Summary of 9-27-08 Intergenerational Dialogue on race and action

The following three challenges were addressed by the participants at the intergenerational dialogue on race and action. The top responses to the challenges are listed below.

Challenge One: Top barriers that continue to keep racial segregation and misunderstanding alive in our community (southeastern Wisconsin):

• Willful ignorance and fear.
• Inferior perceptions.
• Media stereotyping.
• Systemic discrimination - institutions – white privilege.
• Lack of dialogue – communication opportunities.

Recommendations on how we can overcome these barriers:

• Intentional intergenerational dialogues and action.
• Education and information for improved understanding.
• Advocacy (and lobbying) – for positive impact and improved policies and practices.

Challenge Two: Concrete actions that are NOT currently being done that can promote more respectful and caring intergenerational, intercultural relationships:

• Increase opportunities for social interaction.
• Contact journalists from various cultures.
• Bring “power brokers” from various parts of region.
• Network with community organizations.
• Develop a model for intergenerational/intercultural and intra-regional dialogue opportunities.
• Promotion of success stories – what groups work effectively; communicate with other groups.

Challenge Three: List organizations and groups

• Law enforcement – police.
• Milwaukee Seven – economic development – interconnections.
• UNCOM – “United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee.”
• LISC – Leo Ries.
• Faith organizations.
• Community organizations.
• Health Care industry.
• Higher Education Systems – public, private, technical.
• Peace (Learning) Circles – restorative justice, criminal justice.
• Regional agriculture – “Growing Power,” Hmong community
• Common Ground, Mosaic Project.
• Center for Community Partnerships, UW-Parkside

A Steering Committee has been formed to work on addressing the recommendations brought forth by the participants at the September 27th dialogue. A dialogue “Tool Kit” has been developed that can be used by those interested in continuing the dialogue and action related to improved race relations in southeastern Wisconsin. This “Tool Kit” can be accessed on the Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee web page.

The web page will attempt to keep community members appraised of activities relating to improving race relations in southeastern Wisconsin. For more information, please contact Ted John at sewiicc@gmail.com.

The Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee
2819 West Highland Boulevard
Milwaukee, WI 53208-3217
Phone: (414) 344-3933
Fax: (414) 344-7071
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If you have questions, comments or suggestions email staff at info@nonprofitcentermilwaukee.org