We read together to build empathy & understanding, challenge censorship and the status quo, to learn from those who have come before us, and to discuss and build for the democracy we want to live in.

Guidelines for participation

Listen to and use people’s correct pronouns. If pronouns are not shared, use a person’s name.
Speak only for yourself. Use "I" and be aware that your perspective is neither everyone's nor the 'normal' perspective.
Embrace multiple perspectives to engage in curiosity-driven dialogue (not debate). Have compassion for and honor people’s varied journeys while respecting their humanity. The goal of dialogue is not to change a mind, but to offer and receive perspectives for consideration and curiosity.
Do note that racism, bigotry, and all other forms of oppression are not a difference of opinion and will not be tolerated.
Be aware of the privilege, oppression, and life experiences you carry and how they might impact your discussion process.
Share the air. Be aware of how much you are talking versus listening. Even those who have not read the titles have perspectives and questions that will benefit all.
Interrupt attempts to derail. Oftentimes, discomfort is so great that we immediately attempt to change the conversation to something that feels more comfortable: Work to stay engaged when you feel uncomfortable and make mistakes.
Acknowledge intent while addressing impact. Understand that intent does not equal impact and acknowledge the impact of something that was said or done during the conversation by addressing ideas and not individuals.
Interrupt bias and take feedback by calling in and not calling out. It is everybody's responsibility to hold one another accountable, while also recognizing that everyone is still learning. This is not a place for value judgments, but one of learning and growing
"Ouch" and "oops" are words that can be spoken to mark moments when you recognize something oppressive is said ("ouch") or you notice a mistake that you've made ("oops").

Sources

American Library Association, Association for Library Services for Children. “Community Agreements”. Accessed 20 July 2025: https://www.ala.org/sites/default/files/alsc/content/aboutalsc/governance/hndbk/ALS%20Community%20Agreements%2011.2020.pdf
GSAFE. “Sample Group Agreements.” Accessed 20 July 2025: https://www.gsafewi.org/wp-content/uploads/Sample-Group-Agreements.pdf
Kruse, Ginny Moore and Kathleen T. Horning. “CCBC Book Discussion Guidelines,” 1989. Accessed: https://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/literature-resources/ccbc-book-discussions/ccbc-book-discussion-guidelines/ 20July 2025
National Seed Project. “Resources.” Accessed 20 July 2025: https://www.nationalseedproject.org/how-seed-works/resources
Ross, Loretta. Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You’d Rather Cancel. Simon & Schuster, 2025. Media overview: https://lorettajross.com/media https://d1hbl61hovme3a.cloudfront.net/assets_us/calling-in-reading-group-guide-final-version.pdf

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