NCJ Number
199061
Date Published
1997
Length
40 pages
Annotation
This document is designed to promote dialogue about racism and race relations in the community.
Abstract
Race affects all aspects of life. Racial and ethnic divisions exist in workplaces, schools, and houses of worship. Misperceptions, stereotyping, fear, and distrust exist in every ethnic group towards members of other ethnic groups. A growing number of communities are creating an opportunity for democratic dialogue and action on race. The study circle is a simple process for small-group deliberation. It involves a small group of people that meet regularly over a period of weeks or months, a facilitator, and a willingness to listen to many points of view for discussion. In session one of this study circle guide, personal experiences, stories, and perspectives about race relations are shared, as well as ideas about how race affects people on a day-to-day basis. During session two, a range of viewpoints are presented to help participants have an open conversation that explores different understandings of racial problems. The heart of session three is a range of viewpoints on how society might address and make progress on race relations. These viewpoints include addressing institutional racism, and finding strength in values and traditions of people of color. Session four begins a productive conversation on the general direction public policies should take and provides a range of possible answers, such as reparations to African-Americans for slavery. In session five, the purpose is to draw out ideas for steps to be taken, as individuals, in groups, and as a whole community, to face the challenge of racism and race relations. Some of these steps are encouraging children to develop friendships with children from other backgrounds, speaking up when people take positions against racial understanding and communication, and responding to racial incidents as they arise in schools, community, and the country.