Have you heard about our Community Discussion for Social Change (C.D.S.C.)? It’s a newer monthly discussion group to talk about social issues that are important to our community. Prior to taking on the name of C.D.S.C., we kicked things off in December with a three-part discussion of The 1619 Project. Once we wrapped up those sessions, we switched gears to focus on a different text each month. Our spring subjects rose from some of the topics that sparked the most interest in The 1619 Project. We encourage participants to share topics they have interest in for potential future meetings.
What do we mean by a community led discussion group? It is exactly what it sounds like. Library staff are present to facilitate the discussion (and provide refreshments!), but we’re not leading anything. The discussion is fully guided by participants, and they discuss whatever strikes them most about the text. There are some basic guidelines to adhere to, but apart from that, the discussion is wide open.
Some people come in pairs, some alone. Most people in the room don’t know each other prior to these discussions. As you might expect in a situation that involves speaking about social issues with a group of strangers, the meetings sometimes start out in a slightly hesitant manner, but once the first discussion point is posed, the conversation flows and doesn’t stop. Everyone has a chance to talk, but if listening is more your style, speaking up certainly isn’t a requirement. It’s a wonderful way to hear about experiences and perspectives that you might not get from anyone else in your life. The group learns from and empathizes with one other.
We meet the first Wednesday of every month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Our next session will be April 6, when we will discuss the ProPublica article linked below. You may also request a printed copy from the Information Desk at the Dundee Library. We look forward to seeing you!
-Sam and Jasmin
April 6: ProPublica Article- Black Children Were Jailed for a Crime That Doesn't Exist
