Build A Better Future Book Club from Girl Gang Manchester

Stimulus, discussion, co-learning and action to create a more equitable world for all.

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January's focus: Anti Racism

What White People Can Do Next: From Allyship to Coalition by Emma Dabiri.

Thursday 27 Jan, 6:30-8:30pm / Wilson's Den or online. 

When it comes to racial justice, how do we transform demonstrations of support into real and meaningful change? Acclaimed author of Don't Touch My Hair, Emma Dabiri offers practical advice ad razor-sharp wit with this inclusive essay - calling on us to stop the denial, abandon guilt and interrogate capitalism. 

What White People Can Do Next: From Allyship to Coalition is available for under £8 from bookshops, and on most audiobook platforms. 

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We’ve expanded the focus of our regular anti-racism media club to include a variety of other identities and issues we believe are important to engage with as a community. Anti-racism will still remain a central focus and we will take an intersectional approach to issues- with many of the books on our upcoming lists authored by black/queer women.

We hope this group will provide a space and build a community for education, discussion and reflection. Each month we will focus on a brilliant book exploring marginalised experiences.

Where possible we will invite facilitators with lived experience of the topic to provide stimulus and co-moderate discussions with our team- we choose to share the role of facilitation to share both the power and responsibility within the space.

The club meet on the final Thursday of the month and sessions will now be 2 hours long to create space for lengthier discussions and action point check in and outs at the start and end of each session.

We are trialling an in-person/online hybrid event delivery to maintain some of the increased accessibility lockdown instigated, but we would also like to build community and action around this group - so encourage people to come down in person if they can! (with optional pre- meal or post drink?)

We intend to maintain a long term, consistent space for people to take personal responsibility and communal accountability for their allyship and coalition learning, creating a space for reflection, discussion and to hear from other voices. The group is always open to new members, or returning ones, so we’d love for you to join us!


HOW THE GROUP WORKS:

• We’ll be meeting in person and online. Both digital and IRL spaces will be open 10 minutes in advance to arrive for a prompt kick off.
• Links to online meeting will be sent in advance of the session.
• Our sessions will involve specific prompts and small group discussions (as well as online in virtual break-out rooms)
• Digital attendees will be in groups together and in person attendees will be in groups together
• The space will be facilitated. Though some of our facilitators may have lived experience, this is a space for communal learning and structured discussion rather than a teaching space- the ‘teacher” will always be the author of the material.
• In order to pay our facilitators for their preparation and leading time, we are making paid for tickets compulsory at check out to help us cover the cost of their fees. We feel this is important, particularly when we are asking people with lived experience to contribute. If you are currently unwaged or the £3.50 is a barrier to your attendance, please book the free ticket, but we encourage payment where possible.
• There is also an optional donation to a relevant charity which changes each month and is selected by our facilitators, should you wish to donate.
• Please book your place in advance for each session.

WHO IS THE BOOK CLUB FOR:

The sessions are open to people of all genders/races/sexualities/classes/disability inclusive - if you have any specific accessibility needs in regards to the sessions, please let us know and we’ll do our very best to accommodate. For parents, single Mums and those with a legitimate reason to be late, don’t worry we will still let you in the room! For everyone else, please try to be on time if you can so we can all be a part of the full conversation where possible.

This is a space for everyone - though we would like attendees to be aware that participants may be at different stages of their personal educational journeys. We must be prepared to push one another and address our own shortfalls to get the most out of the sessions, valuing the voices with experience, if they wish to attend.

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Why we ask identity questions?

We want to make our events as inclusive as possible and we often get questions from people who for whatever reason say ‘I really want to come but I am nervous, will I be the odd one out?’  Whilst we will always strive to do our best to make everyone feel welcome, it is useful to know a little more about who our audience is for each event so we can be honest in our responses to any queries. It also helps us tailor events for the people attending and identify who we aren’t currently reaching with our work.

This data really helps us, please answer any questions you feel comfortable with. More information can be found on our Privacy Policy.

Please note - tickets are non refundable. 

COVID 19

CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR COVID 19 POLICY AND REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION IF ATTENDING IN PERSON. 

ACCESSIBILITY INFO: Wilson’s Den is accessible by stairs or lift - wheelchair accessible.