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.
Multiracial Awareness Discussion Group Fall Programs
Fall programs are beginning for our Multiracial Awareness Discussion Group with the topic of “Voting Rights, Then and Now” to be presented on September 16, 2022, 10 AM – Noon in the Gallery in CTS.
Our programs this year will include a 4 session series on the topic “Talking with Family and Friends About Racism.” We began this topic in June with Bill Cozzo and he has agreed to return to expand on this method of dialog. Bill teaches the R.A.C.E. Method developed by Dr. David Campt. It is described as a tool to “educate anti-racism allies on engaging in transformative discourse about race and other polarizing conversations.” These will be evening sessions, 7-9, on October 20, December 8, February 9 and April 13.
We will also have programs the 2nd Friday in November, January, March and May on various topics to be determined.
We are looking forward to having the opportunity to meet together to learn and discuss issues of racial equity and justice. Our plan is to meet in the Gallery and in some meetings to have the use of breakout rooms for small group discussions. We hope you will join us.