Partnership with Austin Health Commons aims to bridge racial divides
The YMCA of Austin is teaming with Austin Health Commons to facilitate conversations that bridge racial divides in the community by hosting Truth & Racial Healing Circles.
The events are free and open to the public. Advance registration is recommended.
Southwest Northwest
Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) is a comprehensive, national and community-based process to plan for and bring about transformational and sustainable change, and to address the historic and contemporary effects of racism. TRHT seeks to unearth and jettison the deeply held, and often unconscious, beliefs created by racism – the main one being the belief in a “hierarchy of human value.”
“The effects of racism are evident in the social, economic and government policies around us and the places in which we live, learn, work and play,” said Jude Hickey, TownLake YMCA Executive Director. “People experience these effects when they take their children to school, when they apply for jobs, when they try to rent or buy a home, when they shop, when they interact with the police and more. Our goal is to facilitate conversations that help people discover their truths, discuss their experiences and listen deeply.”
During a Racial Healing Circle, trained TRHT facilitators guide participants through introductory exercises which lead to a deeper sharing in a safe space. Participants are invited to share their truths and heart stories, in pairs and in the circle as a group, and in doing so, to develop a deeper understanding of others lived experiences. This opportunity leads to rich discussion and dialogue.
“When we speak our truths and listen deeply to others, we find common ground with those we perceive as different or inaccessible and we leave the Circle, in a different relationship – both with ourselves and with others,” Hickey said.
Registrants will be sent further information about the day and a questionnaire to gather information for participation. For more information, contact Jude Hickey at jude.hickey@austinymca.org, (512) 542-9622.
Information about Austin Health Commons is available at http://austinhealthcommons.org/.
