2021 WWFOR Fall Retreat

2021 WWFOR Fall Retreat

Saturday, November 13, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., on ZOOM

Bridging Our Differences

Civility First …. So We Can Work Together

Western Washington Fellowship of Reconciliation (WWFOR) presents its annual Fall Retreat, this year in partnership with Civility First.

SCHEDULE | REGISTRATION OPTIONS | AFTERNOON WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
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For Zoom Connection information see Zoom info for Nov 13 WWFOR Fall Retreat – Western Washington Fellowship of Reconciliation https://wwfor.org/zoom-info-for-nov-13-wwfor-fall-retreat/

Civility First is a group of citizens on Whidbey Island who represent a wide range of political views. They came together in 2016 to repudiate the divisive language and hate speech permeating our society. (see civilityfirst.org )

At this retreat we will participate in the Civility First workshop “Bridging Our Differences”, then consider how we can use this approach with communicating about social justice issues we work on.

RETREAT SCHEDULE

9am (PST) – Welcome and Introductions

9:45—Civility First workshop

11:15—Next Steps – Breakout Rooms

11:35—break

12N—Peace Bus presentation

12:25—Workshops (please state preferences at registration)

   Civility First Q&A , Critical Race Theory, Houseless Advocacy

1:25—Report back & closing

2—Goodbye

SCHEDULE | REGISTRATION OPTIONS | AFTERNOON WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
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MORNING WORKSHOP CIVILITY FIRST 9:45 a.m.

conducted by Civility First leaders Kate Brady and Sandi Peterson, who have engaged folks with seemingly opposing views in uncomfortable but sympathetic conversation.

The Peace Bus: presentation 12 noon

Peace BusTacoma native Kwabi Amoah-Forson, founder of The Peace Bus, recently returned from his Peace Bus journey across the U.S. stopping in many locations along the way in a month long trek. During this journey, he gave away many hundreds of books to children and youth in his Manifest Humanity quest to eventually talk with President Biden about the critical need for world peace. Two years ago, Kwabi and friends traveled to the border of Mexico. “We were doing  podcasts and interviews with people about peace and what it means to them. We also gave out socks and blankets to people in need along the way! Watch our shows on YouTube TV: https://youtu.be/I9-0hu6b91I.”  The Peace Bus website is https://www.thepeacebus.org

AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS

AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS [12:25 – 1:25 p.m.]*

* All afternoon programs will go on simultaneously, with attendees assigned to a “room” according to their stated preference. Please indicate your workshop choice when registering.

Q&A session with Civility First presenters exploring issues which emerged in the morning program. Spend another hour moving into the possibilities of “common ground” with experienced guides who have seen positive engagement emerge from cautious first meetings. Honesty and a safe environment foster moving conversations.

What is Critical Race Theory, and how do we talk about it?  Led by Rebecca (Beck) Diamond
Critical Race Theory is not actually one theory but a breadth of Black and Brown Authored Scholarship. This has provided voice and documentation that contributes to a larger archive of the Black experience. Examine ways Americans of all backgrounds, identities, and ways of being have been represented, and the ways that this has impacted how white people think about black people and how black and brown people think about themselves.
Beck Diamond is a mother, artist, and activist on Whidbey Island. She is the founder and Artistic Director of Meander Dance Collective and works with other non-profit organizations on Whidbey Island. She holds a Masters in Cultural Studies from the University of Washington and is dedicated to education for change.

HOUSELESS Advocacy and difficult conversations around the catastrophe of houseless citizens here and everywhere. There are many organized groups both in government and in “faith-based” or citizen-led initiatives which are dedicated to providing support and facilitating understanding of the complexity of living outside, especially in city environs. Get information and encouragement from folks who have been down on the street working to humanize the problems.

REGISTRATION

COST: We suggest a donation of $20 per person, or $10 low income per person. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, and everyone is welcome to participate with or without a donation!

HOW: There are several ways to register! In all ways, please provide names for all participants, email and a phone contact, and choice(s) of afternoon workshop for each participant.

Register online using a credit card or PayPal at the $20 or $10 level with option of additional donation at https://wwfor.brownpapertickets.com

Register by postal mail. Checks (if making a donation) to WWFOR, send with information to Olympia FOR, P.O. Box 7273, Olympia, WA 98507.

Register by telephone to Sandy Ware at 360-870-8068, donation if any to address above

Register by email to wwfor@wwfor.org, donation if any to address above

REGISTRANTS WILL BE SENT ZOOM INFO BY EMAIL. If you don’t have an email address and want telephone connection information, please let us know, and we will phone you.

SCHEDULE | REGISTRATION OPTIONS | AFTERNOON WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
EVENT FLYER (opens in new window)

QUESTIONS?

For other info, email us at fsilsby970@gmail.com  or call Fred Silsby at 360-252-0684.

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To see information about the 2020 Fall Retreat, with select recordings, click here