Dialogue is a particular form of communication with the goal of increasing understanding between individuals. We intentionally choose this format for communicating in R.A.C.E. dialogue because we believe it is a tool for achieving racial understanding and healing, and a means to undoing racism.
One key characteristic of dialogue is the temporary setting aside of judgment that allows a person to listen in order to fully understand what another person is saying. A second characteristic is the sharing of experiences in ways that are concrete and personal, rather than abstract and theoretical. It is both the acts of listening and sharing with judgment suspended that foster understanding and connection between participants.
WHAT’S A R.A.C.E. DIALOGUE SERIES LIKE?
- A series is one night a week for eight weeks, 90 minutes each night
- Each week same group (maximum of 25), same time, same night, same location
- Every week facilitated by the same two co-facilitators
- Each week structured and supported by six dialogue guides
Click for OUR 6 DIALOGUE GUIDES
To meet the different needs and experiences of participants, we offer three dialogue options: 1) Interracial Dialogue, 2) Dialogue for People of Color, and 3) Dialogue for White People.
Interracial Dialogue is for those interested in dialoguing with participants from racial backgrounds different from their own. The Interracial Dialogue is beneficial for those who want to understand how participants from other racial backgrounds experience and challenge racism and is ideal for building interracial alliances.
Dialogue for People of Color is ideal for those who identify as persons of color and value support from other people of color. The Dialogue for People of Color is beneficial for people of color to deepen their understanding of how racism impacts them in the sustaining company of fellow participants of color.
Dialogue for White People is for participants who identify as white and want to deepen their understanding of racism, white supremacy, and white privilege without the worry of offending or burdening people of color. Participants will focus on examining their own racialization and share their challenges and struggles in confronting white supremacy.
In each of these three types of dialogue, we offer two formats, Introductory and Ongoing. The Introductory format is designed for participants without prior experience with our R.A.C.E. dialogues so that they can grow their skills in dialoguing about race. The Ongoing format supports participants in deepening their understanding and their personal work around race. Participants take a closer look at how racism impacts the way they act, think and feel so they can begin or continue to redefine themselves and to make sustainable changes personally, locally and nationally to interrupt racism and undo white supremacy.