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SDARJ to launch Dialogue to Action Feb. 24 

February 14, 2021

A new round of Dialogue to Action sessions, a six-week program of conversations about racism geared toward meaningful action, is set to begin in February. Because of the ongoing pandemic, all sessions will be held via Zoom. Sponsored by the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice in conjunction with the YWCA-DE Racial and Social Justice Program, study circles of eight to 10 people will meet with trained facilitators once a week to talk about race, racism, and possible solutions to end it. The program will culminate in an Action Forum when all participants will gather to finalize plans for specific actions to address identified issues.

SDARJ is now taking registrations for three separate discussion groups beginning Wednesday, Feb. 24, from 10 a.m. to noon, or 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and Thursday, Feb. 25, from 3 to 5 p.m. To register for one of these six-week groups, go to ywcade.org/what-we-do/rsj/dialogue-to-action-sussex/ or go to SDARJ.org for more information.

“Racism affects our community and every person’s quality of life,” said Don Peterson, SDARJ Outreach Committee chair. “It shows up in inequities between groups, and in tensions among people from different ethnic backgrounds, and we need to face it head on. So far over 100 Sussex County residents have completed the program. We are proud to be part of the growing movement challenging racism in our society.”

Charlotte King, SDARJ chair, said she is "greatly encouraged by the level of commitment to take action expressed by the participants. Now more than ever, we have a chance to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by racism."  

Encouraging more African Americans to get involved, former participant Marlene Saunders describes Dialogue to Action as an opportunity “to form purposeful and enlightening relations with white people…relationships that are grounded on empathy, trust and respect.”

The program is free and open to anyone ready to dive into the real issues and root causes of racism, and to channel their conversations into meaningful action for sustainable change.

 

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