United Parish in Brookline GBIO Newsletter
Just as the seasons are changing outside our windows, so is our work with GBIO preparing to enter a new stage. We are gearing up for a winter Listening Campaign, where we will be meeting in January and February in small groups of 8-10, called “House Meetings”, to share our stories and concerns about the issues on our minds. It is these stories, from the 50 to 60 GBIO congregations that will inform GBIO’s decision this coming spring about our next campaigns. Throughout its 40 years, GBIO has based its campaigns on stories collected from its members, which gives GBIO its strength of purpose. Our church’s GBIO Core Team will be reaching out in the next few weeks to the congregation to attend these House Meetings, or even to facilitate them, for which GBIO will be soon providing training. See below under “House Meetings”. At the same time, GBIO is gathering to determine how best to respond to the current injustices of the Trump administration. A “Solidarity Gathering”, to which all are invited, is taking place on Sunday afternoon of November 2 (place and time to be arranged). See below under “Solidarity Gathering”.
Want to learn more about GBIO? Reach out to us at gbio@upbrookline.org if you’d like to meet and learn more about the work of GBIO and specific ways you can support our mission of building community power across the Boston region.
Best,
Connor I. and David R.
United Parish GBIO Liaisons
House Meetings
House Meetings are an essential component of the “Listening” portion of GBIO’s organizing cycle that will be happening across our region. Essentially, these will involve
a series of small group conversations, both within UP and amongst other Brookline congregations, to share the stories that are moving and motivating us to fight for justice right now. These times will allow us to connect with other like-minded individuals who want to work together for change, and help GBIO to discern where we should focus our efforts next. The GBIO Core Team will be reaching out to the UP congregation to join one of these House Meetings, so stay tuned. If you would like to get training in facilitating these sessions, on Wednesday, October 29, 7 PM at Temple Sinai, please use this form to register.
Solidarity Gathering – Sunday, November 2, 2:30 PM – Location TBD
As the Trump administration continues its attacks on communities and rights that we hold dear, it can be easy to feel paralyzed by the sheer quantity of dangerous new developments. If you are looking for a time to gather, process, and organize during this difficult moment in our nation, please join us at GBIO’s upcoming Solidarity Gathering on Sunday, November 2 at 2:30 PM. During this session, we will discuss in small groups how we are processing this moment, share what we feel most determined to fight for, and connect with others seeking to push back for our values and our neighbors. Details are still being determined, so please reach out if you are interested in joining.
OTHER UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES AND UPDATES
Abundant Housing Massachusetts – Annual Celebration of Abundance
Thursday, October 23, 5:30 PM
Our friends at Abundant Housing Massachusetts are hosting their Annual Celebration of Abundance next week at Broken Records Beer Hall in Allston. Allston. AHMA has been central to action on statewide housing policy. Join AHMA to mingle with and celebrate pro-housing advocates, leaders, and champions across the Commonwealth.
GBIO is ramping up for our annual Impact Fund Campaign. One of our recurring observations is that power equals organized people and organized money. As a community of organized people, we need to make sure that we also have independent, organized money, so that we are able to fight for the causes that our community members need. Everyone who is able is encouraged to contribute financially to help support GBIO’s vital work. Information will be coming soon about the Impact Fund campaign, for those interested in supporting GBIO in this essential way.
Stand Up for Immigrants Outside ICE Detention Center, 1000 District Ave., Burlington, MA
Join us to bear witness to ICE’s attacks on our immigrant neighbors and protest their attacks on due process. Wednesdays & Thursdays, 11 AM – 1 PM outside the Detention Center; Saturdays 11 AM – 1 PM at the corner of District Ave and Burlington Mall Road. Bring signs of solidarity, e.g. “Dignity Not Deportations,” “97% of Americans Were Immigrants,” “Stop ICE.” Park in the Macy’s overflow lot right off Burlington Mall Road before District Ave. Contact Carolyn M. with questions.