Community Wide Dialogue’s Fight Against Racism

(originally posted March 6th, 2005)

A couple of years ago, I participated in a program called Community Wide Dialogue here in the Syracuse, NY area. The services are conducted by the InterReligious Council of CNY, and what they do is bring a group of people together of many different races and social classes and have them meet for a period of six consecutive weeks to discuss the issues of racism and to help each other see what the other side is thinking and feeling, and what each side goes through in surviving each day. I remember the sessions I went to, with two ladies proctoring the classes, as being pretty illuminating for most people. There were a couple of people who ended up not being able to handle it, and they dropped out at some point.

They don’t only conduct these services in the Syracuse area, though. I know for sure that both Monroe and Cayuga County do these same types of get togethers, and I’m guessing that it’s elsewhere throughout the United States. If you’re ever asked to participate, consider it an honor and go learn how the other side feels, no matter which side you’re on.