[Libs-Or] Affinity meetups: Slight change and reminders

[BRUNSON-ROCHETTE Ericka * SLO]

Hello, all!
In my update yesterday, I included a reminder of the upcoming meetup groups happening in the next few weeks. I wanted to send a more prominent reminder of these, along with a slight update. When each of these groups launched, I asked that managers/supervisors refrain from attending these meetups to avoid power imbalances and/or participants feeling like they cannot show up safely or vulnerably as their authentic self. For the time being, I am removing this requirement and opening these spaces up to all who fall within these groups despite their position title or level in their organization. To be clear, for the 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC affinity spaces, attendees must still hold an identity falling within these groups to join.

While I want to underscore the importance of acknowledging and being responsive to situations where power imbalances may cause barriers or even harm, I also want to recognize that safe spaces like these are both regrettably rare and direly needed. Finding ways to bring people together at this time is the greatest priority, and I trust that we can work together to navigate the rest as we come to it. I appreciate all of the feedback, support, and championing of these spaces that people have provided. If you have any additional thoughts or questions, feel free to contact me directly or provide feedback anonymously<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf7jIBCb7XIM6bHV6x2y9d3A9COKH6fUmJau8uV3AHEI97ToA/viewform?usp=header>.

Again, here are the details for each meetup group:

DEI Virtual Meetup for Oregon Libraries
For anyone engaged in diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging work in Oregon libraries
Wednesday, February 12th , 3:30-4:30p
Meetup Zoom Link<https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81502980247?pwd=fpyomcb21US548fuDgTaavCoo6dlIt.1>


2SLGBTQIA+ Virtual Affinity Meetup
For Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and/or not listed as it pertains to sexual orientation, romantic orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression, people employed, volunteering, or looking for work in Oregon libraries.
Tuesday, February 18th, noon-1pm
Meeting details and link can be found here<https://www.cognitoforms.com/StateLibraryOfOregon/_2SLGBTQIAAffinityMeetup>


BIPOC Virtual Affinity Meetup
For Black, Indigenous, and other people of color employed, volunteering, or looking for work in Oregon libraries
Tuesday, February 25th, noon-1p
Meeting details and link can be found here<https://www.cognitoforms.com/StateLibraryOfOregon/BIPOCAffinityMeetup>


Warm Regards,
Ericka Brunson-Rochette (she/her/hers)
Library Consultant
State Library of Oregon
ericka.brunson-rochette at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:ericka.brunson-rochette at slo.oregon.gov>| 971-375-5126
www.oregon.gov/library/libraries<http://www.oregon.gov/library/libraries>
[Logo for the Library Support & Development Services division at the State Library of Oregon]<http://www.oregon.gov/library/libraries>
Work Schedule: Monday-Thursday


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