wingood, Whitney Fortin, Monica Kumar, Juanita Olivares Franklin, Casey Weatherford and Alex 'Rampy' Bornkessel

************************

Facebook event (for live updates): https://www.facebook.com/events/151822745310898/

Website: https://www.unafraidbentonville.com/