Ashland is United continues its work creating opportunities for new community connections and exposure to different perspectives. As the pandemic began earlier this year, the grassroots group developed an online project of sharing stories from their “grandmother’s basket,” at a time when social distancing was becoming the new normal. The organizers believe that this collection of stories, available on the AiU website, offered a sense of comfort and belonging. Now they invite members of the Ashland community to participate in a virtual story sharing event. 

Over Zoom, participants will share a family story (perhaps rooted in their culture) and include how the values found in that story have become a foundation for their life. Ashland is United hopes that participants will come from an array of backgrounds and traditions. “At Ashland is United, we believe that it is important to find commonalities but also grow comfort in discussing and celebrating differences. When we come together and share parts of ourselves, we build bridges and help each of us to feel we belong,” said Jane Greenstein, one of the event organizers. With this upcoming event, AiU aims to bring people together around what keeps us grounded, our strengths, and the challenges we have faced.

The participatory Zoom event will take place on Sunday, March 7, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Further details including registration are available on the AiU website, www.ashlandisunited.org.

Since 2018, Ashland is United has organized activities and advocated to help actively create a culture of inclusivity and acceptance in Ashland.  Past events include several community discussions centered around traditional food. “Breaking Bread Together” “Baking Bread Together,” “Ashland’s Virtual Table: Meaningful Meal,” and “Coffee and Conversations” have proven that food and stories brings people together. “We strengthen ourselves and our community when we truly listen to each other,” Greenstein emphasized.