In May, join the Wellesley Civil Discourse Initiative for a structured dialogue reflecting on racial identity and racism.
This discussion will also explore how we might be inspired to create a community where every individual who lives, works in, or visits our town, feels valued and accepted.
Dialogue participants will meet in small groups for a single two-hour dialogue. As space is limited, please sign up here by Friday, April 28.
Session options are:
- In Person: Tuesday, May 9, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
- Via Zoom: Friday, May 12, 11:00 am to 1:00 p.m.
The Wellesley Civil Discourse Initiative was launched in March 2021 by a group of volunteers, to help our community engage in open and inclusive conversations that strengthen our sense of connection and build understanding.
Since that time, the group has held a number of reflective structured dialogues including discussions on coping with COVID-19, values, and education.
Over the past two years, the group has heard from residents, Town employees, and visitors who experienced racism in Wellesley or heard about racist incidents in town from others, and who requested a structured dialogue on race.
Goals of this dialogue:
- To reflect on the emergence of each of our racial self-identification
- To discuss whether we have experienced or heard of racist incidents in Wellesley
- To share how our racial, self-identity may have shaped our reactions to racist incidents in Wellesley
- To consider how each of us may be inspired to work for interracial acceptance and respectful interactions among all people who live or work in Wellesley, and those who visit our town
- To model for our children and each other the power and possibility of civil discourse on even the most complex, challenging issues.
Dialogue groups:
The dialogue groups will be composed of five to seven people with a mix of life experiences, demographics, and perspectives. Civil Discourse Initiative volunteers hope to to create opportunities for people to speak candidly about their values and the experiences that have shaped them, as well as to listen open-heartedly to others.
Please indicate your interest in participating in the dialogue on race here.
For more information, visit the Wellesley Civil Discourse Facebook page @WellesleyCivilDiscourse