Page 339 - Mike Ratner CC - WISR Complete Dissertation - v6

“The conversation may end up starting off on one thing and before you know it, it is on

another, but it is all connected. To me it has been interesting.” (P13FAA)

“As a therapist, the only way you can get to a new understanding and therefore begin to

create a new experience or build a new pathway for yourself is to discuss it, to analyze it,

to break it down into its multiple parts. To see which parts are making you successful, or

not successful, and to determine if you want to keep them anyway or do you want to throw

them away and recreate something new.” (P03FTRM)

“I really just watched and listened before I said something, there was so much that came to

mind and the insights the group came up with… I liked where it all flowed.” (P04FW)

Process

Fostering inclusive interaction. Inclusivity within the dialogue group was in many

respects a partnership built on trust that formed during each dialogue session as participants and

facilitators interacted in ways that nurtured a trusting relationship. Bridging the racial divide begins

with groups of willing participants who assemble to allow processes and share with sincerity.

“Participants had an opportunity to talk across differences, and to speak in a very diverse

group and to cross differences in a very safe way.” (F01MAA)

“So, it was a really nice cross section of people; Black, White, young, older people, all

coming from various perspectives; a very nice diverse group of people.” (F05FAA)

“Yeah, so the police are here, they’re either watching us or learning from us but I can see

that they see some issues and they want to do a better job so let them be here.” (F12MAA)

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