Today’s post is a list of upcoming events you may be interested in. Connecting with our neighbors in person has power. Peace!

“City of Asheville seeks community input prior to expanding equity initiative”
Tuesday, Dec. 13, 11:30 am – 1 pm at the Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave. and Tuesday, Dec. 20, 6 – 7:30 pm at the Shiloh Recreation Center, 121 Shiloh Road.
My input will be that, in addition to these meetings and online outreach, the city must reach out and meet directly with grassroots leaders from the communities negatively impacted by systemic oppression. Click here to read more about the city’s plans and process.

Let Light Shine: Celebrating the Light of Community
Tuesday, December 13, 7 pm, Unitarian Church, 1 Edwin Place
“Please join us for a gathering to celebrate our community’s commitment to support people of every creed, ethnicity, religion, background, gender, and orientation. Let’s stand together to be reminded of our power to bring light and warmth into the world, as we create a bright future where all people are welcome and safe.” A range of community and faith groups are convening this event. Click here to read a letter submitted by them to the Citizen-Times. Excerpt: “There are so many organizations and individuals in Asheville that work every day to reach out across barriers, bringing greater understanding into our community and supporting those who are hurting and who long to be part of a loving community. When we look at all of these efforts together, it is easy to see that there is a strong web of resources and profound hope for our shared future.”

WNC DEC Holiday Social
Wed., December 14, 5 – 6:30 pm, Aloft Hotel, 51 Biltmore Ave.
“The WNC Diversity Engagement Coalition invites you to celebrate the warmth of the holiday season with a Holiday Party and End of Year Social.” Click here to RSVP.

CommUnity Youth Spotlight with GlocalSoul Edutainment
Thurs., December 15, 6:30 pm, Hop Ice Cream Cafe, 640 Merrimon Ave.
“A monthly gathering of local youth artists and musicians, hosted by CommUnity builders, Jonathan Santos and GlocalSoul Edutainment. This is a chance to both celebrate and highlight the awesome talents of youth in Asheville!”

OUR Voice Benefit
Fri., December 16, 9 pm, Lazy Diamond, 4 Woodfin St.
My sweetie Jason Krekel’s band the Krektones is one of the bands playing this fundraiser for OUR Voice, a crisis intervention and prevention agency which serves victims of sexual violence, age 13 through adult. Click here for more info about the event.

Nuestro Centro Posada
Sun., December 18, 4 – 9 pm, Emma Elementary School, 137 Brickyard Rd.
“¡La Posada de Nuestro Centro! Vengan todxs a celebrar los logros de la comunidad. Lxs esperamos el domingo 18 de diciembre en Emma Elementary School. ¡No faltes!”