One Goffstown
In March, Goffstown neighborhoods received neo-Nazi propaganda in their driveways. Because of that incident, we have developed “One Goffstown”, a series of discussions for teens and adults with the goal of encouraging communication and becoming a more welcoming, accepting community for everyone.
Five sessions will be held online in June, July, and August, all on Thursday evenings and open to the public. Please register at goffstownlibrary.com/calendar to receive a link to the discussions.
Show your support, and your attitude of unity, when you share these events on social media, along with the hashtag
#OneGoffstown
All events will be held remotely, and registration is required for each one. Please register at goffstownlibrary.com/calendar to receive a link to the discussions.
All virtual events will be held on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
June
June 8 – What are Hate Crimes and Hate Speech?
Goffstown Police Chief Eric Sereno will discuss hate crimes that have occurred in Goffstown and update us about the neo-Nazi propaganda left in local driveways. Seth Aframe from the US Attorney’s Office and Sean Locke from the NH Attorney General’s Office will educate us about hate crimes and hate speech and will explain the different federal and state hate crime violations. Timothy DeMann will share how the FBI investigates hate crimes, including the receipt of information, and the coordination with other agencies.
Only the June 8 event will be recorded and available for a limited time on YouTube. We will post the direct link here when available.
June 29 – What is Implicit Bias?
James McKim from Organizational Ignition and the Manchester Branch of the NAACP will help us understand implicit bias and how it affects our behavior and how we treat others.
July
July 13 – What is Bullying?
Dr. Kate Murphy, psychologist, and Plymouth State University professor will talk about bullying, including online bullying, the psychology behind this behavior, and what happens when we are bullied.
July 20 – How to be an Ally
James McKim from Organizational Ignition and the Manchester Branch of the NAACP returns to discuss how we can all be allies to those enduring bullying, abuse, and public humiliation.
August
August 10 – How to Have Difficult Conversations
Dr. Kate Murphy, psychologist, and Plymouth State University professor will join us to help us navigate difficult conversations with people in our community who have different beliefs, lifestyles, or political parties. We CAN speak civilly with each other, and Dr. Kate will teach us how.
Sunday, August 13 – The Human Library – 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Goffstown Public Library
This in-person, international event is the fifth Human Library we have hosted since 2014. At this event, neighbors from the Goffstown community will be open books, attendees will be “readers”, and open, civil discussions will occur to encourage acceptance and better understanding of difference.
“In the best sense of the word, The Human Library is a library of people and their experiences with prejudice. However, instead of paperback books, actual people are on loan for conversations. The concept is about acknowledging and challenging the prejudice that we all carry towards one another. For that reason, The Human Library creates a safe space for conversation where topics subject to taboo, marginalization, or stigmatization can be openly addressed without condemnation. The people acting as Books have directly or indirectly been exposed to prejudice, bias, or discrimination based on aspects of their person, heritage, or life experiences. At The Human Library, we invite in all questions and our Books engage in sharing their personal experiences with the Readers. We hope you will join us to learn about different perspectives and experiences!”
Download a copy of the event flyer that you can print and share (PDF document).
Show your support, and your attitude of unity, when you share these events on social media, along with the hashtag
#OneGoffstown