EmpowerLit

EmpowerLit is a virtual book club with weekly email check-ins. As we grow and add members, we will gather online spaces to discuss monthly book picks.

We celebrate and embrace diversity and read across all genres from fiction to nonfiction.

Authors & Artists We Support:

We prioritize authors and stories of BIPOC and marginalized individuals from diverse cultural, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds with various religious affiliations, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Themes We Prioritize:

• Identity & Belonging
• Racial Injustice & Equality
• Historical Trauma & Resilience
• Intersectionality
• Mental Health & Healing
• Love, Relationships, & Family Dynamics
• Cultural Heritage & Traditions
• Community & Solidarity
• Cultural Representation & Visibility
• Activism & Resistance
• Environmental Justice & Climate Change

Attendance and Participation Rules

To ensure a welcoming, respectful, and productive environment for all members, we’ve established the following guidelines for attendance and participation:

1. Commitment to Regular Attendance

• Be Present: We ask that members attend meetings regularly to fully engage with the discussions and contribute to the club’s growth.
• Notify in Advance: If you’re unable to attend a meeting, please notify the group or organizer as early as possible. We understand that life happens, but communication helps us plan better.
• Respect Meeting Times: Be mindful of the start and end times of meetings. Arriving on time shows respect for everyone’s time and allows us to get the most out of our discussions.

2. Active Participation

• Engage with the Book: To ensure meaningful discussions, it’s important that members read the book or engage with the art (as applicable) before each meeting. Your perspective and insights matter and your participation makes the discussions richer.
• Respectful Contributions: Everyone is encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas. Please listen respectfully and allow others to speak. We value diverse opinions and encourage thoughtful, open dialogue.
• Be Open to Diverse Perspectives: We are here to learn from one another. It’s important to approach discussions with an open mind, especially when exploring sensitive or complex topics related to race, identity, and social justice.

3. Respect and Inclusivity

• Create a Safe Space: Our club is a space for everyone to share without fear of judgment. We expect members to be respectful of differing opinions and experiences, particularly when it comes to sensitive issues surrounding race, identity, and community.
• Zero Tolerance for Discrimination: Any form of racism, sexism, homophobia, or other forms of discrimination will not be tolerated. We strive to foster a space of mutual respect and inclusivity for all members.
• Encourage Thoughtful Dialogue: Disagreements are welcome, but they must be handled with respect and a willingness to understand where others are coming from.

5. Confidentiality and Trust

• Respect Privacy: Anything shared within the club, especially personal experiences or stories, should be kept within the group. Trust is essential to creating an open and supportive environment.
• Safe Sharing: If discussing sensitive personal experiences or challenging topics, please do so with care and sensitivity toward others' comfort levels.

6. Respect for Time and Structure

• Follow the Agenda: To make our meetings productive and respectful of everyone’s time, we’ll follow a set agenda. We encourage everyone to stay on topic and respect the structure of the meeting.
• Be Mindful of Time: Ensure that everyone has the chance to contribute by being mindful of time when sharing your thoughts. Let others have the opportunity to speak and be heard.

7. Foster a Positive Atmosphere

• Be Supportive: We encourage a positive, encouraging atmosphere where members support each other’s growth, learning, and personal development.
• Constructive Criticism: If offering feedback or critique, please do so constructively and kindly. The goal is to uplift each other and grow together as a community.

By adhering to these rules, we can create a space that is welcoming, inclusive, and impactful. Let’s work together to build a community that values learning, action, and positive change for

I hope you consider joining the bookclub and growing with us as we engage with literary art through thoughtful and productive critical exploration.