On October 11 at 3 p.m., the Elmwood Park Advocate will hold our monthly “Community Conversation” and build off the previous discussion that we had about migration and belonging.
It will take place in the Ferrentino Meeting Room at the Elmwood Park Public Library.
At a time when many residents in the community feel overwhelmed by the chaos and upheaval that surrounds us in the Chicagoland area and in this country, how do people think neighbors should check in with each other locally and support their neighbors? Rather, what makes residents recoil at the thought of engagement on contentious matters that affect everyone?
How do neighbors recognize their shared responsibility to co-exist with one another and deal with feelings of indifference, mistrust, suspicion, or contempt that get in the way of community building?
Invite your family, friends, or neighbors, and we’ll see you at 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, in the Ferrentino Meeting Room.
Our previous “Community Conversation” had the highest attendance yet. It demonstrated that the Elmwood Park Advocate’s use of the meeting room to connect with residents and gather news also provides a clear community benefit. So many in the room shared personal heartfelt stories about their time in Elmwood Park.
Part of what made that gathering extraordinary was the peace circle that Silvia Rogel incorporated into the discussion. We will sit in a circle again to make sure everyone feels welcome when expressing their thoughts and ideas.
These gatherings are an essential part of what we do. They give us a better sense of what’s important to residents and help us develop credibility as a newsletter. Our meetings also transcend the typical partisan divisions that often stand in the way of dialogue in online spaces.
We look forward to seeing you on October 11 at 3 p.m.
*Note: The Elmwood Park Public Library has permitted resident-led groups to use meeting spaces as a community service. The Library neither sponsors nor endorses this event, the speaker(s) or the organization.