Tuesday Night Write: Russell Thornhill in Conversation with TNM Founder Shari Foos

About Guest Russell Thornhill:

Russell is a progressive theologian, liberated Biblicist, and social justice advocate who has a profound love for his family, and proclaims the love of the Creator for everyone. Russell has worked in the nonprofit arena for 20 years and is on the AULA Teaching Faculty in nonprofit and is the Co-Director of the Bridge Program.

Elder Russell, as he is known in his community and church denomination, has a deep commitment to issues concerning Social Justice and Equality developed when he joined Unity Fellowship of Christ Church, Los Angeles (UFCC) in 1990. His discovery of the “sacredness of all life” has been accredited to the mission of Unity, “God Is Love and Love Is For Everyone.” As a pastor, Russell practices a theology of critical biblical engagement and biblical resistance to counteract the negative use of scripture in the LGBTQ community and towards women and other people living in the margins of life.

Russell is an HIV/AIDS advocate. He has a heart and depth of experience supporting people living with HIV/AIDS and has been a personal “buddy” to men in their final stages of the AIDS pandemic. He has worked on the HIV planning council for the County of Los Angeles as well as speaking on panels in Washington, DC, and throughout Los Angeles County.

Russell is an alum of the distinguished youth education touring group, Up With People, traveling to ten countries on three continents and living with over 250 families during a four year period.

Russell is a mentor to young people in his community who are seeking ways to continue their education and guidance on life concerns. Russell has 25 years in the restaurant business and twenty years in the nonprofit sector.

During his free time, Russell likes to visit and spend time with his four children and ten baby-grands in Las Vegas.

How It Works (1-hour Sessions):

INTRODUCTION & INSPIRATION

• A TNM facilitator sets up the session, including the TNM Core Concept of the week, a photo and a prompt.

WRITING: 21 Minutes

• Along with the photo you'll get the first prompt (7 minutes to write).
• Next, you'll get a second prompt to weave into your piece (7 minutes to write).
• Then it is time to edit into a maximum of 1 page or 500 words (7 minutes to write).

BREAKOUT GROUPS: 14 Minutes

• After the writing, you are randomly assigned to small breakout groups with 3-4 other participants.
• Everyone takes turns reading their piece without stopping for conversation or feedback. Simple acknowledgements such as "thank you for sharing" are welcome. While each person shares, focus on witnessing without judgement.
• After everyone has shared, feel free to discuss your process, the concept and prompt, or share about something else that's going on with you that may be relevant to the TNM experience. Speak for yourself only and refrain from giving advice or asking probing questions.
• NOTE: If someone in your group shares something deeply personal and may be in distress, please ask them if they are okay in this moment and don't hesitate to send a direct message to the TNM facilitator.

GROUP SHARE:

• In the final minutes, the group comes together to share their thoughts about their experience, answer questions, go deeper and have fun!

Salon Guidelines:

MUTUAL RESPECT

Remain aware and conscientious of your choice of words and tone. Please do not ask personal questions or give advice. Hate speech or hurtful behavior, regardless of the context will not be tolerated and will lead to immediate removal from the session.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Confidentiality is essential. What is said in the group must stay here. We do not record these session and will not tolerate any recording, transcribing, repeating others' stories or otherwise infringing on the rights and privacy of others.

CAMERAS ON

To ensure that everyone feels comfortable sharing their stories and their feelings, we require everyone to have their cameras on during sessions, except while writing. If you do not comply you will be removed from the session.

LISTENING

When listening to others' stories, put yourself aside so you can hear others from their perspective, without your own assumptions getting in the way. Your job is only to witness each other with appreciation.