Dear Friends,
In preparation for our special business meeting on September 24 to consider AFM’s path forward on our Retrospective and Restorative Justice Fund, my clerk support committee and I encourage you to attend a special presentation and discussion on September 10, 1-3.
Journeying toward Justice and Repair
Lynda Davis, co-facilitator of the Coming to the Table (CTTT) Annapolis Local Affiliate Group, will give a short presentation that will, among other things, give us a common understanding of what is meant by Retrospective Justice and Restorative Justice. After the presentation, Lynda and co-facilitator Jean Christianson will guide us through some related queries using a circle process (not unlike Worship Sharing). This event will be an opportunity to learn, share deeply, and listen with open hearts and minds as we continue to discern AFM’s role in addressing systemic racism.
Lynda’s initial presentation will help us conceptualize aspects of and approaches to justice and repair, preparing us to share thoughts and feelings during the circle process that will follow. Guidelines for the circle process (below and attached) will be reviewed together before our sharing. Queries proposed for our reflection are also below and attached for your consideration. We do not expect you to have fully-formed responses to the queries before we gather. The suggested readings are offered for consideration to expand our understanding of topics Lynda presents. These can be read in preparation for and/or as a follow-up to our time together.
A simple lunch will be provided after 11 am Meeting for Worship. Contact Karen at clerk@annapolisfriends.org if you would like to contribute food for the simple lunch. Please also let me know if you have dietary restrictions and plan to attend.
The presentation and discussion will be blended (in-person and by Zoom). The Zoom meeting will start at 1 pm. The Zoom link is on the calendar.
Queries are below. Please reach out with any questions.
Karen C.
*Queries
- We have all done harm. We would like you to choose a harm that stems from, or supports, systemic racism. It can be something that you were directly or indirectly responsible for causing, or it could be a harm done to you. What is an action that the perpetrator of that specific harm, or that type of harm, could do to promote healing and repair?
- If microaggressions are “small, everyday behaviors that bolster white supremacy and other forms of systemic oppression,” what might micro-reparations look like?
*Please note: These queries were adapted from the questions posed in the article entitled Divesting from White Supremacy: Reparations as the Next Phase of Benjamin Lay’s Prophetic Vision. You are not expected to have fully-formed responses to the queries before we gather.
Optional Readings
- Quakers and Reparations for Slavery and Jim Crow – Friends Journal.
- Reparationists are the new Abolitionists.
- Divesting from White Supremacy: Reparations as the Next Phase of Benjamin Lay’s Prophetic Vision.
During the Circle process, we’ll use the “Communication Guidelines for a Brave Space” created by AWARE-LA. For more information about AWARE-LA visit: www.awarela.org.
- Welcome multiple viewpoints: Speak from your own experience by using “I statements.” Ask questions to understand the sources of disagreements.
- Own your intentions and your impacts: Respect each other’s experiences and feelings by taking responsibility for the effects of your words. On the other side, if you have a strong reaction to something, let the group know. Be open to dialogue. [When something harmful happens, be ready to name it then. When somebody names a harm, be ready to listen (added by Lynda)]
- Work to recognize your privileges: Use this space to recognize and investigate your privileges (for example: class, gender, sexual orientation, ability). Honor the different experiences we all bring to this space.
- Take risks: Lean into discomfort: We are all in process. Challenge yourself to contribute even if it is not perfectly formulated.
- Make Space: Share speaking time and try to speak after others who have not spoken.
- Notice and name group dynamics in the moment: We are all responsible for this space. Be aware of how others are responding or not responding. Ask for a “time out” or dialogue if needed.
- Actively listen: Use your energy to listen to what is said before thinking about how to respond. Notice when defensiveness and denial arise.
- Challenging with care: Find ways to respectfully challenge others and be open to challenges of your own views. Think about how to question ideas without personal attacks.
- Confidentiality: Share the message, not the messenger.
- Break it down: Use simple language and background information when necessary. Ask for clarification if needed.