The Wellesley Civil Discourse Initiative recently held two dialogues on racial identity and racism in Wellesley. Due to the strong interest from the community, the organizers have added an additional in-person session on Thursday, June 1, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Dialogue participants will meet in small groups for the two-hour dialogue. To participate, please sign up by Tuesday, May 23. Space is limited.
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 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 members of the Wellesley community. Civil Discourse Initiative volunteers hope to create opportunities for people to speak candidly about their experiences and to listen open-heartedly to others.
For more information, email WellesleyCivilDiscourse@gmail.com or visit the Wellesley Civil Discourse Initiative Facebook page @WellesleyCivilDiscourse.