Talking Circles

As New Jersey grows more diverse, employers, governments and nonprofit organizations face new challenges. Moving past preconceived notions of race is crucial to building strong relationships among employees, customers and those we serve.

We all know that people look different. Throughout history, those differences have been a source of strength, community and personal identity. They have also been the basis for discrimination and oppression. And while those differences are socially and culturally real, contemporary scientific understanding of race and human variation is complex and may challenge how we think about it.

RACE: Are We So Different? presents an interactive way to help your staff explore the roots of racial discrimination and to discuss their own experiences with race and racism in a positive and supportive environment. Combined with the unique experience of facilitated discussion groups known as Talking Circles, RACE can be an important tool for you and your staff to explore your preconceptions and attitudes in an involving, non-confrontational way.

Talking Circles are designed for groups of 20 or less and are based on Native American traditions in which all participants are invited to reflect on their experiences. The goal of Talking Circles is to have participants learn about and better understand their own experience of race as a factor in their lives and communities. Designed for business, community and government groups, and schools, the RACE Talking Circles are a valuable way to explore and foster diversity, as well as to learn a valuable communication technique. Managing diversity is a strategic priority and competitive necessity for many corporations and organizations, and

Talking Circles can help achieve the following:

  • Employees can explore issues of race and discrimination on their own terms, without being put on the defensive.
  • Creating a common experience exploring issues of diversity can create a more comfortable and supportive work environment. Costs associated with excessive turnover and absenteeism can be reduced, problem-solving and innovation are stimulated, and tolerance for individuality is enhanced.
  • Exploring issues of diversity in a way that makes all individuals feel involved can help to reduce exposure for employee complaints and lawsuits.

The Talking Circle Experience (1½ hours): An in-depth exposure to issues presented in the RACE exhibit for adult groups of up to 20. Facilitated by a trained Circle Keeper, the Circle Experience is an opportunity to learn and to listen to experiences from one's peers to gain a better understanding of our shared histories and stories of racial issues.

Talking Circles for Students (45 minutes): Tour the exhibit with your students then join a 45-minute group conversation with a trained facilitator. This experience will help your students talk more openly and honestly about issues of diversity and open their eyes to things they may not have considered before.

Fees for the full Talking Circle Experience are $500 for for-profit organizations, $300 for nonprofits and civic and public organizations, and $75 for student groups. These fees include the room rental for the Talking Circle Room adjacent to the exhibit and payment for one facilitator.

To reserve your spot, contact Melissa Alicea at 201.253.1261 or Wendylina Garcia at 201.253.1266.

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