News And Views: Learn and Give Feedback Equitable Service Provision: Survey Results
Our History
Our members were impacted by the deaths of many Black Americans in 2020 including Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, nationally publicized wrongful deaths that propelled us to take an open stance against racial injustice. On June 3, 2020, one woman took a stand on the corner of Hwy 101 and Hwy 42 S, and others joined her to demonstrate our concerns regarding racial justice. Over the months our group has mapped a plan to continue our efforts and expand our methods of outreach. We hope you’ll join us!
What We Do
Our actions are aimed at bringing improvements to the lives of those who face inequities. Some of the actions we take are:
*Demonstrating on the street in order to maintain the public’s awareness of inequities
*Connecting to Social Service Organizations, to support their missions
*Educating ourselves through various media
*Discussion groups including our book club
*Presentations to and connecting with government entities
Demonstrate With Us
BIG invites anyone interested in peaceful change-making to stand with us during our weekly demonstrations at the intersection of Highways 101 and 42s. Wednesdays 3:30-4:30pm and Fridays 2:00-3:00pm. While individuals can bring their own signs, we will make signs available to those who wish them. We ask that no signs endorsing political candidates be brought. Thank you for your support and we’ll see you out there! Click on the image at left to find out more.
BIG Peace Circles Meditation
Bandon lnclusivity Group invites you to join our ongoing Peace Circles, a form of peace activism. Peace Circles include contemplations on the roots of peace and agitation, hearing each other, being together in simple being as a way to join and share in a common vision. Every Tuesday at 4:45 via Zoom. We also meet in person at the Bandon Library, same day/time as reservations open up for the Logan Room. Click image at right for more information.
BIG Book Club
The BIG book club serves to increase our understanding of the causes of racial inequities and injustice within our society.
To improve our own ability to recognize thoughts, speech, behaviors and actions that feed into and sustain racism, injustice and prejudice, and how to counteract them.
To learn what we can do to increase equity, fairness, and justice within our communities and nation. Join us! Click book image for more info.
Connect With Us
We would love to hear from you! Networking with individuals or other social service/activist groups helps to support area and regional efforts to improve the lives of our neighbors who may be less fortunate. BIG is keeping in touch with Oregon State’s activities, like the Governor’s Racial Justice Council, as well as with like minded organizations, seeking to include all Oregonians in the unlimited possibilities of this state.
Who We Are
We are a group of Bandon area residents who came together in support of and along with Americans and people around the world who wish to feel safe and secure in their communities.
Quotes from Some of our Members
"Our street demonstration is about American justice and fairness, and everyone's right to have them." -WF
"I sincerely believe in the ideals of Compassion, Love, and Equality. My connection with B.I.G helps me share these ideals with others in our community. We are all in this together!" -Amy W.
"It is not often in life that we have moments of clarity that cause us to consider our own lives in deep and meaningful ways resulting in us reaching out to others around us to share our humanity with." -Dwight
"I wanted to do something after being so affected by the death of George Floyd. I saw the article about the demonstrations in the newspaper and hopped in my car with my sign and found the group and found myself at peace and at home with my group." -JK
"By demonstrating on the corner, we helped other Bandonites to know that racism cannot prevail here." -Micky
"Being part of this group reduced the isolation and helplessness I felt as I watched the national news. I believe in "thinking global, and acting local" -MF
"My biggest take away from months of demonstration for racial and social justice has been: Never underestimate your potential for creating the world you wish to live in" -GM
"For me it was watching the video of George Floyd. I can’t explain it but it was like something clicked in my head. I knew that I could no longer sit and watch what was happening -- I had to stand up in support." -RB
RECENT BLOG POSTS
What’s Coming Up? Ways You Can Support Human Dignity Oregon’s Primary Election
BIG Receives Award For Advancing Democracy and Human Dignity in Rural Oregon
Voting to Protect Human Dignity and Human Rights Bandon Inclusivity Group is
GOOD NEWS! Kid’s Books Program Kick-Off Event June 8! BIG’s 2024 summer
Tools & Resources
Links to articles, videos, and books we have found useful in continuing our education on racial and social justice topics.
Read or listen to the words of people who have experienced inequities, unfairness, and discrimination. What effects have those experiences had on their lives? How have they managed to overcome? What do they suggest for changes? Can you relate to them?
What’s been happening in the USA in the last year? What historical events and structures led us to this current situation? The roles of racism and social injustice are far reaching and complex, not only nationally but also within our own state of Oregon. Here are some resources you may find helpful.
When should we speak up? What should we say? How can we best support the causes of social and racial justice? These are common questions for anyone stepping into the work of social justice. Here are some resources we have found to be helpful on this topic.
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER & KEEP IN TOUCH
What am I signing up for?
We would love to stay in touch with you! Periodically (no more than once per month), we will send out emails and/or newsletters with relevant information to the Bandon Inclusivity Group. Some of this information may include:
-Events that relate to themes of social and racial justice.
-Blog posts and new articles we author.
-Updates and information on the BIG Book Club.
-Upcoming volunteer opportunities you can join.
-Updates on meetings with local government and social initiative groups.
Your privacy is paramount and your data is safe with us. We promise we will never sell, exchange, or in any way give your information to another entity.