Last Updated on December 26, 2023
Multiracial Awareness Discussion Group
Lois Schmidt, Leader
Joan Green, Co-Leader
We offer opportunities for learning and discussion about race for those concerned with racial justice and harmony.
Meeting Frequency & Location
Have you felt like the race problems in our would are too big but you are still concerned and want to make a difference? Have you wondered about questions like, “How can I talk comfortably with someone who is different from me? Why is it important to talk about race? What brought us to this place and time with regard to racial issues? What would a racially just and equitable society look and feel like? Will we ever get there?”
We invite you to join in the discussion. The group will start by looking at some of the historical events and doctrines, perpetuated by community institutions and the government that have affected race and racial perceptions.
| SCHEDULE | TIME | LOCATION |
| 2nd or 3rd Friday of the Month | 10:00 am – noon | To be announced |
Multiracial Awareness Discussion Group Goals and Objective
Our Goal: A shared focus on the importance of continuing our discussion of structural racism and our common interest in developing racial justice.
To accomplish this goal, we will:
- Continue our comparative analysis of American history and today’s responses to racial prejudice;
- Gain an understanding of how traditional views (for example, of “melting pot” theories and “colorblindness” policies) have ignored and denied racism in the United States;
- Expand our discussion of social issues and institutions that maintain racism;
- Alter prejudicial patterns of thought and behavior; and
- Seek ways to build racial equity and inclusion to help create a new and more hopeful legacy for now and for future generations.
Notes in Preparation for Conversations about Racism Oct. 20
This information is for those who will be attending the meeting on More Effective Conversations About Racism with Bill Cozzo. Consider this before the session. This is an opportunity to begin thinking about this topic and will make the time together more meaningful. You may find it helpful to do some writing of your thoughts and bring it with you to the meeting.
More Effective Conversations About Racism – Session 1 Pre-Work
1) Think about times when you’ve heard someone say something that sounds discriminatory, prejudiced, bigoted, racist, etc.
● What was your initial reaction?
● How did you feel?
● What did you think?
● What did you do?
● What do you hope to be able to do if it happens again?
2) Think about the person or people who you’ve heard saying those things.
● What kinds of things do you imagine they might be feeling when they say something like that?
● What thoughts do you think they are thinking that makes them say things like that?
3) Think of an example of something that you have come to learn is actually racist that you hadn’t realized was racist before.
● What happened to make you be able to understand it as racist?
● What were some of the factors that enabled that racist thing to ‘hide’?
4) Think of some racist thoughts or feelings, even ones that you never told anyone or acted on.
● Forgive yourself and give yourself credit for moving in the direction of anti-racism.