The BeLonging Space

12/12/2025

I’ll be honest, I’m not ready for jingle bells and hot cocoa. My soul hasn’t settled into the season’s fa-la-la-la-la-las– and I’m getting family Christmas shopping done way too early– even the stocking stuffers– which just feels… weird.

It has been a challenging season personally, but when you add in the disappearance of local neighbors by ICE, the attacks on food, and healthcare, and travel, and… (insert the latest headline here)-- and all the responses required to resource and advocate with impacted communities, it is hard to connect with the twinkle lights, the holiday sweaters, and the reindeer pirouetting off my ears.

Nevertheless! The Holidays Must Go On! I don’t say that tritely. Over the last four years, we have collaborated with local organizations serving the under-resourced members of our community: our Q***r, Indigenous, and Black neighbors in particular. Together, we have crafted holiday celebrations in which the cultural experience of the Community is centered– where children get to see a holiday icon (Santa) that looks like them. This simple gesture of showing up is so essential for maintaining, cultivating, and strengthening communities during this challenging time– and we always need YOUR help to make it happen.

In particular, we still need:

VOLUNTEERSa
TOYS &
SPONSORS

Yes, you can still donate; yes, you can still help. We really, truly, and sincerely NEED you to practice allyship with us!

I guarantee, the twinkle lights will shine just a little bit brighter.

Much love and appreciation, Neighbors.

--N

12/12/2025

The Black Cultural Initiative’s 3rd annual Black Santa event is coming up! We are expecting to serve up some holiday cheer to well over 1,000 community members this year, and we sure could use your help!
We are seeking volunteers for many dates, times & duties throughout December.

Interested? Sign up here:

The Black Cultural Initiative welcomes Black Santa back to the People'e Collective in Eugene on December 20 and December 21! Volunteers make the magic - please sign up for one of more opportunities to create a welcoming space for children and families, and for Santa!

12/04/2025

12/04/2025

It's been a weird fall that included 3 car accidents (I'm fine, my car is not, but I'm fine!) the flu, and a few other happenings -- like the BeLonging Space becoming officially official -- YAY!!!

ANYWAYS... It is BLS Santa Season YEAR 4!!! And there is still time to be a part of something AMAZING!

'Tis the Season! There's still time to support some fabulous organizations, make a HUGE community impact, and be part of bringing community together in truly meaningful ways.

PM me if you have additional questions.

11/21/2025

Tending the fire at TransPonder 's Trans Day of Remembrance memorial. A time of grief, resilience, and solidarity. A time of holding each other and holding onto hope of a more beautiful world that affirms, celebrates, and honors our shared humanity.

As I read the biography of each person whose lives were lost or taken from them in an act of violence, I did what I have done for the last 3 years: I said their names and recognized each lost human being for who they are-- a beloved child of God. Over and over and over again, until each had been named. My heart breaks a little more each time.

I long for a day when there are more names because we have collectively chosen to honor and celebrate each human being as being gifted with the divine spark of life. That we have realized that each of us is an ember, and together we light and warm a weary world.

10/01/2025

Five weeks in-- and we had a beautiful tapestry of regulars and newer folx re-imagining the corner of 7th & Pearl in Eugene! Many community voices took turns leading the space-- singing and speaking in solidarity with our im/migrant neighbors and for the preservation of our own humanity. Two county commissioners were on site as well as KVAL and other media.

If you missed this week, be sure to mark future Tuesdays for our Singing for Our Lives -- Interfaith Noon Vigil. People of all faiths, spiritual paths, and good conscience are welcome.

Be sure to plan for rain showers with intermittent sprinklings of acorns!

Art: "Soul Connection"

09/09/2025

A reminder and invitation to all people of faith and good conscience. We will be gathering at the corner of 7th & Pearl in Eugene every Tuesday at NOON to stand in solidarity with one another, our immigrant neighbors, and with other people across the nation who are also gathering in solidarity.

PLEASE BRING:
Water
Sunscreen
Comfortable shoes
Comfortable clothes
Signs that communicate solidarity with and support of our immigrant neighbors.
A musical instrument and song that relates to the current crisis.
A short poem, prayer, or reading that relates to the current crisis.
A clerical collar and/or stole as appropriate to your faith tradition.
A medical (not gaiter) mask as you feel is appropriate for your health and privacy.

ALL Faith Traditions and Spiritual Paths are welcome to stand together in love and solidarity with our immigrant neighbors.

09/02/2025

We are calling on people of faith and good conscience to gather in solidarity with our im/migrant neighbors at the Federal Building on the corner of 7th & Pearl every Tuesday at Noon for 30+ minutes to sing, pray, and bear witness with our targeted neighbors. Acknowledging both that, throughout history, communities and people of faith have played an essential role in all social liberation movements; and, that our liberation is bound together, we are "singing for our lives."

Folks are invited to bring a prayer, poem, or short reading that reflects solidarity with our im/migrant neighbors that is motivated out of their faith experience. Clergy are encouraged to wear collars or stoles as appropriate to their faith tradition. Signs of welcome, solidarity, and justice are welcome.

We hope that you will join us and raise your voices.

06/26/2025

06/04/2025

We are asking the hard questions-- and we hope you bring a few of your own!

A Pride Neighborly Workshops Panel
Power, Trauma, & Religion

Sunday, June 8 | 3:30-5:00 PM
Maxwell Community Hub (home of The Lavender Network)

440 Maxwell Rd, Eugene
Front Door (Lavender) Entrance