Monday, June 23, 2008

Conversation Overview


Welcome to the Conversation!
www.conversationtacoma.blogspot.com
Who are we?

We are a group of South Sound residents committed to building diverse, critically engaged, communities grounded in social justice. We believe that the WE in “We the people” is All of us. Through talk and through action, we strive to model a just, open, compassionate community. We value personal relationships, diversity, and systemic change.

How can you participate the first time you attend a Conversation meeting?
The first time you attend, we invite you to introduce yourself by way of a few brief comments and then to participate through attentive listening. This will give you a good sense of who we are, how we interact, and what your role amongst us might be.

What happens at the weekly meeting?
• Meetings are held at Tacoma Urban League on S. 27th St. and Yakima Ave. in Tacoma
• We begin at 10:30am.
• The program is structured as follows:
o Welcome & Introductions
o Personal Stories
o Moral Philosophical Question –Lecture
o Break
o Small Group Discussion (as appropriate or needed)
o Plenary Discussion
o Announcements & Closing
o Voluntary contributions to the Donation Box

How are meetings conducted?
• We raise our hands when we wish to speak.
• A moderator calls on discussants and keeps track of the order of speakers.
• Someone who has spoken once on a topic is invited to speak a second time after others have had a chance to voice their perspective.
• At 12:30 PM, discussion is suspended to allow those who need to leave to do so.

How do visitors become participants?
Once you confirm for yourself that the mission and values of the Conversation are aligned with your own, you are ready to participate fully. We invite you to contribute your talents, energy, and vision at the weekly meeting and to join one or more of our action groups working to extend social justice by means of education, peace work, and the arts. Currently, these include the Education Action Group, the SoJust Committee, the Martin Luther King Redeeming the Vision Committee, and the Race and Pedagogy Initiative.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Conversation Program Schedule June-Sept. 2008

Discussion Topic/Key Actions
Sexism and racism in the presidential election.
NO Story
June 1, 2008

Bi-racial social identity.
Kathy’s Story
V-Team Meeting
June 8, 2008

NOTE: Through August we will meet in area parks.

Owen Beach
Topic–Checking in on our lives
Crestina’s Story
June 15, 2008

Owen Beach
Presidential Campaign-Implications for America’s Future
Sonja’s Story
June 22, 2008

Jack Hyde Park
Juveniles and the Law: Disproportionate Minority Contact
Mona’s Story
June 29, 2008

Marine Park (Ruston Way)
Flags of All Nations
Tina’s Story
July 6, 2008

Wright Park (south side of wading pool)
Lincoln Center (for Social Justice)
Tully’s Story
July 13, 2008

Wright Park (south side of wading pool)
The Criminalization of Mental Illness and Youth
Storyteller TBA
July 20, 2008

Manitou Park
Juveniles and the Law: Disproportionate Minority Contact
Youth discussion and open mike
Noah’s Story
July 27, 2008

Wright Park
Public Space – Public Transportation
Laura’s Story
August 3, 2008

Wright Park - Near Pool
Public Space – Parks & Recreation
Steve N.'s Story
August 10, 2008

Thea's Park
Contemplation in Chaos
Stephen P.’s Story
August 17, 2008

Titlow Park
Criminalization, Youth & Mental Health
Amy’s Story
August 24, 2008

Wright Park
Urban Living
Colleen’s Story
August 31, 2008

Wright Park
Contemplation in Chaos
September 7, 2008