Library, Clergy Unite to Focus Wilton on Better Civility and Being Neighborly

At a time when Wilton town meetings have seen increased vitriol, our disagreements quickly escalate to threats of lawsuits, swastikas are etched on our school’s lockers, and voices from the sidelines of our children’s athletic events scream for cutthroat competition and winning at any cost, Wi-ACT and the Wilton Clergy Association join the Wilton Library in inviting the Wilton community to pause, come together, and consider how civility and compassion have the power to transform “Us vs. Them” into “We.”

They have created a discussion series called “And Who is My Neighbor?” to examine how Wilton can come together to respond to differences, divisions and conflicts. Four sessions will be held on consecutive Tuesday evenings in March from 7-8:30 p.m..

The Wilton Interfaith Action Committee (Wi-ACT) is a consortium of ten Wilton faith institutions, Christian, Jewish and Muslim, whose focus is on bringing their congregations together to serve those in need both at home and abroad.

GOOD Morning Wilton has also advocated for increased tolerance and unity within the community, most recently in a piece urging residents to make Wilton “No Place For Hate.”

Session 1, March 10  Sara Azaransky, Professor, Union Theological Seminary:  What are the characteristics of successful relationship in community?  What attributes distinguish it, and how do we foster them?  What builds “Us v. Them” into “We”?

Session 2, March 17  Kevin Meehan, Ambler Farm; Colleen Fawcett, Wilton Youth Services Director; Dr. Chuck Smith, Wilton Superintendent of Schools:  How do local programs work successfully in fostering community (with a special focus on our young people), how do they do it, and how can we generalize their success? How do we address disruptive behavior (careful investigation, forceful but compassionate response, turning into a teachable moment)?

Session 3, March 24  Judith Altmann, Holocaust Survivor; Dr. Kareem Adeeb, Chair, Interfaith Council of S.W. CT:  Focusing especially on adults, how are matters where intense conflict and “broken” situations arise best handled? How do we accommodate conflict while still fostering community? How do we disagree without compromising compassion and civility?

Session 4 March 31  Representatives of the Wilton Clergy Association:  What do our faith traditions say about civility, compassion and healthy communities, and how can we envision moving the ball forward for Wilton?

There is no charge for the lecture series, but donations are always welcome, according to the Library. Registration is strongly suggested, and participants should register for each lecture individually. For more information, please call the Wilton Library at 203.762.3950, ext. 213.