"Talking about race can feel uncomfortable, but these workshops give you a safe, guided space to do it. Past attendees say they left with a better understanding of their own actions and with tools to make a real difference in their communities. Whether you're new to these conversations or have been part of them for years, there's something here for you."
The Center for Healing Racism offers workshops that bring people from different backgrounds together to talk openly about race. Through structured dialogue, participants learn how racism started, how it spreads, and how to work toward healing. Workshops include hands-on activities for adults, teens, and children. Past attendees say the programs gave them a safe space to reflect, grow, and make positive changes in their communities.
In an era where social tensions surrounding race and identity often dominate discussions, finding pathways to understanding and reconciliation is crucial. The Center for Healing Racism offers a variety of impactful programs aimed at fostering these essential dialogues.
The racism program stands out as a beacon for racial reconciliation, encouraging open conversations that lead to healing and empowerment.
Dialogue and Understanding
At the heart of the Center’s mission is the Dialogue: Racism workshop, part of their comprehensive education programs around racism. This program is designed to create an inclusive platform for participants from diverse backgrounds. Through structured dialogues, participants explore the roots of racism, how racism is transmitted in society, and ways to foster positive change.
Topics Explored in the Racism Program
Participants engage with a wide array of subjects, including:
Defining Prejudice and Racism: Clarifying terms and concepts that are often misunderstood.
The Origins of Racism: Exploring historical contexts that have shaped contemporary dynamics.
Forms of Racism: Examining both overt and subtle expressions of racism in different contexts.
How Racism is Transmitted in Society: Discussing societal norms and practices that perpetuate discriminatory beliefs.
Positive Means for Overcoming Racism: Investigating strategies for healing and reconciliation.
The Bandage Exercise Workshop
In this workshop, participants explore the emotional scars that stereotypes inflict. Engaging in activities reveals the often hidden pain caused by discriminatory remarks and actions.
Shattering of Stereotypes
This workshop encourages participants to confront their preconceived notions. Through visual discussions of negative stereotypes, individuals gain valuable insights into the damaging effects these stereotypes can have on marginalized groups.
Opening the Bread Basket
This workshop uses the metaphor of bread to teach children about diversity: “Bread comes in different sizes, shapes, colors… but it is all bread.” It emphasizes the importance of recognizing our shared humanity and fosters a sense of belonging and unity in the community.
The Bandage Exercise Workshop
Challenging the idea that words have no power, this workshop reveals the emotional wounds caused by harmful stereotypes. Aimed at adults and middle to high-school-aged participants, it promotes understanding of the invisible scars left by discrimination.
The Bitter with the Sweet Workshop
This workshop encourages participants to confront the discomfort of discussing racism, likening it to the bitter taste of medicine that leads to healing. It fosters resilience and guides individuals toward understanding and reconciliation in their communities.
The Impact of Racism Programs
An attendee was grateful to have a space and dialogue with a group of people who are all interested in learning about experiences different from their own. They say that they were able to reflect on the impact of their actions and prejudices, and helped them enact change throughout their community,
Another attendee, this time for the Confront White Womanhood seminar, enjoyed the human-centered workshops and recommended them to those newer to the conversation of racism.
A co-facilitator was pleasantly shocked to find the impact of the workshops on the attendees. They believe that people’s lives have been changed and that they are able to share their feelings in a safe and welcoming space.
Spread the word :
- Visit the Center's website to browse available workshops
- Check which program fits your age group or community
- Share the workshop information with a neighbor, coworker, or faith group
- Attend a session and come ready to listen as much as you talk
- Follow up after the workshop with the reflection tools provided
- Reach out to the Center directly if you want to bring a workshop to your organization
