InterFaith Works of Central New York

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Community Wide Dialogue To End Racism

Beth Broadway, Program Director

Session 1: Getting Started

Originally aired on: Dec 26, 2005
WCNY-TV: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
WCNY2: 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Reading for Session One:
Race Relations in America : The Best and Worst of Times, by Bill Bradley, a speech given at the town hall in Los Angeles , California .

Discussion for Session One:
Thank you for joining us as we begin this journey with eight Central New Yorkers as they dialogue together about the on-going effects of racism on them personally and on our community.

The program came about as a result of many months of conversations between WCNY and Community Wide Dialogue (CWD). We weren't sure that people would have an honest conversation while on camera, or even if we could get eight people to agree to be in such a circle. But, as you will see tonight and in the subsequent shows, the group did, indeed, have a forthright and thought-provoking conversation that resulted in personal commitments to end racism in our community.

Tonight, you will hear the participants introduce themselves and tell about their family backgrounds. They will create a set of ground rules that will guide their conversation for the weeks to come, in order to assure a safe and honest conversation. They will begin to examine stereotypes, and how they have been affected by stereotypes.

We invite you to do several things as you join this group:

• Read along with the group. Every dialogue circle receives a set of readings that helps them understand different perspectives, learn about aspects of race relations and racism, and spurs the conversation on. In each session, we will list the names of the books, articles, and magazines that this group read. You can get these materials from your local library. In some cases, the articles are included on this website, too.
• Join a dialogue circle yourself. We will place you in a circle with other Central New Yorkers. To find out how, contact InterFaith Works at (315) 449-3552 ext 119 or by email. You may also register for a circle online.
• Talk with your friends, co-workers, and families about the series. Start your own dialogue at home and work.

Sessions:

• Session 1: Getting Started
• Session 2: Understanding Our Histories
• Session 3: Understanding Each Other
• Session 4: Becoming Allies
• Session 5: Changing Our Communities
• Session 6: Commitments and Action
• Session 7: Community Leaders Respond
• Facing Racism Session Index

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