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

click here for registration information

Click here for the Many Voices, One Goal Brochure

 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 Everyday Democracy (www.everyday-democracy.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 five times already to the community. Over 200 volunteer citizens have taken part in the 6-week programs.

The next round of circles is planned for
June 2010. 

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, 2007

Round 3 Begins

• Third round of Many Voices, One Goal Study Circles begins.

September 8, 2007

Heritage Festival

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

April, 2008

Round 4 Begins

• Fourth round of Many Voices, One Goal Study Circles begins.

September 6, 2008

Heritage Festival

• 2nd annual Heritage Festival held 1pm-7pm on Maine Street between 7th and 8th Street. Local food, music and dance, and special heritage exhibit featured.

November 14-15, 2008

Second Facilitator Training Workshop

• The YWCA of Quincy partners with the Human Rights Commission to host free community training for the Many Voices, One Goal Study Circle Program.

February, 2009

Round 5

• Fifth round of Many Voices, One Goal Study Circles is scheduled to begin.

• Actions developed include bringing Junior Achievement to Quincy High School and implementing student study circles. February 2010.

September, 2009

Round 6

• Actions developed include promoting the use of study circles through the Community Conversation project organized by the Adams County Health Department in partnership with area churches.

March, 2010

Third Facilitator Training Workshop

• The YWCA of Quincy partners with the Human Rights Commission and Blessing Hospital to host free community training for the Many Voices, One Goal Study Circle Program. Twelve volunteer citizens take part.

June, 2010

Round 7

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 melissaholden@ywcaquincy.org.