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Dialogue
brings people together who might not otherwise sit down to have
a conversation about important community issues. |
What
is the purpose of National Days of Dialogue?
The overall purpose of National Days of Dialogue on Race
Relations is to bring citizens of different races and ethnic backgrounds
together for dialogues which seek to increase understanding and cooperative
action in local communities.
Why is it so important to have dialogues
between citizens of different races and ethnic backgrounds?
Dialogue is an essential ingredient in our nation's ongoing endeavor
to improve race relations. Respectful dialogue that emphasizes listening
and seeks to identify areas of agreement is one of the most effective
ways to bridge the divide that separates Americans of different races
and ethnic backgrounds. Dialogue creates understanding that can serve
as the foundation for personal relationships. Dialogue changes people
because it informs and sensitizes them to other points of view. Dialogue
can also change communities - and our nation - if the common concerns
that are identified become the basis for cooperative action. In addition
to increasing understanding and cooperation, dialogue creates a context
in which people can develop empathy and compassion for each other.
What will actually happen during the
National Days of Dialogue?
In the week leading up to Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, hundreds
of facilitated dialogues will take place in schools, places of worship,
businesses, and community organizations in cities throughout America.
Most dialogues will be between two and three hours in length and they
will be structured around a basic format that emphasizes listening,
mutual respect, sharing time equitably, and the importance of focusing
on common ground. Each dialogue will also have a trained facilitator
who makes sure the dialogue ground rules are followed and that the group
stays focused on its purpose.
What will people talk about in these
dialogues?
Dialogues will focus on local issues and concerns and will, undoubtedly,
cover a range of topics. Past dialogues have included race relations,
work place issues, youth issues and violence in the community. Citizens
will be encouraged to talk openly about what is happening in their city
and to share ideas about what could be done to address these issues
and improve their community.
What is the intended result of all of
these community dialogues?
Days of Dialogue is not intended as a "one shot deal" which gets attention
and then fades away. On the contrary, the purpose is to help lay the
groundwork for the ongoing cooperation that is needed to solve difficult
problems that exist in our local communities. Days of Dialogue can do
this by producing four specific results:
A greatly increased understanding of
the importance of racial dialogue and cooperative action
Improved relationships between key leaders
of different races and ethnic backgrounds
Ideas for specific action projects which
address common problems
Identification of a network of people
who are committed to ongoing efforts to increase understanding and cooperation
What happens after National Days of
Dialogue?
Once the National Days of Dialogue week has ended, dialogues of varying
size continue to take place throughout the greater Los Angeles area
on a year-round basis. Some host sites request follow-up sessions
to their race relations dialogues. Others may be interested in using
the dialogue format to explore different issues that impact daily
life, such as affirmative action, building stronger communities, and
meeting the challenges of a growing and changing community.
How can I get involved?
For more information, please contact Days of Dialogue.
Days of Dialogue
606 S. Olive St. #2400
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 439-9640 x27 phone (213) 439-9650 fax
DoDialogue@aol.com
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