What is a Manitowoc County Diversity Circle
What is a Diversity Circle?
A Diversity Circle is a tool to build and strengthen our dynamic,
diverse, growing and changing community in Manitowoc County. The
Circles are coordinated by Manitowoc County UW-Extension and UW -
Manitowoc, partners with dozens of community, civic, business and
educational institutions providing support for this effort.
Utilizing curriculum and training from a national
study circle program,
two trained facilitators lead a group of 8-12 members of the community,
engaging in open dialogue about racial, ethnic and cultural aspects
of life in Manitowoc County. Discussion is respectful of all views,
beliefs, attitudes and cultures, intended to increase understanding
of all members within our community. Several communities across the
state of Wisconsin as well as hundreds of cities and counties across
the country are currently conducting Diversity Circles in their communities.
Manitowoc County began its commitment to this community-based effort
in 2005. Since then, hundreds of Manitowoc County citizens have expressed
commitment to this effort by volunteering time, attending the 1st
Annual Action Forum, joining a committee, and/or participating in
a Diversity Circle.
The Diversity Circles process encourages dialogue to create an awareness
of different cultures, helping participants develop sensitivity to
and understanding of others, identifying prejudice as it exists in
ourselves and in our community. The facilitator guided discussions
encourage participants to take action for positive change.
Who participates in a Diversity Circle?
Everyone! Anyone who lives or works in Manitowoc County is welcomed,
encouraged and invited to participate in a Diversity Circle. People
diverse by race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, socioeconomic
level, sexual orientation, political affiliation and every other
possible dimension of human identity are all encouraged to participate
in a Diversity Circle. The focus of discussion is racial issues, but the perspective of all members of our community, representing all aspects of our diverse population is solicited for this community building endeavor.
Each participant has an equal opportunity to speak so the group
can gain wisdom from each member's unique experiences. Ground rules
are used to set a tone for a respectful, productive discussion. All
views, beliefs, attitudes and values are honored and respected. Participants
in Diversity Circles consider many perspectives, rather than advocating
a particular point of view. Diversity Circles are rooted in dialogue
and deliberation, not debate. Consensus is not required; common areas
of agreement and concern are found. Exploration, not agreement, is
the objective.
The UW-Chancellor, Dr. David Wilson, participated in a Diversity Circle at the Lakeside Foods Corporate Office along with community residents and company employees during his visit to the Lakeshore.
Pictured from left going around the table are: Deb Douglas, Chancellor Dr. David Wilson, Linda Hunter, Dan Rhodes, Tina Prigge, Rick Hines, Yolanda Lambert, May Lo Vang, Phil Walters, and Simona Rhodes.
Resources
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Manitowoc
County Diversity Circles brochure