City of Quincy ILLINOIS

MANY VOICES, ONE GOAL
QUINCY STUDY CIRCLES
706 MAINE STREET, 3rd Fl.
QUINCY, ILLINOIS 62301
217-228-4515
FAX 217-221-2288

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Spring/Summer Newsletter

 Facing Racism in a Diverse Nation

From the Introduction of Facing Racism in a Diverse Nation: A Guide for Public Dialogue and Problem Solving: 

“Racism affects every community and every person’s quality of life. It shows up in inequities between groups and in tensions among people from different ethnic backgrounds. In order to have healthy communities and a strong country, we need to face racism head-on.  In a democracy, there must be ways for everyone to have a voice in finding the solutions and carrying them out.

When it comes to facing issues of racism, this is a moment of transition in our country. While the civil rights movement of the 60s and 70s won many important victories, the struggle continues. Today, the problems of racism are emerging in new and complex ways. A growing number of people recognize that racism and its effects are imbedded in our institutions, our practices and our culture, preventing all of us from having the kind of country and communities we dream of.

This moment offers new challenges. It also provides new opportunities to make things better. And though everyone does not agree about the nature of racism in our country, people of all backgrounds and political views see it as a serious challenge. A growing number of communities are creating ongoing democratic dialogue and action on racism.” 

Quincyans rose to this challenge in 2006.

With the professional guidance and tremendous assistance of the Study Circle Resource Center (www.studycircles.org) and under the leadership of the Quincy Human Rights Commission and Healthy Communities/Healthy Youth, the “Many Voices, One Goal / Quincy Study Circle Program” has been developed and offered twice already to the community. Nearly 150 volunteer citizens have taken part in the 6-week program.

The next round of circles is planned for
September-October 2007. 

September, 2006

Study Circles Get Under Way

• Nearly 90 citizens meet in 7 small groups all over the city for 6 weeks to discuss the challenges and invisible effects of racism
• People are given the opportunity to speak honestly and listen carefully to each other
• Common concerns and goals are shared

November, 2006

Action Forum Held

• In order to achieve the full potential of our citizens, issues of continuing concern are identified
• The group takes stock of the challenges and assets that will play a part in the plans for change
• “Racism: Not in Our Town” bumper stickers are distributed and can now be seen all over town

January, 2007

Task Forces Formed

• Action items identified at the Action Forum are prioritized.
• Volunteer citizens who have taken part in the Study Circle program are now working to bring these ideas forward and seek positive change.

April, 2007

Round 2 Begins

• Many Voices, One Goal Study Circles begins a new 6-week of circles starting the week of April 16^th.  Three circles meet in different locations in the city.

June 9, 2007

Action Forum

• Oakley-Lindsay Civic Center 9:30am

• In order to achieve the full potential of our citizens, issues of continuing concern are identified.

• The group takes stock of the challenges and assets that will play a part in the plans for change.
• Progress Reports from Task Forces will be presented.

September 8, 2007

·    Quincy’s African-American Heritage Festival to be held from 1pm-7pm on Maine Street between 7^th and 8^th Street.  Local food, music and dance and special heritage exhibit opening.

Please feel free to pass along this information to others. If you have any questions about this program, please call Claire Safford at 224-9815. If you would like to be included on our mailing list for future study circle opportunities or are interested in taking part in facilitator training please email meholden@adams.net.

Click here for the Many Voices, One Goal brochure