Book Club Details

Welcome! The Culture, Equity, & Community Committee is planning for group discussions to stimulate dialogue in support of our KIN - ALL IN! commitment, and our SoK Core Values.

Book Club Goals:

Expand knowledge, skills, and perspective related to equity and inclusion:

- Cross-culture/intercultural communication
- Perspective taking
- Navigating difficult conversations
- Cultural competency

Books are chosen by the facilitators or voted on by faculty and staff. Discussions are facilitated by Elena Viñales, Manager of Culture, Equity, & Community Collective and Louis Perdue, Senior Director, Major Gifts and Annual Giving. Book club is a space where all are welcome. Please join us if you are able. If you have suggestions for future books, please fill out the book recommendation form.

How to get a book:

Request a copy HERE.
Check Shapiro Undergraduate Library, Hatcher Graduate Library, or your local city library
Purchase an audiobook version from Audible or similar app
Borrow a copy from your local library using the Libby app

There are both in-person and virtual options for the book club discussions. In-person discussions will take place on Wednesdays, while virtual discussions will be held on Thursdays via Zoom. You are welcome to attend any combination of discussions, but you only need to participate in one discussion per week. Use the "Add to Calendar" link to save each discussion to your schedule.

Discussion Schedule:

TBD (In-Person) | 12:00 - 1:00 | SKB 1030
TBD (Virtual) | 1:00 - 2:00 | Zoom
TBD | 12:00 - 1:00 | SKB 1030
TBD (Virtual) | 1:00 - 2:00 | Zoom
TBD (In-Person) | 12:00 - 1:00 | SKB 1030
TBD (Virtual) | 1:00 - 2:00 | Zoom

Book Club Conversation Commitments:

Conversations are privileged and confidential. Leave the story, take the learning. Personal details stay here; insights move with you.
We are all teachers and learners. Everyone brings knowledge. Everyone has something to discover.
Practice curiosity over certainty. Ask questions. Re-examine assumptions. Make room for multiple truths.
Focus on contribution, not blame. We discuss ideas and impacts; not personal fault.
Correct with kindness and with accountability. If harm occurs, we address it clearly, respectfully, and with care for repair.
Notice power dynamics. Be mindful of the identities and histories shaping who feels heard, centered, or marginalized.
Honor silence. Allow quiet moments for processing, reflection, and deeper thinking.
Lean into discomfort. Growth requires stretching beyond what feels easy or familiar.
Make space, take space. Share the air thoughtfully. Speak when you haven’t. Pause when you’ve spoken a lot.
Use 'I' statements. Speak from your own experience rather than making universal claims.
Be kind. Respect everyone as people.

Additional Requests

● Allow others to finish their thoughts before speaking or sharing your thoughts.

● Have something available to jot down your thoughts during the conversation.

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