Sarah Lemmon November 15, 2016 3:58pm

Photo by Dcoetzee

Last week I encouraged us all to talk about the election especially with our neighbors here in Green Lake. This weekend we will get a chance to take that a step farther with an event called Hands Around Green Lake. According to organizers the event is “a peaceful joining together to honor our community, the values we stand for, and our resilience as a nation.”

During Hands Around Green Lake people will join hands in a circle around all 2.8 miles of Green Lake to stand up against fear and hate, racism, sexism, homophobia and Islamophobia.  They estimate 3,000 people will be needed to complete the circle around Green Lake.

The event is modeled after another peaceful gathering in Oakland called Hands Around Lake Merritt.

The event starts at 12:30 Saturday November 19.

Here’s the schedule according to the organizers:

12:30 pm  Arrive

12:45 pm  Find a place to stand (or sit!) along the inner loop, introduce yourself to the people around you.

1:00 pm Join hands or link arms. Please be mindful of the comfort level of others, with particular awareness of the needs of those who may not be able to stand.

1:00 – 1:15 pm While we are connected around the lake, reflect, meditate, pray, or set intentions as you are moved. Please be aware of, hold space for and offer compassion to those around you who may be experiencing deep grief and other strong emotions. Consider concrete future actions to take in support of all people who have been impacted by this presidential election – and who have been impacted by racism, homophobia, xenophobia, misogyny and Islamophobia long before this election took place.

1:15 pm  End this time of quiet reflection with joyful sounds – singing, instruments, Spotify playlists, cheers!

1:15 – 1:45 pm  Enjoy the beautiful sanctuary of Green Lake and meet as many people as you can!

1:45 pm  Peacefully disperse

For more on this event follow them on Facebook and #HandsAroundGreenLake on social media.