Nonbinary Writers & Allies - Writing & Discussion - On Zoom for now

RE: CORONAVIRUS

NONBINARY WRITERS & ALLIES HAS MOVED TO ZOOM ONLINE

THIS STATUS WILL STAY IN PLACE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. WE RE DOING THIS TO SAFEGUARD EVERYONE S SAFETY AND HEALTH. :)

ZOOM INFO TO COME ON 3/14/20

Nonbinary Writers & Allies is part of the established Write Insight writing group that meets at Chocolate in Wallingford on alternate Wednesdays. All writing genres are welcome. NBW & A exists as a safe place for writing with others and for our voices to be shared. Members include budding, emerging, and established writers who identify as gender diverse, non-conforming, trans, and intersectional. All non-cis identity expressions, sexual orientations, ethnicities, genders, nationalities, religions, and socioeconomic statuses are welcome. Queer Allies are welcome. However, this is not the place for you if you are simply curious what the hubbub is all about. If that’s you, please go here for an excellent National Geographic article on gender identity: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2017/01/how-science-helps-us-understand-gender-identity/

Not sure what goes into being an ally? Check out this link to the University of Illinois primer. https://counselingcenter.illinois.edu/outreach-consultation-prevention/cultural-diversity-outreach/queers-allies/lgbt-ally-network/what

Format: The meeting begins with an hour of silent writing alongside other writers. The second hour is for sharing our writing and exchanging ideas.

Safety Notice: We love creating a welcoming and safe space for everyone! Therefore, for the safety of the group, we do not allow any acts of oppression, prejudice, discrimination, or microaggression. Mistakes can happen, therefore, anyone who behaves in a manner that makes others feel unsafe will be asked to correct their behavior to reestablish a safe space. If this is unsuccessful, they will be kindly asked to leave.

Please read :)

EnBy Writers & Allies Ground Rules
(Adapted from Scripps College Ground Rules)

Observe absolute confidentiality. Take with you what you’ve learned. Leave behind people s stories and names.

Use terms and pronouns as requested by the individual. Don t hesitate to ask if you’re uncertain.

Be the expert of your own experience, use "I" statements.

Challenge yourself to be respectful of other s feelings, perspectives, abilities, and identities.

Don’t assume that you know. Recognize that being marginalized in one way does not prevent you from potentially marginalizing others. Practice mindfulness and humility toward others to avoid this.

Remember it’s not just the intent that matters but also the impact. If you didn’t “mean it that way” doesn’t mean it didn’t cause harm. If you make a mistake, simply apologize. If needed, approach host to help clean up any problems that may arise.

Help to alleviate inequality by learning about, listening to, and taking cues from those differently privileged than yourself.

If society has privileged the group you belong to above other groups, allow yourself to be cognizant of how much space you take up in the group and how much authority you assert. Aim to be humble and to share time and space equitably.

You are welcome to ask questions that show interest in the other person, rather than to satisfy your own curiosity.

Do your best to avoid explaining something the other person likely knows more about than you do.

Respect boundaries regarding what personal information someone is comfortable sharing, what interactions they are comfortable having, and what labels they are comfortable identifying with. For example: ask before going in for a hug.

Accept being corrected without argument. If you’ve made a mistake or have misunderstood another member regarding their personal traits, identities, pronouns, etc., simply say, Thanks for letting me know, and move on.

When sharing your writing, please think about offering a trigger warning if you feel something you’ll share may be upsetting to others.