MLA Reads Book Club: Viral Justice: Welcome!

We are delighted to welcome you to the MLA Reads Book Club. We are thrilled that you have chosen to participate in our discussion of Ruha Benjamin's Viral Justice: How We Grow the World We Want.

As you read the book, we hope you will keep an open mind, lean into your discomfort, learn from your colleagues, and contribute to discussions in personally impactful ways. More importantly, we hope this experience provides you with a meaningful opportunity to bring out your best.

Happy Reading!

• Create a safe learning environment where information professionals can discuss difficult topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Engage information professionals in conversations related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Provide a method for information professionals to participate no matter what type of library they work in or where they are physically located.
• Connect librarians with similar interests to assist with networking.

In 2018, MLA Reads adopted GLSEN Guidelines for Respectful GSA Spaces to set the tone for all book club discussions. Adherence to these statements will be strictly enforced to ensure that all sessions are respectful and provide a safe place for all participants.

• One mic, one voice. Only one person should speak at a time. 
• Make Space, Take Space. Participants should be aware of how much they are speaking. If they feel they are speaking a lot, they should let others speak, and if they find themselves not talking, they should try to contribute some comments, ideas or suggestions. 
• Use “I” statements. Everyone should speak from his/her/hir own experiences. 
• Avoid making generalizations. Don’t make blanket statements about any groups of people. (In addition to members of the LGBTQ community, this also includes political parties, religious groups, socioeconomic classes, age ranges, etc.) If you’re not sure that something you want to say is factually correct, phrase it as a question. Having a set of agreements will help ensure that your meetings are respectful and provide a safe place for everyone.. 
• No assumptions — except for best intentions. People should not assume other people’s experiences or anything else. The only assumption people should make is that when other participants speak, they are speaking with the best intentions and do not mean to offend anyone.
• Correct gently, but do correct. If participants say something that is incorrect or offensive, politely call them on that. Letting comments slip by only makes the space less safe and increases the difficulty of building successful partnerships. 
• Respect confidentiality. Assume that stories and comments shared at meetings should remain private. Ask for consent before you share someone’s story or comment. 
• Don’t “yuck my yum.” When group members share their likes and dislikes, respect their personal opinions and preferences.
• Lean into discomfort. Meetings and topics can sometimes be challenging. Be willing to experience some discomfort in discussions, and learn from it as a team!