Another Cultivating Belonging Story
Get your tickets to the Plundered book launch today!
Last week I shared four stories about cultivating belonging in your different places. I’ve got one more to share today, but a couple of things first. Thanks to everyone who joined Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil and me on Thursday night for our conversation about her new book among other things. It was so much fun! Also, later this month we’re hosting a book launch celebration for Plundered here in Chicago. See below for more info. If you’re anywhere close, I hope you can make it.
OK, on to Kate’s story.
Kate Borders
Practically, my husband gardens and we walk our kids to school every day. Just physically being outside feels like it forces you (in a good way) to pay attention to your space and to what is physically going on in the place that you live, notice neighbors, notice the weather and how public spaces are or are not being cared for. We work hard at minimizing time on social media and spending time with people in our community.
And working to understand history has been really significant for me in terms of trying to be a friend to my place.
I grew up in New Jersey, went to Wheaton, and now have lived in East TN for the last, almost, 25 years. The last 12 years we have been in Alcoa, TN and we’re raising our kids here. Statistically it's the most diverse school system in our county (Blount) which we are thankful for. But historically it was a very segregated community (historically almost all black and white, now majority black and white with a growing population of people from South and Central America).
While some things have changed in recent years, housing is still very segregated and I think given the chance for honest feedback, many non-white people in the community may voice concern over their experiences...probably particularly in education? So we feel very committed to our local church and local public school and committed to showing up in places that will allow me to try to build relationships with people in the African American and Spanish speaking communities and to learning about the history of local churches, the schools, housing, etc.
Book Launch
I mentioned the book launch last week but if you’re planning on attending, could you go ahead and get your tickets? Here’s the thing: We’re making Plundered available for 60% off that night but we need to place the order this Monday. So, to guarantee your copy, please go ahead and get your tickets today! It’s going to be a great night: proceeds from tickets and book sales go to New Community Outreach, I’ll be joined by some really thoughtful friends for a panel discussion, and we’ll enjoy some delicious homemade desserts and live music.
The View From Here
I’ve spent a couple of recent days at Warren Dunes State Park just north of the Indiana - Michigan border. Lot’s of deep breathing, journaling, praying, staring at the lake, and some good books. My farewell to summer, maybe.