Franklin friends,
The Social Action Committee and FORJ Franklin are delighted to announce our first ever co-sponsored book drive for Rosie’s Place (https://www.rosiesplace.org/), an inclusive sanctuary and community center in Boston for folks experiencing homelessness and economic insecurity. We are thrilled to run a two-week diverse book drive to stock the community bookshelves at Rosie's Place with books for the people and families they serve to enjoy.
**We are taking the opportunity to think really intentionally about our donations and the importance of representation. Think about the characters represented, a mix and variance of cultural identities and languages, all kinds of readers, abilities and ages. Books can be your own, as long as they are lightly used, or purchased. Magazines are also welcome! Think about all the ways our kids can be involved in these choices- what books and magazines, either of their own or to buy, would consider and celebrate diversity?**
HERE ARE ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED:
When: Monday January 23rd until Friday February 3rd.
Where: Drop off your books inside the main entrance at school, or on the front porch of Jackie’s house (167 Cherry Street).
What: New or lightly used books in any genre, language or reading level, for any age- adults and children. Books centering a variety of languages and diversity of perspectives, lived identities, experiences and perspectives are so appreciated. Magazines also welcome. NO textbooks please.
Here are a few lists of suggestions if you would like and are able to purchase books:
SOME MORE ABOUT ROSIE’S: Rosie’s Place relies solely on the generous support of individuals, foundations and corporations and does not accept any city, state or federal funding. We are proud that 88 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to services for women in need. Our mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment that helps poor and homeless folks maintain their dignity, seek opportunity and find security in their lives. Our vision is based on the words of our founder, Kip Tiernan, "Never forget that charity is scraps from the table and justice is a seat at the table. Charity is giving to others what belongs to you. Justice is giving others what belongs to them.” At Rosie's Place, we believe diversity, equity and inclusion are core components of justice. We commit to acting on a daily basis to dismantle injustice to ensure that opportunities and equitable outcomes are available to all members of our community regardless of individual characteristics including race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation or perceived ability. Our core values, such as unconditional love and a commitment to social justice, inform all we do for the people we call our “guests.”
Questions: Any questions at all, contact Jackie: jsavageborne@bwh.harvard.edu
Let’s fill Rosie’s community bookshelves with wonderful things to read!
Warmly,
Jackie Savage-Borne, FORJ & Social Action Committee
Ranjani Paradise, Social Action Committee
Siobhan Crosby, FORJ