Jackson Free Press

Are you interested in understanding how race and other forms of diversity affect all of us? Do you sometimes find the divisions and animosity between different groups difficult to navigate?

http://www.jackson2000.org/">Jackson 2000, a local nonprofit dedicated to promoting racial harmony through dialog and understanding, has been holding Dialog Circles in the Jackson area for more than 20 years. The circles are a proven strategy to address racism in a positive way.

Dialog Circles consist of small, diverse groups that follow a curriculum developed by http://www.everyday-democracy.org/en/index.aspx">Everyday Democracy, titled "Facing Racism in a Diverse Nation," with the help of a trained facilitator. All members of the community are welcome, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, religious affiliation, sexual orientation or physical capabilities. Participants attend once-a-week, two-hour sessions over the course of six weeks, and the only prerequisite is an eagerness to build relationships across those divides.

The next Dialog Circle is scheduled to begin Wednesday, Sept. 18. If you're interested in joining that circle or just want additional information, email ShaWanda Jacome at [email protected]. You can also sign up on the Jackson 2000 http://www.jackson2000.org/">website.