Elaine Meyers
Special to The Citizen
As the Southern Cayuga Anne Frank Tree Community Read team looks at 2021, we have a clear mandate to continue conversations begun in October with our discussion of Angie Thomasâ The Hate You Give. Sixty participants encouraged us to discuss racism throughout the coming school year and to develop partnerships that initiate and sustain conversations. Our hope is that continued sharing of ideas will foster understanding and equity.
Our next formal meeting occurred on Nov. 7 at Wells College in Stratton Hall and provided an opportunity for Community Read members to learn about the Hallway for Cultural Humility. A Wellsâ college news release (wells.edu/multicultural-center) explains the concept of âcultural humility, which originated in the health care field as a way for practitioners to better connect with patients of diverse backgrounds. The belief is that a humble and respectful attitude toward individuals of other c
Elaine Meyers
Special to The Citizen
My conversation about New Yearâs resolutions began virtually and ended virtually. I wished a simple resolution could allow us to gather and have fun while we talked together. However, safety is the only thing that can make the world a better place, and vaccine, masks and social distance are imperative until we have COVID-19 under control. That said, I was delighted with our Southern Cayuga Conversation that began with two simple requests â to create a funny New Yearâs resolution and a serious resolution.
I began the funny resolution conversation with a personal example to âeat more chocolate and make sure in the winter months it is hot fudge to prevent colds. I decided to amplify this with a promise to do the personal research needed to answer the question, âIf you eat a pound of fudge, will you only gain a pound of weight?â It was only a matter of days before I got another chocolate-centered resolutio