Open Door Theater President Sam Gould conceived of an event called the “Ask Me Fair” in 2019, to combat some of the personal antisemitism, ableism and racism that her family and friends experienced in our community. “There is so much othering that occurs in our community and, frankly, it is getting worse and not better,” Gould said in a press release and on the event’s registration page. “So Sargent Memorial Library, Open Door Theater, Think Outside The Vox and Acton Boxborough United Way have joined forces to produce the 3rd ‘Ask Me Fair’, to occur on Friday, May 31 at the Sargent Memorial Library, 427 Massachusetts Ave., Boxborough. This event is designed to be a safe space for intentional and respectful conversations with presenters from a diverse range of backgrounds, and a space to ask questions from a genuine place of curiosity and desire to learn about one another.” Invited presenters for the 2024 event include a legally blind bioengineering professor, Dr. Mona Minkara.
Participants rotate in groups through the event and are able to have informal conversations with all of the speakers in a comfortable, inviting format. Question jar prompts are provided to get the conversations started. American Sign Language interpreters and audio describers are available for the participants, and this is even sometimes a conversation starter. “The purpose of this event is to provide a safe space for intentional and respectful conversations that will promote empathy, acceptance and tolerance while dispelling stereotypes and fear of those who are different,” Gould said. “We hope that the unfamiliar can become known and understood through thoughtful questions and answers; and that people of different backgrounds and experiences can educate, learn from, and appreciate each other.”
“This is a mind opening experience and participants across the board report perception shifts in their mindsets, further self study, and multiple thought-provoking dinner conversations,” she continued. “Last year, the event, which was geared towards children, was so popular with the parents and caretakers, we added a second session where adults could come and ask more -in-depth questions.
“Like books, every individual has an interesting and important story, and there is value in sharing and listening. We have invited a group of presenters from a wide range of backgrounds to share their stories and answer questions about their experiences. This is a chance for sincere dialogs and to make connections. These are engaging, fun events with refreshments and prizes for the kids.
“Connections matter and authentic representation matters.”
This free event will be hosted at the Sargent Memorial Library on May 31 and will have two sessions. Families with children are invited to the afternoon one that starts at 4pm, and adults only are invited to the evening session at 6pm.
Registration is required:
Register for the Session for Families on 5/31 at 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Register for the Session for Adults on 5/31 at 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
The Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Discovery Museum, The Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council, “We will Act” (the social justice committee of Congregation Beth Elohim), and the Acton Recreation Department are co-sponsoring the Ask Me Fair.
Franny Osman is the Editor-in-Chief of the Acton Exchange. Carol Yelle attended the Ask Me Fair the first year and her daughter volunteered to check in participants.