Page 60 - BigConversationsDismantlingRacism

One participant is constantly interrupting others.

x Process observation and check-in: Tom – you’ve had a lot to contribute. Can you
hold that thought for a moment while we hear some other perspectives? Let’s see if
others are ready to contribute. (Be transparent)
x Check-in on process: It looks like some folks are having difficulty getting into the
conversation. Do you feel a need to discuss some guidelines as to how we have the
conversation? What would you like to do? (Leave the choices to the participants)

There are two opposing views and the discussion is getting heated.

x Reflection, reflection, reflection: Participant says, I’m fed up with white people
being blamed for historical transgressions. It makes me angry.
Facilitator: It makes you angry that white people get blamed for historical
transgressions.. (Be comfortable with the conflict conversation. Stay in the
moment and reflect participants own language as closely as possible.)
x Summary and check-in: You all seem to agree that the race used to play a major
role in our community. But Thomas – you feel strongly that things are much better
now and we should get over it. Tamara - you say that people are more polite to
each other now, but the underlying issues of race and privilege remain. Does that
capture what you said? Would it be helpful to hear from others?
x Check-in: The discussion is getting pretty heated. Are you comfortable with that?
What would be helpful at this point? (Leave the choices to the participants)

The group is at an impasse. They are stuck and going round and round the issues.

x Check-In: You’ve been talking about the achievement gap in our schools for quite a
while. Is this still helpful? Would you like to continue, or would you like to move to
another subject?
x Summary and check-in: You covered quite a bit of detail on the community’s
relationship with law enforcement. Would it be helpful to summarize some of your
main points? (Facilitator summarizes discussion, noting areas of disagreement as
well as agreement.) Is that about right? Would you like to continue, or do you want
to move on to something else?

The group is getting side-tracked and wandering.

x Process observation and check-in: You started off discussing your understanding of
privilege, Rob, but the discussion has transitioned to your general views on
community. Can you relate that back to your own experience of privilege?

51