For this Special Virtual Documentary Night, we are meeting to talk about the documentary Sled Dogs. Our intention is for you to view the film before attending the gathering. This eye-opening documentary offers an inside look at the dog sledding industry, from the tourist attractions to the annual Iditarod race. By weaving together various narratives, we explore the truth about this industry while posing the question: “Is this the way ‘man’s best friend’ should be treated?” The director, Fern Levitt, will be joining us for a special guest Q&A!

You can watch the film for free at this link:

>Click here to watch Sled Dogs for free<

**PLEASE REMEMBER TO WATCH THE FILM ON YOUR OWN BEFORE JOINING THE EVENT**

Sled Dogs Documentary Night Details

What is the Process?

How this all works is you will first watch the film on your own prior to our event. Then we will meet on Zoom on the day of the event, where you participate in multiple rounds of small group discussions with a different discussion prompt and different randomized groups for each round. This gives you the opportunity to hear a variety of perspectives throughout the night. Then we will follow with the special guest Q&A! Again, you must watch the film on your own BEFORE the event.

How do I Register?

You will receive the Zoom link and password once you register for the event by RSVPing here. Please remember your Eventbrite login and password. You may need that to access the Zoom info on the day of the event.

If you have any trouble accessing the Zoom link, have any questions, or would like to be added to the email list, please contact our partner at CommunityDocumentaryNight@gmail.com.

Norms and Expectations

Community Documentary Night has generated a set of norms and expectations for these events. They were created to help maintain a welcoming and civil environment for everyone in attendance. Please read through before attending. They will also be recited at the start of the event.

1. This event is open to all who are open to all. This is an inclusive event. We are open to anyone, including all gender expressions, racial identities, political affiliations, etc., as long as you are open to hearing the perspective of others.

2. Step Up and Step Back. Step up means we ask that you step up and share your perspective so that we can learn and grow from your knowledge and experience. Step back means we ask that you step back on occasion, allowing yourself the opportunity to hear and grow from the experience and perspectives of others in attendance.

3. Allow others to express their full thought. This is just a nice way of saying try not to interrupt.

4. Be mindful of others wanting to speak. Try to keep your thoughts concise, allowing time for others to respond.

5. If you don’t agree, this is not a debate but a discussion. So instead of trying to sway the other person, try to understand where they are coming from. That can be done by asking, “What makes you think that?” This requires coming from a place of curiosity rather than competition.

6. But even though it’s not a debate, feel free to challenge what is said. Not in saying “You’re wrong.” But by sharing the idea that you have and asking how that fits with what they just shared. This allows for both ideas to be in the same space and gives the other person an opportunity to explain their thinking.

7. Assume good intentions. We are all here to learn and grow together. If something does not sound right, ask for clarification before jumping to conclusions.

8. If there is an issue, speak up in the moment, if at all possible. Some may not realize that what they said had a negative impact on those in the room. Speaking up can give them the opportunity to correct what they said.

9. If it is not possible to resolve amongst yourselves, request that the host join your room. Once he enters your breakout room, you can explain the situation or send him a private message if you are not comfortable stating the problem openly. If you would rather wait till after the event, feel free to email the host at CommunityDocumentaryNight@gmail.com, and then we can figure out a way of resolving the issue for future events.

10. It’s ok to eat on video. This event occurs around dinner time for many of us. So feel free to eat while participating in the discussion. We just ask that you mute yourself while you are chewing.

The Sponsors

This film discussion is in collaboration with End The Dog Sledding Industry (ETDSI), Georgia Animal Rights and Protection (GARP), Compassionate Action For Animals (CAA), Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry (UUAM), and Colorado Voters For Animals (CVA).

ETDSI is a team of grassroots activists campaigning to dismantle the dog sledding industry. GARP is a Georgia-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the abolition of animal exploitation and suffering. CAA’s mission is to encourage people to embrace their empathy for farmed animals and move toward a plant-based diet in the Twin Cities region. UUAM is a group of concerned Unitarian Universalists and friends who desire to express their faith, in part, through their compassion and respect for all beings. CVA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization whose mission has been to identify and help elect animal-friendly lawmakers, and then work with them to pass sensible animal welfare and protection laws.

Support UUAM and help grow our impact as the unique voice for all beings within Unitarian Universalism. Your one-time, recurring, or legacy gift empowers us to expand our outreach, education, and advocacy efforts. Together, we can create a future where all beings are treated with respect and justice.

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