By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
While extremism and violence across the globe have people venting their rage, Not In Our Town Bowling Green is performing the profound act of listening.
As part of the national United Against Hate Week, Nov. 12-19, Not In Our Town BG will hold listening posts downtown.
The plan is to focus on what the organization does best. “Our compassion is our strength,” local NIOT leaders repeated during a recent meeting.
Across the nation, communities are acknowledging United Against Hate Week with marches, teach-ins, vigils, library workshops and book clubs, kindness activities for kids, city resolutions and commitments.
In Bowling Green, Not In Our Town will be listening to local residents. The theory is that “when everyone is talking, listening is a radical act” that can lead to healing.
As anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim rhetoric and violence flares across the globe, local NIOT leaders are asking Bowling Green residents to show compassion to others at this stressful time.
While many people feel the need to take sides, NIOT is standing up on the side of humanity.
The organization is calling on residents of Bowling Green to work together against hate, so respect and civil discourse can be restored, the strength of diversity can be embraced, and inclusive and equitable communities can be built for all.
NIOT members will staff listening posts on Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 2 to 4 p.m., and 6 to 8 p.m., at Grounds for Thought, 174 S. Main St., Bowling Green.
During the most recent monthly meeting of NIOT BG, the members talked about the role NIOT could play in the local community during this time of heightened violence, fear and anger.
Bowling Green NIOT members decided they have always been best when showing compassion for the oppressed. Rather than weighing in on one side or the other, the goal will be to stand up to hate in their local community.
While some world leaders are calling for a pause in the fighting to allow for humanitarian aid, local NIOT members called for a pause for kindness.
Pastor Jeff Schooley, of First Presbyterian Church in Bowling Green, suggested people “pause their opinions and find someone to help with humanitarian aid in the community.”
Retired pastor Gary Saunders agreed. “This is a great time to be listening.”
Ana Brown talked about Jewish and Muslim students on the Bowling Green State University campus being worried about violence. “They are all just trying to go to school,” Brown said.
Last month, in response to the violence in Israel and Gaza, NIOT BG co-chairs Brown and Emily Dunipace penned a letter to the community, stating:
“NIOT BG believes that our town is a home for great diversity and mutual respect, with no room or tolerance for any hateful behavior against Jewish people or any other people. We encourage the citizens of Bowling Green to reach out with compassion to friends and neighbors who have been impacted by these horrors and reinforce that we are a community where all are welcomed, affirmed, and respected.”
Earlier this month, the national head of NIOT, Patrice O’Neill, joined in the virtual meeting of NIOT BG.
“I know this is a really hard time for communities across the nation,” O’Neill said. The violence in Israel and Gaza is prompting people to speak out on both sides, she said, regardless of their historical knowledge of the ongoing conflict.
“I don’t want it to seem NIOT is shirking their responsibility,” but taking sides does not end the violence, O’Neill said.
The National NIOT organization issued a statement about United Against Hate Week:
“How do we stand united against hate at this painful time of fear and division in the world, our country and our communities as we face the terror, violence and war in Israel and Gaza? We send our heartfelt support especially to our Arab American, Jewish and Muslim communities who feel this pressure and pain so intensely at this moment.
“The path ahead is challenging, but there is a straightforward message that can help guide us: Our compassion is our strength. How can we see, hear and listen to each other and commit ourselves to our shared humanity and hopes for the safety of our families and loved ones.”
