Welcome to The AIP BIPOC Community

AIP BIPOC Community (ABC), an extension of the AIP BIPOC Network, is a group of individuals who are committed to boldly advocating for community holistic care by working together to mobilize and implement transformational change for the autoimmune community. 

ABC is not only focused on WHAT (autoimmune disease), but also on WHY autoimmune disease and other chronic health diseases are more prevalent in the BIPOC community and HOW we can unite to address the root cause factors, the Social Determinants of Health and the Cultural Aspects of AIP, that underlie illness.

There is proof that community care can improve your health. Studies have shown that in certain areas around the world where people live longer, and objectively, better lives than average. The common denominator and reason for this difference was their strong sense of community and support. 

As a part of this community, you will be joining us in, as well as benefiting from, the collective effort to take care of one another's physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual needs that are born out of the deep-rooted structural challenges that many of us face.

As a strong community, we have the ability to organize on a more wide-scale level to address deep-rooted systemic problems that lead to health disparities, including our own, and those of our loved ones.

ABC will serve as both a Safe Space and Brave Space.  The community is a place for everyone to have discussions, share resources, ask questions, plan strategies, develop goals and move the mission and vision of the AIP BIPOC Network forward.  For this, there may need to be BRAVE conversations. 

In addition, there are SAFE sub-spaces divided by racial category and moderated by an AIP-certified BIPOC coach.  These spaces, unlike the Brave space, are 100% aimed at avoiding discomfort and facilitating conversations that are specific to that community. 

SAFE SPACE
A safe space ideally refers to a judgment-free environment where people can fully express and be themselves.

Safe spaces may include some awareness and learning, but the main goals are rooted in empathy and support. In a safe space, members aim to reduce or avoid any sense of discomfort. Instead, it’s more important to feel welcomed as a member of the community.

BRAVE SPACE

The concept of ‘brave space’ started gaining popularity in the past decade. Its roots began in university settings, but the ideas can be applied universally.

A brave space aims to create a dynamic space where everyone can actively participate. That said, key ideas tend to include:

• Controversy with civility 
• Owning intentions and impacts 
• Challenge by choice 
• Respect 
• No attacks

Brave spaces require a personal sense of accountability, respect for other people, and the willingness to sit with discomfort. Moving through this process inherently helps people grow and learn more about the world around them.

For these reasons, brave spaces offer many advantages- both interpersonally and societally. The more open-minded we are in understanding how other people live, the closer we are to achieving civility and peace.

Just click 'Request to Join' and create your username and password. Next, upload a profile picture of yourself so that we can know who you are and whom we are communicating with. Once your profile pic is uploaded, we have a couple of questions for you to answer so that we can get to know you better and what you hope to gain from being a part of this community. 

Your request status will be Pending until reviewed by the community admin (must have a profile pic and answer questions).  If approved, you will receive an email and you can check your status online or on the app at any time. 

After approval, login and complete the following:

1. Answer the "Get to Know You" Question
2. Read the Welcome Post with all of the info you need to learn how to navigate the community
3. Check out and save the dates for upcoming events including AIP BIPOC Roundtables. 

Content presented in the AIP BIPOC Community is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Coming Soon

We have A's.  If you have any questions about joining the community, be sure to reach out without hesitation. You will receive a reply within 48 business hours. We can be contacted at [email protected].