Envision Arlington Diversity Task Group
Spring 2019 Events
Respond and Prevent: A Dialogue about Addressing Hate Incidents in Our Schools
A Dialogue for APS Families, Teachers, and Staff
Thursday, May 16th
6:30PM-8:30PM
Location: Bishop Elementary School Gym, 25 Columbia Rd, Arlington, MA
Please join us for a special dialogue to discuss how APS families, teachers, and staff can address, respond, and prevent incidents of hate and bias in our schools.
When incidents of hate, such as hate symbol graffiti, occur in our community, one of the first questions many people ask is, “What should we tell the children?” This interactive forum will provide educators, family members and other interested community members with guidance and recommendations for addressing hate incidents with our students. It will also explore ways that families and community members can partner with and support our schools to help prevent and respond to school-based incidents.
This program will be moderated by Stacy Davison, an Arlington resident with two children in the Arlington Public Schools, who for nearly two decades has served our community, as a former member of the Arlington Human Rights Commission, Ottoson Middle School Building Respect Task Group, Arlington Superintendent’s Diversity Advisory Committee and facilitator for a community dialogue series called Race and Place. Stacy has facilitated anti-bias training programs for the Anti-Defamation League’s A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute since 2000. She launched and managed ADL New England’s anti-bias program for educators and family members of preschool children. She has an MA in Intercultural Relations from Lesley University and is a certified mediator.
Sponsored by the Arlington Human Rights Commission and the Bishop Diversity and Inclusion Group
TO RSVP:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeRCD12YBd4fXQmX_b9IVpzYAvJNmRTVkiZIyqgKtmsnwklOQ/viewform
April 30th: Courageous Conversations: Talking to our children about race with Dr. Liza Talusan
SAVE THE DATE: April 30th, 7-9 PM
More Courageous Conversations: Talking to our children about race with Dr Liza Talusan
Hosted by : APS Diversity & Inclusion Groups & the AHRCLocation: Brackett Elementary School Auditorium
To register: http://tinyurl.com/CC2-register
This is the second time we are having Dr. Talusan speak in Arlington. You are welcomed and encouraged to see an interview with her about the first workshop by going here:https://acmi.tv/videos/talk-of-the-town-liza-talusan/
Please note that while these talks work well together attendance to the first workshop is unnecessary to attend this one.
Spread the word and invite your friends from our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1808483885919928/
Reclaiming Our Park: A Community Gathering at Magnolia Park
Organizers: Arlington Muslim parents, Cavalry Church, Park Avenue Congregational Church
Sunday, April 7th at 4 pm. Bring a nut-free snack to share!
Following a hate graffiti incident at Magnolia Park the day after the Christchurch mosque attacks, we will gather to joyfully reclaim the park for all Arlingtonians to enjoy.
This family-friendly event will include moments of reflection on the importance of inclusiveness in our community, opportunities to connect with new friends, a fun activity for kids, and a resource sheet to help adults educate themselves and their families on white supremacist messaging.
Bring a nut free snack to share with you neighbors and meet us at the playground to reclaim our park.
“Inclusion Day:” Friday, March 22nd.
The men of The ManKind Project in New Zealand are holding an “Inclusion Day” this Friday, March 22nd.
On that day, those men will speak to those they meet, asking them, “What makes you unique, and a gift to the world?”
We ask you to participate in “Inclusion Day,” not only in support of New Zealand, but in terms of creating awareness of the value of diversity everywhere, and fostering pride.
Some men of the ManKind Project in the USA have signed on to do the same. More countries will likely join in.
So, on Friday, ask yourself and others: “What makes you unique, and a gift to this world?”
Winter 2019 Events
EnVISIONing a Socially Just World: WORKSHOP FOR YOUTH
A two-part youth workshop.
Saturday, March 16 and March 30 • 10 am to 2 pm • Winchester High School, 80 Skillings Rd,, Winchester
As part of the Winchester Multicultural Network’s ongoing commitment to Winchester’s next generation of social justice leaders, the Network will be sponsoring a two-part workshop geared toward youth. The workshop will be facilitated by VISIONS, Inc., an organization celebrated for its change-oriented approach to diversity and inclusion work.
Trained VISIONS, INC facilitators Mayra Rodriguez-Howard and Jamila Capitman will lead this year’s workshop.
