“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” —Margaret J. Wheatley (born 1944)

How do we learn to yield and listen in order to acknowledge and address complex issues?

For nine weeks in July & August of 2023, thirteen facilitators led diverse groups through conversations on equity and justice at the John Brown Farm State Historic Site. Locals and visitors who attended regularly built lasting relationships rooted in trust and respect. The series evoked a community committed to supporting others while recognizing one’s own privileges and biases. At the end of the series, there was consensus that participants were transformed by the opportunity to share openly.

Nine Conversations about Equity and Justice

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FORWARD

ORGANIZERS
Ren Davidson Seward
Anna Forsman

Tear Gas, Whole Milk, & Chocolate Friends: How to Get Invited to the Cookout

FACILITATORS
Shawndel N. Fraser M.A.
Dr. Shenell D. Evans

Navigating Systemic Change

FACILITATOR
Pete Nelson

Public Art, History & Context

FACILITATOR
Jerilea Zempel

Allyship and Solidarity

FACILITATOR
Mike Bishop

Justice-Centered Organizational Change

FACILITATORS
Yunga Webb
Kathy Bonavist

The Reality & Persistence of Brutality

FACILITATORS
Ellen Bettmann
Dr. J.W. Wiley

Mapping the Middle Ground: Exploring the Spaces for Having Challenging and Healthy Discussion

FACILITATOR
Russell DeFonce

Continuing the Conversation: Tools for Practicing Ways of Being and Doing Better

FACILITATOR
Melissa Lambert

Where Do WE Go From Here?

FACILITATOR
Dr. Martin Tyler
Jen Kretser

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