This is SURJ Sonoma County's first "Study & Action Group for Racial Justice" – join us!
Want to join this first cohort? Register for the group here
In this 6-week cohort, create a learning circle of friends and neighbors who are committed to reading, sharing, and taking action to dismantle white supremacy in Sonoma County and beyond. Together as a group, we will investigate themes of whiteness, allyship, and collective liberation – and define what it means to show up for racial justice.
Weekly on Thursdays for 6 weeks
April 26 – May 31, 2018
6: 30 – 8:30 PM
Meeting location in Downtown Cotati
Suggested Donation: $20 - $30 – no one turned away for lack of funds
Questions? Email Molly or Lillie at info@surjsonomacounty.org
How does it work?
Before meeting, we will complete a reading, gather our thoughts, or watch a video or two. At each meeting, we will gather for a potluck meal and a group discussion at a private meeting space in Downtown Cotati. Through sharing stories, knowledge, and experiences, the goal of our group's work is to help identify next steps for each of us to take action and show up for racial justice – in Sonoma County and beyond.
The group will be co-facilitated by two of our SURJ Sonoma County community members. They will provide pre-meeting notes and provide an agenda of each gathering. Within that context, the work, discussions, and outcomes will be co-created by the group.
Is this a book club – or something else?
More than a book club or reading group, the goal of Study & Action is to take our personal and collective learning, and move it towards action in our community...
As SURJ Bay Area explains, after leading many similar groups, "Why Study & Action? SURJ Bay Area acknowledges that political education – workshops, trainings, discussions – along with action is necessary to bring about the changes needed to dismantle white supremacy. We are also responding to Black people’s longstanding call for white people, in large numbers, to talk, study and take action with each other so we can confront white supremacy in our workplaces, schools, with our families and throughout our lives. "
Is this for you?
Do you want to dive into conversation and learning about the past history and current reality of racial injustice in our country, so you can be a part of change? Are you looking for other folks in our community who are committed to challenging racism? Would you like to learn how and where to take action locally and beyond? This is for you.
Ideally, participants have had an introduction to the group Showing Up for Racial Justice, so that all are able to join with a shared understanding of SURJ core values.
Is this only for white folks?
No, this group is open to anyone interested in cultivating their anti-racist identity and open to exploring the role of whiteness as a part of that.
The group is organized by members of our local chapter of Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ). This national organization was started in 2009 in the midst of the racial backlash to President Obama's first inauguration. It was formed in response to the call from People of Color for white folks to start organizing within white communities. SURJ's organizing is focused on moving more white people to take action as part of a multi-racial majority for collective liberation.
Why the suggested donation?
A one-time donation of $20-30 is requested to cover the basic rental cost for our group's meeting space. All extra funds will be pooled to make a collective donation to an organization or group, as determined by the participants in the group. Please note that no one turned away for lack of funds.
A donation basket will be available at each meeting to contribute to this collective fund.
What are the dates of each meeting?
The group will meet on Thursdays for 6 weeks, starting on April 26, 2018.
– April 26
– May 3
– May 10
– May 17
– May 24
– May 31
Questions? Email Molly or Lillie at info@surjsonomacounty.org