Arlington Reads Together in March, Libraries Go Fine Free
March is Arlington Reads Together Month
Check out events, programs, and book discussions of this year’s community read “Refugee,” by Alan Gratz. View full information.
Arlington’s Libraries are Now Fine Free
Arlington joins a growing national trend by removing overdue fines on materials borrowed at the Robbins Library and Fox Branch Library. Read more information.
Winter 2017 Events
Post Immigration Myths Forum
Tuesday, May 8th, from 7-8:30 PM
Robbins Library Community Room
This event is sponsored by the Arlington-Teosinte Sister City Project and the International Institute of New England
Free community forum that explores common questions about the impact of immigration on the US economy, jobs, and public safety.
For information please contact Beth Soltzberg at bethsoltzberg@gmail.com
“Wonder” Read-Aloud
March 2, 9, 16, and 23, from 3:00-4:00 pm
Robbins Library Children’s Area
Drop-in, for all ages.
Robbins Library Book Discussion Group
Monday, March 5, at 7:00 pm
Robbins Library Community Room
The group will be discussing Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Guys Book Group
Thursday, March 8, at 7:30 pm
Fox Branch Library
The group will be discussing Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Contact moderator Brad McKenna for details (bradley.mckenna@gmail.com)
Teen Early Release Movie: “Perks of Being a Wallflower”
Tuesday, March 6, from 2:00- 4:00 pm
Robbins Library Community Room
This coming-of-age story explores themes of mental health, friendship, and empathy for others in a time of need.
Snacks and drinks will be provided
This event is for grades 6 to 12
“Wonder” Book Discussion for Kids and Grownups
Thursday, March 8, from 3:30-4:30 pm
Robbins Library Community Room
Kids in grades 4 and up are invited to bring their adults to a discussion of the Arlington Reads Together title “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio
KINDNESS ROCKS at Fox
Friday, March 9 from 3:00-4:30 pm
Fox Library Community Room
Kindness Rocks is a project that started to randomly spread kindness by painting small, flat rocks with inspiring messages.
For kids of all ages.
LEARN MORE at thekindessrocksproject.org
KICKOFF EVENT: Bringing ‘Wonder’ to Life with Sam Drazin
Saturday, March 10 from 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Robbins Library Community Room
Sam Drazin will be sharing his experience growing up and as a teacher with Treacher Collins syndrome.
This event is generally appropriate for middle school aged children and adults; younger children may attend at parents’ discretion.
Please RSVP HERE
“Wonder” Book Discussions for Adults
Wednesday, March 7, from 7:00 – 8:00 pm, Fox Branch Community Room
Friday, March 16, from 12:00 – 1:30 pm, Robbins Library Conference Room
Monday, March 19, from 7:00 – 8:30 pm, Robbins Library Community Room
Refreshments served at all book discussions
PLUGGED iN TO LiFE iTSELF
Wednesday, March 14, from 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Doors open at 6:30 and the film begins at 7
Robbins Library Community Room
The documentary Life Itself explores Roger Ebert’s career as a film critic and his battles with cancer and the resulting physical disability.
Not-So-Young Adult Book Group
Wednesday, March 14, 7:00 pm
Robbins Library Conference Room
The group will be discussing I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez
This is a book group for adults, but they read books written for teens
6th Grade Book Club Reads Wonder
Thursday, March 15, from 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Robbins Library Conference Room
Discussion and papercraft activity based on the book Wonder.
Refreshments will be provided. Sign up HERE
Shine Your Light! An Open Mic Night for Arlington
Friday, March 16, 7:00-9:00 pm
(special after-hours event)
Fox Branch Library Community Room
Questions to Fox Branch Librarian Anna Litten at alitten@minlib.net or 781-316-3196
Teen KINDNESS ROCKS
Tuesday, March 20, from 3:30 – 5:30 pm
Robbins Teen Area
Kindness Rocks is a project that started to randomly spread kindness by painting small, flat rocks with inspiring messages.
This event is for grades 6 to 12.
Teen Zine Workshop w/ Desiree Alaniz
Tuesday, March 27 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm
Robbins Teen Area
This event is for grades 6 to 12
Robbins Library Queer Book Group/Social
Wednesday, March 28, from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Robbins Library Conference Room
This month QBG will be watching the web series 195 Lewis.
