Program

What to expect

• The Opening Retreat is designed to help participants break down racial barriers. In an atmosphere that is caring and supportive, yet challenging, participants examine the ways that racial identity affects everyday life. Reflective journaling, videos, one-to-one dialogues, small-group discussions and interactive large-group presentations all help the participants gain new perspectives. Trust is built as personal stories are shared. Honest and sometimes painful, these experiences create meaningful insights and lasting connections. Though not affiliated with any religious denomination, a strong spiritual foundation supports the work and helps to sustain it.
  
• The Study Sessions are an in-depth examination of specific aspects of racism. Areas of interest are elicited from the group at the opening retreat. Past subjects have included: racial identity formation, historical overview of racism in the United States, institutional racism (housing, employment, education, health care, criminal justice, etc.), white privilege and raising children to be racism-free.
  
• The Small Groups, facilitated by trained Moving Beyond Racism members, explore topics important to the participants. These groups often meet in participants' homes. This informal setting and intimate group size produces deeper levels of communication.
  
• The Closing Retreat ties together the previous experiences. Difference is celebrated with music, food, poetry and prayer. Each participant is asked to make a personal commitment to continue his or her work.

We are in the process of scheduling our next Community Building Program. For more information, call (585) 872-6276 or (585) 527-9452.

* Click here for schedule 
* Click here for application form

What participants have to say:

• “This is a very powerful experience and I will never be the same.”
  
• “I feel blessed to have followed my instincts to attend Moving Beyond Racism. I am glad to know people who have gathered to deal with this issue - both personal and societal.”
  
• “It's made me more of a human being. It's opened me up to the richness of culture that I never entered into before. It's made me feel the hurt of people resulting from racism.”
  
• “It’s a profound experience, helping one to get in touch with one’s own heart and with the tragedy of institutional racism.”