"Can We Chat" process designers Jackie Boor and Carol Wright
“Can We Chat” (CWC) is a facilitated group discussion process designed to advance and deepen conversations about systemic racism and social injustice. Different than a classroom design with students and an instructor or a staged presenter with an audience, CWC focuses on the personal experiences, perspectives and inquiry of individuals in the group. These interactions allow people to process thoughts and feelings as well as increase their understanding of issues without fear of being condemned, dismissed, or rebuked.
Key features of the CWC model include communication coaching and resource sharing. Participants especially value the chance to meet in small groups to discuss a prompting question related to race and then share key observations, thoughts and feelings with the larger group. Special effort is dedicated to connecting historical events and perceptions with the current issues of the day. Sample discussion topics include Ferguson, redlining, white privilege, immigration, racial inequities, implicit bias, COVID-19 and the impacts of George Floyd’s death. Each session is designed as a standalone experience and generates a meeting summary to be archived by the host client.
What participants are saying...
"Racism is nothing new. I think it’s past time for us to have these conversations and good to create this space so people can ask questions."
"This is a very personal experience. We had a lot of diversity in our group. People were open and wanted to know how can I become an ally? "
"I appreciate being able to talk in an open forum without worry of judgment or perception, and being a part of the dialogue to move us forward."
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"Can We Chat" process designers Jackie Boor and Carol Wright