New members always welcome!
Email or call Rob at rlorino@minlib.net or 781-316-3226 with questions.
WRAP-UP EVENT: “Wonder”: The Challenge of Difference – presented in partnership with Facing History and Ourselves
Thursday, March 29, from 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Robbins Library Community Room
A community discussion of empathy, identity, perspective, and the range of human behavior through poetry, video, and multimodal discussion strategies
This program is suitable for middle school age youth and adults
Envision Arlington Diversity Task Group
Fall 2017 Events
Stories of Reaching Across Class Differences: True Story Theater
Saturday, October 14 from 7:30 pm – 9:15 pm
The Arlington Center – Yoga Studios
369 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington, MA
True Story Theater addresses how class differences affect our relationships.
Event costs between $5 and $20.
How to Be an Effective Citizen Lobbyist: Senator Cindy Friedman and Colleen Kirby
Monday September 18, from 7-9
First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington; in the Vestry
630 Mass Ave, Arlington Center
Event is welcome and free to all!
This workshop is perfect for any concerned citizen who would like to learn how to be persuasive when speaking with legislators and influence government decisions.
*This event is specific to reform for the justice system in MA, but the principles can be applied to other issues.
QUESTIONS? Contact end-mass-incarceration@firstparish.info
Envision Arlington Diversity Task Group
Spring 2016 Events
Arlington Reads Together Kick off with Nicole Maines: You are Part of the Story
Saturday March 4, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.
Arlington Town Hall
Event is free and open to the public but registration is suggested
Stories of Welcoming: Brought to life by True Story Theater
A free community event! Thursday, December 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The Medford Public Library, Community Room
111 High Street, Medford MA
Murder, Policing and Race a discussion on two authors perspectives. Monday, November 21 7-9 p.m. at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington 630 Mass. Ave. in Arlington Center, in the Parlor.
A Book Discussion on “Blindspot: The Hidden Biases of Good People” – Thurs., June 2, 2016, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington ( the Stanton Parlor) , 630 Massachusetts Avenue in Arlington Center
LGBT Senior Healthy Aging Panel – Thur., May 5, 7 – 8 PM, Arlington Senior Center, 27 Maple Street.
Join an informative panel discussion and Q&A with professionals on personal safety, LGBT, senior housing, safe sex, Medicare, mental health issues
“Stories of Stigmas” – Tues., May 10, 7:00 – 8:45 pm, at Robbins Library Community Room
With True Story Theater, explore aspects of feeling stigmatized – or stigmatizing others.
“Meet Fannie Barrier Williams” – Wednesday, May 18, 7 to 8:30 pm at Robbins Library Community Room, 700 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington. High school students are welcome to attend.
Fannie Barrier Williams (1855-1944) grew up in Brockport, N.Y., where black and white children were educated together and freely visited each other’s homes. Imagine Fannie’s surprise and distress when she moved to the South to teach.
“Being An Active Bystander” – Wed., May 25, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, at Arlington Center for the Arts
With True Story Theater and facilitator, learn skills and practice responses to incidents of injustice.
Photography Exhibit -“Stereotypes: A Conscious Look at Race, Faith, Gender and Orientation” Mon., March 7 – Fri., April 15;
With Arlington Center for the Arts, we bring photographer Kevin Briggs’ powerful work to Arlington.
“Identity in Arlington and ‘Americanah’” Tues., Mar. 22, 7:00 – 8:30 pm in Robbins Library Community Room. Diversity Task Group co-sponsoring with Robbins Library.
This panel discussion featuring Arlingtonians will explore the many forces that impact the creation of one’s identity: culture, race, gender, class and personal will.
“Unconscious Bias” Thurs., April 7, 7:00 pm at Arlington Town Hall
We all have biases toward and against other people, especially those different from us. We’ll explore how those biases affect all aspects of our society, and what we can do about them. Presenter: Christopher Dial, Lab Manager, Social Cognition Lab, Harvard University.
Embrace diversity and celebrate individuality – 2016 AIFF Poster Contest & Reception on Thur., Apr. 21, 7 PM at the ACA, 41 Foster Street.
Join us for music & refreshments. All poster submissions will be on display and the winning poster will be unveiled.
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