Addressing racism through dialogue, action and change
Improving race relations is a challenge for many communities in Wisconsin.
Rochelle Moore, participant and facilitator, Kenosha Diversity Circles. Photo by JIM GILL
Diversity Circles, offered by University of Wisconsin-Extension and its partners, help create a new awareness of the issue of racism, develop sensitivity to others' experiences, and promote understanding of how racism affects everyone.
Kenosha/Racine
Since 2001, Diversity Circles at UW-Parkside have reached more than 1,500 Kenosha and Racine citizens and 2,500 high school youth in 80 discussion groups. The Study Circles program is a collaboration by UW-Parkside, Kenosha Coalition for Dismantling Racism, and Sustainable Racine Preparing for Diversity Committee.
According to follow-up surveys, as a result of the Study Circles program, participants:
- could discuss racial issues openly and frankly with people of other races (98%)
- increased their understanding of attitudes/beliefs about racism and race relations (96%)
- increased their understanding of others' attitudes and beliefs about racism and race relations (95%)
- increased their ability to communicate more effectively (89%)
- changed their relationships with people of other races (87%)
Fond du Lac
Since September 2003, more than 80 people in Fond du Lac County have participated in the Diversity Circles training offered through continuing education and Cooperative Extension offices. As a result of these efforts:
- People are working with businesses to make local businesses more welcoming to people of color.
- High school-aged facilitators will begin offering Diversity Circles in high schools.
- The city of Fond du Lac is reaching out to contractors who employ more people of color.
—Amy Pikalek and Pamela Seelman