Community Builders of Richmond
Community Builders are citizens of Richmond who are committed to promoting open dialogue with the goal of improving race relations and building a healthy, secure, multicultural community. Community Builders are working to create a community that values the dignity of every person. This process can happen when individuals are willling to learn more about the people of different racial/cultural backgrounds. The Study Circle Program gives ordinary people a way to better understand one another. By sharing viewpoints and experiences with others in the group, participants gain appreciation and respect for one another.
Community Builders of Richmond offers a variety of on-going programs. Study Circle Program is offered during the Spring and Fall. These circles are announced in area schools and through the local media for advance registration. We offer customized circles for business, schools, governmental and law enforcement agencies or other community organizations.
Community Builders offers the weekly Winner's Circle which meets each Tuesday from 7-9am at Charlie's Coffee Bar at 430 N. 10th Street. These continental breakfasts are free of charge and hosted each week by various companies, agencies, governmental offices, business people or individauls in the community. To be a host, please contact our office (see below).
Goals:
- Equip citizens with a tool for talking about important public issues
- Encourage people from various backgrounds to participate in the dialogue
- Develop partnerships with schools, churches and other organizations
- Involve 4,000 local residents in study circles during the next three years
What are study circles?
- Racially balanced groups of 8-12 people from different backgrounds who meet to discuss a social or political issue in an open, constructive way.
- Participants engage in dialogue instead of debate. The point is not necessarily to agree, but to respectfully listen to, and really try to understand the viewpoints and experiences of others.
- Everyone has a chance to talk and be heard. Study circles are based on respect for others who may be different than you.
- Study circles help people find common ground and empower ordinary people to find ways to work together to solve community problems.
The desired outcome is that there will be an increasing sense among citizens that they are:
- Encouraged
- Empowered
- Connected with one another
- Involved in building a better community
Current Coalition of Sponsors
- City of Richmond
- YWCA
- Reid Hospital
- Indiana University East
- Earlham College
- Dunn Center
- Gemmer Foundation
- Wayne County Foundation
Call our office or write for information on continuing or new programs:
Community Builders / Study Circle Program
c/o YWCA
PO Box 2430
Richmond IN 47375
765-965-1677
