Let's Talk.
Community Dialogue Circles. Taking Care of Each Other. Co-creating the World We Want to Live In. Plus. A New Grant Opportunity from Mass Humanities!
Tonight we gather for our very first Community Dialogue Circle for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and our allies.
Why? When we first envisioned what this project could grow into, we felt strongly that it was critical for as many voices as possible to be included in the mix. We knew that our interviews with our Creatives would be an important platforms. And we wanted to develop a parallel space for those who would hear these interviews, to deepen in their own understanding of what the intersection of community, resilience, and creation meant to them. And from that, because of M’s background in facilitation and community-building, the offering of the Community Dialogue Circle grew.
If you’re seeking a space to tap into connection, to reflect on what the words of Indë, Jey, and M meant to you in these first two episodes of the podcast, and to come out of this time feeling nourished, grounded, and maybe even a little inspired, this is the place. Come as you are. Bring your snacks. Tuck yourself in for this virtual experience. Wednesday, April 23rd, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, sliding scale: $5 - $30, scholarships available, Register here.
In Case You Missed Yet Another Queer Pop-Up Market Co-Founders & Our Second Episode
You might be new to us, or just a little overwhelmed by your inbox. Regardless, we wanted to make sure that you didn’t miss our second podcast, featuring Jey & M of Yet Another Queer Pop-Up Market , ‘We’ll Help Take Care of Each Other.’
And here’s a little snack to get you started on learning more about Jey & M and their work as artists/makers and co-organizers.
Let’s Talk. About Co-Creating the World We Want to Live In.
Ultimately, it is our daily words and actions that help to co-create the world we live in. Well. Systemic oppression plays a large role as well. But regardless, what we can be in charge of, is how we talk to ourselves and each other, and the actions we take, including how we spend our money. It’s a financially frightening world right now. And many of us are trying to sort out how we will find our way as the economy continues to shift. And many of us are continuing to sort how we do the things we love, and that are necessary for the richness of our lives to continue to grow. Our beloved community of Creatives here in Western Massachusetts is part of that richness. And the work of Rooted Resilience is to center this, and to support its ability to grow and thrive and flourish, even NOW. Because, more than ever, we believe in the value of co-creating the world we want to live in.
We have asked before, and many of you have offered your loving and generous support to us. And we are asking again here. We still need to raise $6000 to finish our first year of the Rooted Resilience project. If you want to continue to see this work and our Creatives grow and thrive, as part of what you envision for the world you want to live, NOW is the time to donate to this work. Please email us at rootedresiliencepod@gmail.com to let us know your interest in donating to our crowdfunding campaign. All donations are tax-deductible.
Let’s Talk. About Advocacy.
Our work with Rooted Resilience is funded through our fiscal sponsorship from Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity, which enabled us to be able to apply for the Expand Massachusetts Stories - Open Track 2024 grant in the amount of $19,140.00 from Mass Humanities. This funding, provided through the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), aims to bring people together to embrace different perspectives, inspire civic engagement, spark conversation, and build community.
Mass Humanities, like so many organizations has lost a tremendous amount of funding in 2025, due to recent staffing and budget cuts at the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The numbers: The cuts at the NEH are widespread and devastating. Mass Humanities lost $1.3 million in funding, or 35% of its annual operating budget. Many of the organizations they work with have also been impacted. In 2024 alone, organizations in Massachusetts received NEH grants totaling $7.4 million.
The importance of storytelling: Despite these cuts, Mass Humanities is committed to supporting storytelling initiatives in this state. They believe that storytelling is more important than ever - that it builds community for everyone. And in all of its forms, helps us engage with complicated subjects. They recognize that sometimes this process is uncomfortable, but they believe that all people have the ability to think deeply about these subjects, learn from one another, voice their perspectives, and connect with one another, despite our differences.
The Opportunity: This year the Expand Massachusetts Stories grant initiative has a new theme: "Promises of the Revolution." The grant welcomes stories of freedom movements, equal rights, and struggles against oppression from before, during, and since 1776. As always, communities are encouraged to shine a light on untold histories and make space for new stories. You can reach out to grants@masshumanties.org learn about the opportunity and the Advancing Equity Cohort.