The Conversation 253

What is "story" at The Conversation 253?

Members can volunteer to be Storyteller for two sessions. We share personal racial experiences in our young and/or adult lives, then use structured dialogue to find meaning and grow knowledge from the story. The Storyteller reflects on the dialogue, then returns the next week to share new thoughts.

• Brochure for The Conversation 253 (we're updating our brochure)

Meeting structure and process - Book/film studies - Political action - History of the group

• Values & Mission

Our goal is to model a just, open, compassionate community. Our foundational principle is "Justice for All." We are a family, a think-tank, and a safe house. We envision a world free of racism, mistrust, and intentional harm. We welcome people of every race, ethnicity, gender, class, age, religion, and sexual orientation., and all who live with physical, mental, and emotional challenges.

• Five Agreements for Critical Engagement in Racial Equity (1 pg.)

We use these five agreements to build individual and collective capacity for racial equity work--knowledge, trust, emotional stamina, and resilience. By acting in ways that build trust in each other, we can be our honest, full selves. Acting in ways that clarify and challenge each others’ ideas prepares us to take action in the larger community that surrounds The Conversation 253.

• Stand of Solidarity

We acknowledge that the Puyallup, Coast Salish, and other Native Nations have been the targets of invasion, occupation, and displacement leading to centuries of trauma. We acknowledge that solidarity means standing alongside Native People in their struggle to protect their culture and their treaty rights.