Quincy, Ill., shares ideas for taking on racism

Looking for participants, group facilitators

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May 19, 2009 | | Quincy, Illinois

On April 18, 2009, 30 people gathered at First Baptist Church for the fifth Action Forum of the Many Voices, One Goal Study Circle program.  Hosted by the YWCA and the Quincy Human Rights Commission, the Action Forum brought together participants of the six-week racial justice dialogue program to discuss their ideas for action.  The study circles bring people together to explore issues related to race and develop recommendations for change.

Dialogue organizers hope to offer two rounds of study circles every year with a Facilitation training workshop planned for at least every other year or more frequently as requested.  Twenty-five people attended the last Facilitator training event in November 2008.

Five circles met at various times and locations from February through April to discuss the challenges facing Quincy, with the ultimate goal of positive change through the work of diverse coalitions. The conversations are designed to move the group toward developing ideas for the Action Forum.  Forum attendees were then allowed to vote on what they felt were the best ideas.  The top vote-getters were:

• Launch a billboard and signage campaign highlighting both the diversity and unity of the commmunity based on Bloomington's successful "Racism:  Not in Our Town" project.
• Implement a Junior Achievement chapter in Quincy which will coordinate a partnership between the business community, educators and volunteers to inspire young people to dream big and reach their potential.

Participants were especially encouraged by JA's core values which demonstrate respect for the talents, creativity, perspectives and backgrounds of all individuals.

Many Voices, One Goal is currently seeking volunteers for future study circles - both participants and group facilitators are needed.

For more information on the study circles, please call Melissa Holden at (217) 221-9922 or visit:  www.ywcaquincy.org. 

Learn more: Racial Equity