We Are Hingham 2: Words with Neighbors

February 7, 2023 By Laurie Asmus

Ever wonder what the deal is with pronouns these days? Or what exactly are microaggressions? What is the difference between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation anyway? Or maybe you think you know but aren’t quite sure? You’re not alone! Many people hesitate to talk about issues related to identity and diversity for fear of saying the wrong thing and hurting someone’s feelings – or embarrassing themselves.

Hingham Unity Council (HUC) invites you to come explore these concepts in a fun, judgment-free, “word-game” atmosphere in-person at the Hingham Heritage Museum on Saturday, March 4 from 1-3pm. Participants will move from table to table in an informal “cafe” setting to discuss various terms alongside fellow community members. Expect to learn something new, wherever you are on your journey, have some fun, and feel more confident engaging in anti-bias dialogue in the future. Refreshments will be served.

Lifelong Hingham resident and HUC member Caitlin Slodden, Ph.D sociology professor at Brandeis University who brings years of experience teaching similar concepts to students, will help facilitate the event and be available for “Office Hours” afterward for those who would like to ask questions in a one-on-one format.

“I am really excited about this event, and I know that folks will learn a lot in a supportive, fun environment,” says Slodden. “You may already have questions about certain terms or words related to diversity and inclusion that you don’t feel comfortable asking friends or family – bring them! You may just be curious – come and listen! Learning is a lifelong process, and we have so much to learn from each other. This is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to learn, talk with one another, get ideas for further readings and have fun. I can’t wait!”

This program follows a previous We Are Hingham community discussion in May 2022 based on the #WeAreHingham visual project created by local resident, photographer, and HUC volunteer Brooke Bartletta. At that event, small, moderated groups discussed individual and collective experiences of Hingham and their aspirations for this community, and some attendees expressed the desire to learn more about how to have open discussions about diversity. The idea for We Are Hingham 2: Words with Neighbors was born.

All are invited to spend a fun afternoon learning and honing their understanding of concepts related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for easier, more effective conversations. Space is limited and registration is required at hinghamunity.org.

“If you’re on the fence about coming, please do not hesitate,” says Katie Sutton, HUC co-founder. “We have set it up so that no one will be required to speak if they don’t feel comfortable – you can certainly just sit and listen. It can be awkward to talk about this stuff and we want to make sure no one will be judged or feel embarrassed if they don’t have a master’s degree in ‘anti-bias lingo.’ None of us are experts either. We are always learning and discovering and even preparing to moderate these small groups has led to fascinating and productive conversations. This event is meant to be fun and engaging and an opportunity to connect with new community members. I suspect all of us will learn something new and useful so we can feel more confident engaging in these types of conversations in the future.”

We Are Hingham 2: Words with Neighbors Saturday, March 4, 2023
1:00-3:00 p.m.
Hingham Heritage Museum, Ballroom
34 Main St., Hingham
Advanced registration is required: hinghamunity.org

The Hingham Unity Council was created to promote in-person dialogue about systemic issues
that affect human dignity with a goal of fostering a more inclusive community. For more
information about these and other upcoming events and initiatives, join the Hingham Unity
Council’s email list at www.hinghamunity.org and follow www.facebook.com/hinghamunitycouncil and https://instagram.com/hinghamunitycouncil.

Formed by members of the Hingham community in the fall of 2019, Hingham Unity Council is fiscally sponsored by the South Shore Unity Council, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All are welcome to participate in our events and programs. Please visit our website to learn how to get more involved.