Build bridges with your neighbors

Last updated on Mar 12, 2023

Hello to those of you who used to subscribe to the Delaware Independent. I wanted to reach out with some local news. (For those who are wondering, no, the Independent has not returned, sorry.)

Although I'm no longer reporting on local news in southern Delaware, I'm still helping out with the Delaware Journalism Collaborative, a group of news organizations engaged a project to explore solutions to the polarization that's splitting us apart.

As the collaborative starts writing stories on this topic, I plan to use share them using this Delaware Independent mailing list that has been sitting here gathering dust bytes. I can't say how often this will be, but hopefully as a group of people interested in local issues, you'll find this worthwhile. If not, please feel free to unsubscribe to this email or otherwise send angry correspondence to mail@andrewsharp.net.

So on to the news part of this, via a press release from the collaborative. It's a chance to listen and also be heard on important topics, so if you've felt disconnected from others in your community, read on.

The group is partnering with Delaware Humanities to present a series of Community Conversations in March at local library locations throughout the state. By creating intentional spaces for conversation, people will explore why they think what they do, share stories with one another that build trust, and make connections and commitments to the issues that affect our communities.

Each program will be designed to facilitate civil discourse around topics that are sometimes polarizing, including the media itself.

“It’s important that we realize our own role in the divisions that exist within our communities,” says Chris Rudisill, interim project manager of the Collaborative. “We may not always agree on the solutions, but these partnerships create an opportunity to build trust with residents so we can address issues in Delaware as a community.”

Events will take place in each county and there will be two virtual options this month. The first event will be March 14 at Brandywine Hundred Library in Wilmington. The full schedule is below.

The DJC is inviting people to join the project, aimed at strengthening Delaware communities through civil discourse.

Each program is limited to 15 attendees and facilitated by someone from the Delaware Humanities Facilitators program. Attendees will also receive a free book selection from the DJC following the program that further examines the topic of polarization.

For more information and to register, visit https://bit.ly/DJCcommunity.

When and where downstate:

Georgetown Public Library

Thursday, March 16, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

123 W. Pine St, Georgetown, DE 19947

Registration: https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/10254685

Virtual

Monday, March 20, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Registration: https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/10489402

Dover Public Library

Tuesday, March 28, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover, DE 19901