Unity Forum 9-16-18

Meeting Notes

These notes document the key discussion themes of white privilege, various on-going unifying efforts from existing groups and personal plans for increasing unity from those in attendance.

 

  • Discussion
    • International Events as examples
      • Experienced a great program in Florida involving schools
        • Food and culture from other countries
      • MOBAP cultural themed events
    • GlenEd Food Pantry – supported by multiple churches
    • Faith Coalition
      • Restor Decor turns furniture donations into funds for programs, etc

 

  • Examples of Disunity
    • White privilege
      • Not a level playing field
      • White experience is considered the normal default and other groups as different or alternate
      • Everyone not always aware of other group’s sensitivities
    • Prominent political figures racial insensitivity
    • Easy to focus on few events of disunity and discount all the positive efforts

 

  • Examples of Unity
    • Church examples of supporting diversity shared
    • Hosting potlucks
    • International food event at library park
    • A music event at a park to celebrate unity

 

  • Challenges to Unity
    • “Over 30 churches in the Edwardsville area” (comment not verified), potentially lack a sense of community between them
    • Religion concepts can turn secular individuals/groups away
    • People think they’re on their own, not always considering the needs of larger community
    • Fear of insulting – not having open dialogue
    • Limited personal time
    • Multiple competing activities
      • Families schedules are full with existing sports of school activities

 

  • Personal action
    • Attend an existing event, if you aren’t able to host
    • Reach out to friends to tell about the Edwardsville Unity group
    • Be friends with people of different backgrounds
      • Meet various background from work relationships
      • Step out of comfort zone
      • Don’t be afraid of what you don’t know
        • Be open to learning
      • Be sensitive that how you say that could impact others
    • Offer hospitality – share a meal with different groups
    • Donate time and money to groups supporting unity
    • Teach children about equality and being aware of injustice
      • Create unity in your personal family
    • Consider humanity as one family
      • Family may have different perspectives but common foundation

 

  • Group action
    • Participate in other like-minded group events
    • Unveil community art project at library
    • Continue hosting forums

 

  • Upcoming Events
    • Paint the hate away – Action MetroEast
      • Collinsville building with hate graffiti
      • 2890 Black Lane, Collinsville
      • Sept 22, 12-5 PM
    • International potluck at LeClare potluck
      • Friday, Oct 12 6 PM