getting involved

for more info & to get involved:

• to get added to the low-traffic email list, for more information, or to share ideas: send a note to challengingisms@riseup.net or check out the challenging isms shelf at Camas (near the counter).
• see below for further information

the co-learning process is free and open to all ages;

• at meetings we can share snacks and have tea & coffee; and as needed we can get bus tickets to people ahead of time.
• we usually meet at the Camas bookstore & community space (2590 Quadra @ Kings).  Camas is on the ground-floor; however the bathroom isn’t scheduled to be renovated to be wheelchair-accessible until January — before then, if this is an issue for anyone we’ll look for another place.
• please email challengingisms@riseup.net with any ideas or requests around accessibility and the group will do what we can to make this process work for you.
• at meetings there could be break-out groups if, when and how people would like, around interests or experiences (e.g. being marginalized and/or privileged by specific ‘isms’).

access to the readings:

• on the challenging isms shelf (behind the counter at Camas) we’ll try to have at least a couple copies of suggested books: a copy or two to borrow & take home for up to a week at a time, and one copy that stays at the bookstore for people to read there.
• local libraries and alternative resource centres also have copies of some of the books.
• to get copies of all the articles it won’t cost you anything, (although people with disposable income are invited to put some change in Camas’ donation jar to help cover photocopying costs).

sharing roles:

• the idea is for this to be a mix of a learning collective/reading circle/discussion & art group/free skool course, where we take turns trying out different roles:
• at each meeting we rotate who facilitates, who takes notes on the ideas shared, and who’s the dynamics/vibe-watcher, to give everyone a chance to try it out. a couple people could co-facilitate when anyone is shy about doing this on their own (and someone could meet up with you ahead of time to go over ideas on facilitating the meeting if you’d like).
• over time we can also alternate other tasks among people who are interested: shelf librarian, debriefers, weekly updates compiler, email-checker, blog-moderator, photocopying, etc.

various levels of participation:

• it’s been suggested that each person in a collective try to participate in at least part of this: so, if possible, come to at least one meeting.
• if you come to a meeting on a topic about which you have no personal experience and you haven’t done any readings on the issues involved, you might be encouraged to participate in the discussion by mostly listening.
• finally, if you aren’t comfortable meeting up in the group, or are out of town so can’t meet up in person, some people could pair up and check in with each other occasionally about their learning process by phone, email, mail or in person – however you’d prefer.